I read a report today about a
Judge in Tennessee who has ordered that the parents of a baby boy cannot name
him “Messiah”. Apparently, the Judge was quoted as saying “The word “messiah” is a title, and it’s a title that has only been
earned by one person, and that one person is Jesus Christ”.
Although the parents of the child
were before the Judge because they couldn’t agree on a name, it seemed to me a
bit harsh for her to dictate what they can or can’t call their child. Especially
when you consider that last year one child was reportedly named “Hashtag”, and
a couple from Israel named their new daughter “Like” in homage to their
favourite social media sites.
However, I was surprised to learn
that in some countries naming your child is not entirely down to you. In Germany
your child’s name must denote the baby’s gender, and must not affect the
well-being of the child. When German parents pick their baby name it is
reviewed and can be rejected if it is deemed not to meet the criteria. In
Denmark, you have to choose from a pre-approved list and make a special
application if your chosen name isn’t listed. There are similar rules in
Iceland and New Zealand, among other countries.
It remains to be seen whether
there will be a new Messiah in Tennessee.
(If you want to change your name
in Ireland, we can help with that … just saying!)
Maria O’ Donovan
028 21177
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