Parents Win Battle To Call Baby ‘Banned Name’ After Registrar Tried To Stop Them
ArchiveFirst published March 2, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
Name Controversy
Dan and Mandy Sheldon wanted to name their son Lucifer, but the registrar strongly opposed it, saying, “He would never be able to get a job, and teachers wouldn’t want to teach him.” Despite their insistence, they were met with “utter disgust.”
Legal Dispute
Though banned in countries like New Zealand and discouraged in Germany and Switzerland, Lucifer is legal in the UK. The registrar initially refused to process the name, leaving the room to check its legality. Dan recalls, “We were gobsmacked with her behaviour.” Eventually, the name was accepted.
Public Reactions
Social media was divided. Supporters called the name “beautiful” and “cool.” Critics said, “That was a selfish move” and “They never considered what he will go through.”
Official Response
Derbyshire County Council later stated, “We apologise if they were offended, but our registrars must advise on name meanings.” Dan defended their choice, saying, “We just thought it was a nice, unique name.”
