Parents have won a battle to call their baby a ‘banned name’ after the registrar tried to stop them.
Having a child is an important moment in anyone’s life – but it also comes with a ton of responsibility that you sometimes cannot prepare for.
One of these is naming your child, as this is likely going to stick with them for life.
Naming a child requires time and consideration, as you don’t want to make any blunders.
Yet for one couple who were set on their baby’s name, they found they almost couldn’t use it.
People are divided over the controversial name choice—while some don’t see the issue, others strongly disagree.
Supporters have come to the parents’ defense, with one writing, “It’s beautiful.”
Another adds, “Coolest name ever,” while a third shares, “I love that name.”
However, critics have taken to the comments to call out the parents. One person argues, “Just because you like something doesn’t mean it’s best for your child. That was a selfish move in my opinion.”
Echoing the sentiment, another writes, “Why on earth would they give their son this name? They clearly haven’t considered what he’ll have to endure.”
Dan and Mandy Sheldon welcomed their son into the world and, four months later, headed to register his name.
Speaking to The Sun, they shared how excited they were for the moment—only to be met with looks of “utter disgust” when they revealed their chosen name.
Despite standing by their decision, the couple faced sharp criticism from the registrar, who didn’t hold back.
Dan recalls, “She told us he would never be able to get a job and that teachers wouldn’t want to teach him.”
The father explains that neither he nor Mandy are religious and that the name, in Greek, means “light-bringer” and “morning.”
However, their explanation fell on deaf ears. The couple was informed that the name was illegal in several countries, including New Zealand, and considered inappropriate in places like Germany and Switzerland—though it remains legal in the UK.
The registrar then asked them to leave the room while she checked for herself.
“We were gobsmacked by her behavior,” Dan recalls. “Eventually, she registered the name, but it was through gritted teeth. Honestly, we just thought it was a nice, unique name. We never expected so much backlash.”
The incident has since caught the attention of Derbyshire County Council, which has issued an apology.
Their statement, via The Sun, reads: “We apologise if they were offended, but our registrars are responsible for advising parents, as some may not be aware of certain meanings or associations linked to specific names.”
The couple chose to name their child Lucifer a name historically associated with the devil, who was once an angel before his fall from heaven.
In modern translations of the Bible, Lucifer is often referred to as Satan.
Appearing on This Morning with baby Lucifer, Dan acknowledges that many people focus on the Christian interpretation of the name, but he and Mandy chose it for its Greek meaning.
“It depends which part of history you look at,” he explains.
According to The Independent, while the UK does not have laws banning specific names, registrars can reject names containing obscenities or numerals.
Other countries have stricter naming rules. New Zealand, for example, included Lucifer on a list of banned names in 2013, alongside “Christ” and royal titles like “King,” “Prince,” and “Princess.”
