What's in a name? And should certain names be off limits to parents? A Tennessee court thinks so, having ordered a boy's parents to change his given name, Messiah, on the basis that “only been earned by one person and that one person is Jesus Christ.”
According to an article in Today Moms, the parents of a 7-month-old were attending a child support hearing to discuss the infant's surname.
However, magistrate Lu Ann Ballew took it upon herself to order the change of given name from Messiah DeShawn Martin to Martin DeShawn McCullough.
Ballew claimed her decision was in the best interests of the child. But mom Jaleesa Martin begged to differ.
“I never intended on naming my son Messiah because it means God and I didn't think a judge could make me change my baby's name because of her religious beliefs,” Martin said, whose other children are called Micah and Mason. (And of course Jesus has long been a common name in Spanish-speaking countries.)
Martin is appealing the decision on 17 September. But first she should probably perhaps consider the implications of her chosen name.
Do you think the state has any place is naming children? Should certain names stay off limits, as per the banned list in New Zealand?
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