New Zealand’s Birth Registrar bans “Lucifer” “Messiah” “General” and “*”  as Names

As reported in the West Australian newspaper on July 19 and other news outlets down under the New Zealand  registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages have compiled a list of 102 names (so far) of names they will not allow parents to name their bundles of joy.

It might seem an arbitrary list, as they allowed one set of parents to name their child “Violence.”

Wouldn’t it be easier to just change your own name rather than embarrassing your offspring with your own idea of a unique name?

This is probably a case of the government overstepping their boundaries, but I am astounded by the number of stupid names American parents give their babies.

In New York City, a teacher I know who taught in the lower income South Bronx, actually encountered two children (from different families) with incredibly unique names. These two are only a small example of extreme dimwittedness or cultural confusion that proliferates over New York City baby naming. One child was named Obgyn (yes, that is OBGYN as in a gynecologist). The other child’s name, believe it or not, was pronounced Shuh-teed but spelled “Shithead.” I am hopeful, but not sure, that both these children later changed their names.

So am I torn. Freedom vs. Stupidity.

Parents should have the right to name their children whatever they want and the children can have the stigma or pride of having a unique, unusual or outdated  name.

But be warned and prepare your child for merciless taunting or butt-kicking at school if you name your kids like I have named all my illegitimate children: Gladys, Porky, Farina and  Sasquatch.