A mom who called her baby a controversial name has spoken up in defence of her divisive decision…
Naming a child is one of the most profound decisions parents make, imbuing their offspring with an identity that will carry through their entire life.
While many opt for traditional or popular names, a growing number of parents are choosing to break the mold with names that are unconventional, provocative, or even controversial.
These names often spark heated debates, eliciting strong reactions from friends, family, and society at large.
The motivations behind choosing a controversial name can be deeply personal, ranging from a desire to stand out to a wish to imbue a child with a sense of individuality or heritage.
However, these choices do not come without challenges.
And now, one mum who called her baby a name so controversial that it is actually banned in some countries has spoken out…
When Ronni Lily and her partner, Brad welcomed a baby boy into the world, they knew they wanted to give him a name that would stand out.
Ronni Lily, 27, and her partner, Brad, welcomed their son on January 20 2024.
While the Birmingham-based couple thinks the name is ‘pretty cool’, not everyone agrees.
Inspired by a Netflix series, they decided on the name when Ronni was 16 weeks pregnant.
Despite facing fierce backlash, Ronni stands by her choice. “Trolls told me it’s illegal, but we love it,” she says, per Metro.
In some countries, it is even banned, though it is legal in the U.K.
Ronni recalls the strong reactions from family members: “One family member didn’t hold back. She told us she hated it and said it was an ‘abomination.’ She still won’t use his full name.
“My dad, however, loved it straight away, saying it was different and bold.”
The couple, who were also parents to Lola, six, Lincoln, three, and Lilac, two, were united in their decision.
“We both loved it from the start and still do,” says Ronni.
However, she faced severe criticism online after posting about her son’s name in a mum group. Some parents argued that it was ‘illegal’ and ‘cruel.’
Ronni remains unfazed. “If a kid is a bully, they will find something to pick on. I teach all my children positive affirmations and to be confident and headstrong. I’m not concerned his name will cause him problems at school or later in life,” she tells OK.
“Other parents said I’ve named him after the devil, so he will be like the devil. That’s just stupid. His name is unusual but strong, and I just ignored troll comments. What we call our child has nothing to do with them.”
Interestingly, some mothers have privately admitted their admiration for the name.
“Lots of other mums admitted they loved the name and had considered using it but let their worries get the better of them. When he was born, midwives told us they loved the name and encouraged us not to change it.”
Despite the name being banned in New Zealand in 2013, Ronni encountered no issues in the U.K.
“At the Registrar’s office, we had no problems at all. No raised eyebrows or gasps of disgust. The registrar simply confirmed the spelling and that was it.”
Ronni is confident that her son’s name won’t cause long-term problems: “He has a common middle name he can use if he ever wants or needs to.”
When introducing her baby to strangers, reactions are mostly positive, though some people are shocked.
“Generally, people love it, but a few have given me a nervous laugh. Sometimes, I warn them first and say ‘it’s quite unusual’ or controversial.”
Ultimately, Ronni believes the name suits her son perfectly. “My son is such a cheeky chap. There is nothing ‘devilish’ about his behaviour or personality. There is nothing negative about his name.”
After months of contemplation, she settled on the name ‘Lucifer.’
The name, often associated with the fallen angel from Christian theology, has sparked controversy, eliciting strong reactions from friends, family, and strangers alike.
Despite the backlash, Lily remains steadfast in her decision, embracing the unique identity it affords her son.
The controversy surrounding the name Lucifer is not new.
In several countries, including Germany, New Zealand, and Iceland, the name is outright banned.
Authorities in these nations argue that it is inappropriate due to its strong negative connotations.
In the United States, while not illegal, the name is highly uncommon and often viewed as provocative or offensive.
The name Lucifer carries significant baggage. In Christian tradition, Lucifer is synonymous with Satan, a figure representing ultimate evil.
