A meaningful decision between parents quickly spiraled into public outrage after they revealed the name of their newborn son — one that’s illegal in multiple countries and, according to some critics, is an “abomination.”
Across the world, governments already regulate baby names more than many people realize. In some countries, names like Facebook or Harry Potter are banned, while others prohibit familiar choices such as Linda or Sarah, depending on cultural, religious, or legal guidelines, according to Action News 5.
Still, few names generate as much backlash as the one at the center of this latest debate.
Baby named after TV show
On Jan. 20, 2024, Ronni Lily, 29, and her partner Brad welcomed their baby boy in Birmingham, England, and from the beginning they knew they wanted a name that felt bold and distinctive.
The idea came while Ronni was pregnant and watching a popular Netflix series, which sparked a conversation between the couple that quickly turned into agreement. Ronni later explained that the name immediately appealed to them and felt right.
But not everyone shared their enthusiasm.
‘An abomination’
While the name is legal in the U.K., the mother of four told Metro that the backlash began almost immediately, particularly online, where strangers said the moniker was “cruel” and “illegal.”
The strongest reactions, however, came closer to home.
“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.” At the same time, support came from unexpected places. “My dad, however, loved it straight away, saying it was different and bold.”
‘Just stupid’
Meanwhile, online criticism escalated after Ronni shared the name in a parenting group, where commenters warned that her son would be bullied or disadvantaged later in life.
In an interview with Metro, Ronni – mom to Lola, 8, Lincoln, 5, and Lilac, 4 – pushed back firmly against that idea, insisting she’s not concerned by the criticisms.
“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,” she told Metro. “I’m not concerned his name will cause him problems at school or later in life.
“On Facebook, people said they hoped it was only a nickname and told me I wouldn’t be legally allowed to register him with that name,” she explained. “Other parents said I’ve named him after the devil, so he will be like the devil. That’s just stupid, you can’t negatively label a child.”
She also notes that her son has a more common middle name – Ashley – that he can use – if he chooses.
‘Unusual but strong’
Despite the controversy, Ronni says many parents quietly admitted they admired the choice.
“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.”
“His name is unusual but strong… positive comments outweigh any negative comments and most importantly, we love it.”
‘Light bearer’ or ‘morning star’
The name has a long and complicated history. While it is widely associated with Satan in Christian tradition, it originally comes from Latin and means “light‑bearer” or “morning star,” a meaning Ronni says critics often ignore.
Although the name was banned in New Zealand in 2013 and is restricted in countries including Germany and Iceland, Ronni says registering it in the U.K. was uneventful.
“No raised eyebrows or gasps of disgust. The registrar simply confirmed the spelling and that was it. I’m sure they hear far worse names every day,” Ronni said.
“Sometimes when people ask I warn them first and say ‘it’s quite unusual’ or controversial. That’s just to give them a moment to know that I’m not going to care what they say,” she explained. “Ultimately, people either like It or don’t, but their opinion isn’t relevant.”
Not the first
Similar controversies have arisen before, including a 2020 case in Derbyshire, when parents Dan and Mandy Sheldon named their son the same name and were met with resistance from a registrar.
“She told us he would never be able to get a job, and that teachers wouldn’t want to teach him,” Dan Sheldon told The Sun. “Honestly, we just thought it was a nice name…a unique one. We didn’t expect to get so much grief about it.”
‘Lucifer, the legend’
Still, Ronni remains confident in her decision and says there is nothing ‘devilish’ about her son, who she described as a “cheeky chap.
“Of course we are aware of a certain connotation,” Ronni said. “But we are not religious.”
After years of defending her choice, Ronni says she has no regrets about naming her baby boy after the leading character in the Netflix show Lucifer, a dark comedy starring Tom Ellis as Lucifer Morningstar.
“He is Lucifer, the legend,” Ronni told Metro. “There is nothing negative about his name.”
What do you think of the name Lucifer? Please let us know your thoughts and then share this story so we can hear from others!
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