Baby Named Nutella

A child was named Nutella in September, after the hazelnut spread, was later renamed Ella by the judge when the parents did not show up to their court date in November. “The name ‘Nutella’ given to the child is the trade name of a spread” and that “it is contrary to the child’s interest to be wearing a name like that can only lead to teasing or disparaging thoughts” was the court’s decision that Time translated from the French daily La Voix du Nord.

Parents in France can name their child whatever they want unless French officials do not think the name is the best name for him or her. Some parents have named their children “Game of Thrones” characters. However, the courts have also renamed a girl named “Fraise” because it was part of the French phrase “ramène ta fraise” meaning “get over here.” Her name was changed to Fraisine, according to a Washington Post article by Abby Ohlheiser.

Something close to that had happened here in Tennessee when a child was named Messiah. His name was changed to Martin after the judge wrote, “…labeling this child ‘Messiah’ places an undue burden on him that as a human being, he cannot fulfill.” The judge was fired for changing the child’s name. The Washington Post stated, “The decision was eventually overturned.”