A couple from Derbyshire has registered their four-month-old son as Lucifer, despite objections from a registrar who warned the name could harm his future prospects. Dan and Mandy Sheldon, of Chesterfield, said they were told the child 'would not succeed in life' by the official.
The Sheldons lodged a formal complaint against Derbyshire County Council after the registrar attempted to dissuade them. Mr Sheldon said the couple viewed Lucifer as a 'unique name' and were not prepared for the backlash. 'She told us he would never be able to get a job, and that teachers wouldn't want to teach him,' he said.
Mr Sheldon explained that they are not religious and that Lucifer means 'light-bringer' in Greek. The registrar allegedly suggested they use the name only at home. The couple proceeded with the registration after the official sought guidance from the General Register Office.
Derbyshire County Council defended the registrar's actions, stating it was her duty to highlight the name's negative connotations. A spokesperson said: 'We apologise if they were offended but it is the job of our registrars to advise in these matters.' The UK has no law banning specific names, unlike New Zealand which includes Lucifer on a banned list.
