Celebrity Baby Name 'King' Sparks Legal Debate in Australia
Controversy and confusion have erupted surrounding the name chosen by former Married At First Sight star Susie Bradley and ex-NRL player Todd Carney for their newborn son. The couple, who welcomed their second child on Sunday, announced via Instagram that they had named the baby King Daryl Carney. However, this declaration has quickly drawn scrutiny from fans and followers, who are questioning the legality of using a royal title as a first name under Australian law.
Fans Raise Concerns Over Naming Regulations
Shortly after the announcement, several fans took to social media to express doubts about whether the name King would be permitted by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. One commenter noted, "I don't want to ruin this beautiful moment, but is King his first name? When you file to register him at birth if you put his name as King they won't allow it." Another added, "Congratulations, he is beautiful - I don't actually think children are allowed to be called King though." A third follower advised, "Be sure to check that Birth Deaths and Marriages will allow you to legally name him King though! It is on the restricted baby name list."
In Australia, parents typically have 60 days to register their baby's name with state authorities. While King may not be approved as an official first name due to restrictions on royal titles and ranks, it could potentially be used as a nickname. This legal grey area has fueled the ongoing debate, highlighting the complexities of naming regulations in the country.
The Joyful Announcement and Meaning Behind the Name
Susie Bradley, 32, and Todd Carney, 39, shared their happy news in an Instagram post on Monday, accompanied by a series of heartwarming images of their newborn son. The former reality star wrote in her caption, "Our second son, King Daryl Carney, born February 22, 2026 at 4.50pm on the Gold Coast." She elaborated on the significance of the name, stating, "King. A name which denotes strength, confidence and leadership. May you always stand tall in who you are, lead with love, and know how deeply you are cherished."
Susie continued, "You, along with your sister and brother, are our entire world, little King. There won't be a single day when we aren't endlessly thankful to have been blessed with you all." She described the birth as a magical moment, saying, "The most magical moments - the ones you wish you could hold onto and relive forever - yesterday was one of those days. The moment we held you, the rest of the world simply melted away."
Background on the Couple's Journey
The couple, who already have an older son named Lion, announced their second pregnancy in September of last year. Susie shared a poignant video on social media detailing her fertility journey, with the caption, "With a little bit of perseverance and a whole lotta love, we finally got you." The clip included intimate scenes from her IVF experience, such as self-administered injections and treatments at a Queensland clinic, as well as the emotional moment when she and Todd discovered the positive pregnancy test result in their car.
Susie and Todd's relationship has seen its share of romantic ups and downs. They tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor wedding at their Gold Coast home in January last year, following a reconciliation in May 2023 after calling off their first engagement in 2022. The pair announced their re-engagement in May 2024. Susie, who appeared on season two of MAFS, originally shared their engagement news via an Instagram video. The couple began dating in 2019, with Todd becoming a stepfather to Susie's daughter, Baby.
This naming controversy adds a new chapter to their public story, blending personal joy with broader legal and social discussions about naming conventions in Australia.
