Should parents be banned from naming their children silly names?
A court in France has stopped parents from naming their baby girl Nutella because it “is the trade name of a spread”.
The unusual choice of name by the couple from Valenciennes, in northern France, was noticed by the registrar who recorded the baby’s birth last September.
In his ruling the judge said the name Nutella, after the hazelnut spread, was a trade name.
French parents are usually free to choose the names of their children, but local prosecutors are empowered to report what they deem to be “unsuitable” names to a family court.
It is understood that the parents did not attend the hearing on Monday and the judge ordered the child be called Ella instead.
Choosing a name for your baby can be a daunting prospect.
It is something they will have to live with for the rest of their life.
It would be wise for parents to pick a name their children will not resent them for later.
