Comments on: Baby-Naming Rights

By: FindMyBabyName

FindMyBabyName — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:03:33 +0000

I’m currently doing a college paper, and does anyone know if there’s a lawsuit from the past, in regards to something like this?

For example, would ESPN/Disney come after a child that stars in an adult film like you had stated.

By: Family Man

Family Man — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:03:42 +0000

That’s interesting you bring up the name ESPN. When I first heard that name, I thought it was nuts. And I too thought, what if the kid turns out to be the next serial killer or worse? What would/could ESPN do about it?

By: bangail

bangail — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:02:53 +0000

oh wow

By: Kelli

Kelli — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:59:00 +0000

“I wonder how Disney will feel if some day baby ESPN grows up to commit a heinous crime or star in a porn film. Talk about dilution by tarnishment!” – LOL

But seriously parents should think hard about what they name their child, remeber it’s them who has to put up with the harrassment.

By: baby names for sale

baby names for sale — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:13:24 +0000

Interesting William, that you said:
“Maybe payment for baby-naming rights will not come to pass” – I think it’s unfortunate that it did in fact come to pass for the low low price of $4,050.00.

I posted on the baby name auction

It would be interesting to hear what you have to say

Chris

By: jeff

jeff — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:39:10 +0000

Is it legal to put a comma in a baby’s first name. My sister in law just had twins and named them
Ja,von
Sa,von

By: babies blog

babies blog — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:09:48 +0000

Oliver Google Kai. Unbelievable.
@Ashley – You can name your baby what ever you want.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:59:33 +0000

Can you please tell me if i would have to name my baby after his father if we are not together?

By: baby boy

baby boy — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:01:17 +0000

I remember hearing about a father that wanted to use a beer name.

By: William McGeveran

William McGeveran — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:58:47 +0000

I love these questions in the comments!

I am no expert on family law, but in general there is very little U.S. law restricting first (or “given”) names. Surnames have some more restraints — I believe generally it has to be either the father or mother that’s on the birth certificate or the adoption papers, or else you have to get court approval. Some other countries, including a number in Europe, have more restrictions on both first and last names.

And to play Randy Cohen or Dear Abby for a moment and reply to the “same name as close friend’s baby” question: personally I think it depends. If that baby has a very common name, I see no problem. If you name your kid Jack or Madison these days, you clearly are not placing a major premium on being unique. As the name becomes more unusual, though, I think it starts to get increasingly odd and eventually creepy to copy it. But now we are far from my expertise, and I will return to the legal stuff forthwith!