What about Liam?

For many parents, it can be a conundrum choosing a name for their new baby. We are all aware that there has been a decline in the use of traditional names being chosen by parents for their children, often opting for something more unique, evening including Gandalf and Superman.

Whilst the UK may be a little more relaxed that other countries in relation to children’s names, what parents may not be aware of is that it is possible for the Family Court in England and Wales to intervene regarding the use of names that they consider may be harmful to the child. However, case law states that this will only happen in the most extreme cases. For example, previously, the Family Court in Swansea made an Order preventing a mother from naming her twin children ‘Cyanide’ and ‘Preacher’.

This is not the only case in which the Courts across the world have intervened. More recently the Courts in France have intervened preventing two parents from naming their baby girl Liam, a traditionally male name, over fears it could cause confusion in later life. It is understood that they are due to launch an appeal in relation to this decision.

We await what 2018 brings…. Perhaps William and Kate will opt for something unusual!