An experiment with NSW’s official name-submission process has left a little boy with quite the unusual name. https://t.co/4pQMgieabn
— SBS News (@SBSNews) September 20, 2023
ABC journalist Kirsten Drysdale decided to test whether the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages had the power to change a baby’s name if the one submitted was deemed offensive or “unacceptable”, a question submitted by viewers for her new show What the FAQ.
The registry failed to answer directly so she decided to find out. “We thought if we submitted really the most outrageous name we could think of that it would get rejected and we’d find out how that process worked”.
She decided against ‘Nangs Rule’ – a slang term for nitrous oxide canisters, or ‘laughing gas’, often used as a party drug – fearing that registry staff may be unaware of the term and approve the name – so they went with Methamphetamine Rules.
A spokesperson said the “unusual name” had “unfortunately slipped through” and they were working with the family to change it.
But the name doesn’t just go away. “A name registered at birth remains on the Register forever…even if the name is formally changed.”
The registry acknowledged that it would have to “strengthen” its naming process after the flaw was exposed.
Which baby name would you choose?
ONTD, favourite celeb/worst baby names you’ve heard?
Hope it’s alright this time, sorry mods
