What began as a deeply personal parenting choice quickly turned into a viral debate after a mother revealed her newborn son’s name — a name that is illegal in several countries and widely criticized online as “disturbing” and even an “abomination.”
Baby name laws vary dramatically across the world, and many parents are surprised to learn just how regulated naming a child can be. Depending on the country, governments restrict names that are considered offensive, misleading, religiously sensitive, or potentially harmful to a child. In some places, names inspired by brands, fictional characters, or religious figures are not allowed at all, according to reports from Action News 5.
Still, very few baby names spark the level of controversy seen in this case.
Inspired by a Popular Netflix Series
On January 20, 2024, 29-year-old Ronni Lily and her partner Brad welcomed their baby boy in Birmingham, England. Long before his birth, the couple agreed they wanted a bold, memorable baby name that felt meaningful to them.
While Ronni was pregnant, the couple found inspiration while watching a popular Netflix show. What started as a casual conversation quickly turned into a shared decision, and Ronni said the name immediately felt like the right fit for their son.
However, the reaction from others was far from positive.
“People Said It Was Cruel”
Although the name is legal in the United Kingdom, Ronni — who is already a mother of four — told Metro that backlash began almost immediately, especially on social media. Critics claimed the name was “cruel,” “inappropriate,” and even “illegal.”
Some of the harshest criticism came from within her own family.
“One family member told us straight out that she hated it and called it an ‘abomination,’” Ronni shared. “She still refuses to say his full name.”
Not everyone reacted negatively, though. “My dad loved it right away. He said it was bold and different,” she added.
Online Parenting Groups Weigh In
The criticism intensified after Ronni shared the name in an online parenting group. Some commenters warned that her son would face bullying or struggle later in life because of it.
Ronni strongly disagreed.
“If a child wants to bully someone, they’ll always find a reason,” she said. “I teach all my kids confidence and positive self-belief.”
Ronni, who is also mom to Lola, 8, Lincoln, 5, and Lilac, 4, said she isn’t worried about her son’s future.
“People told me I wouldn’t even be allowed to register the name,” she explained. “Others said I’d named him after the devil and that it would define who he becomes. That’s ridiculous — you can’t put a negative label on a child like that.”
She also pointed out that her son has a traditional middle name, Ashley, which he can choose to use later if he prefers.
“Unusual, But Powerful”
Despite the noise online, Ronni says she received plenty of quiet support.
“Other mums told me they loved the name but were too scared to use it themselves,” she said. “Even the midwives told us not to change it — they said it was strong and unique.”
To Ronni, the positive feedback outweighs the criticism.
“It’s unusual, but it’s powerful. Most importantly, we love it.”
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name itself has a complex history. While it is commonly linked to Satan in Christian belief, its original Latin meaning is “light-bearer” or “morning star.” Ronni believes this context is often overlooked in the public debate.
The name was officially banned in New Zealand in 2013 and remains restricted in countries such as Germany and Iceland. However, Ronni says registering her son’s name in the UK was straightforward.
“There were no shocked looks or awkward comments,” she said. “The registrar just confirmed the spelling and moved on.”
Not an Isolated Case
This isn’t the first time the name has sparked controversy. In 2020, parents in Derbyshire reported facing resistance from a registrar after choosing the same name for their son.
“They told us he’d never get a job and teachers wouldn’t want to teach him,” the father later told The Sun. “We just thought it was a unique and nice name.”
No Regrets
Ronni remains completely confident in her decision. She describes her son as happy and playful and says there is nothing negative about him — or his name.
“We know some people associate it with religion,” she said. “But we’re not religious.”
She confirmed the name was inspired by the Netflix series Lucifer, starring Tom Ellis.
“He’s Lucifer — the legend,” Ronni said. “There’s nothing bad about his name at all.”