What's in a name? Let French authorities define that for you

What's in a name, it has often been asked; France obviously believes there's plenty. Refusing to let a couple register their son's name as Prince William appears to be rather high-handed, especially since the authorities' presumption is that the child would be subjected to a "potential lifetime of mockery". The authorities have not factored in the possibility that the child wants to be a pop singer, in which case its moniker would be a plus point. Nor has France been keeping track of the unusual names celebrities have bestowed upon their progeny, otherwise ordinary people would not be prevented this freedom. That the couple then wanted to name another child Mini Cooper — which was also refused, incidentally — does seem somewhat peculiar, though.

As Nutella, Strawberry, Manhattan and MJ — selected by other parents in earlier instances — being turned down as well shows that France is still quite conservative in this aspect, but it must be commended for at least scrapping the earlier practice of restricting names to only those from an official list. Baby names must indicate gender in Spain, Germany and Iceland, while Sweden has rejected Ikea and Elvis. At least in India, parents are under no such obligations as Skylab Singh, M K Stalin, Napoleon Einstein and Adolf Lu Hitler Marak would vouchsafe.