Audio By Carbonatix
A judge in Tennessee changed a 7-month-old boy's name to Martin from Messiah, saying the religious name was earned by one person and "that one person is Jesus Christ."
Child Support Magistrate Lu Ann Ballew ordered the name change last week. The boy's parents were in court because they could not agree on the child's last name, but when the judge heard the boy's first name, she ordered it changed, too.
"It could put him at odds with a lot of people and at this point he has had no choice in what his name is," Ballew said.
It was the first time she ordered a first name change, the judge said.
Messiah was No. 4 among the fastest-rising baby names in 2012, according to the Social Security Administration's annual list of popular baby names.
The judge in eastern Tennessee said the baby was to be named Martin DeShawn McCullough, which includes both parents' last name.
The boy's mother, Jaleesa Martin, of Newport, said she will appeal. She says Messiah is unique and she liked how it sounded alongside the boy's two siblings — Micah and Mason.
"Everybody believes what they want so I think I should be able to name my child what I want to name him, not someone else," Martin said.
Ballew said the name Messiah could cause problems if the child grows up in Cocke County, which has a large Christian population.
"The word Messiah is a title and it's a title that has only been earned by one person and that one person is Jesus Christ," the judge said.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana Medical Trust Fund explores partnership to expand access to diagnostic services
3 minutes -
Today’s front pages: Thursday, July 30, 2026
52 minutes -
Shell profits double as oil prices rise due to Iran war
1 hour -
Madam Gladys Naa-Afi Dodoo
1 hour -
Mrs. Betty Koranteng Okan
1 hour -
‘We’ve been here before’ – Gbande says NDC abandoned expanded internal voting after challenges
1 hour -
Ghanaian midfielder Seedorf Asante joins Ivorian side Yamoussoukro FC
1 hour -
Veteran Ugandan opposition politician collapses in court and in ICU, his wife says
1 hour -
Why Ghana should consider mandatory DNA testing at birth: A public health and societal imperative
2 hours -
US launches ‘heavy’ strikes on Iran after attempted attack on American troops
2 hours -
How to check 2026 BECE provisional results using a mobile phone
2 hours -
Daily Insight for CEOs: Leading with Focus and Discipline
2 hours -
HACSA Foundation’s Tech4Girls Programme graduates 4th cohort, advancing Ghana’s digital skills agenda
3 hours -
Court remands two suspects in Immigration Officer murder case as prosecution awaits DNA report
3 hours -
Tamale court jails ex-police officer, accomplice 25 years for armed robbery
3 hours