Did you know that naming your child after a fictional character can cause problems?

[AviatorTom]

A UK mother applied for a passport for her 6-year old daughter Khaleesi so they could go on holiday. The application was denied because she was named after a popular “Game of Thrones” character.

Officials told her she needed Warner Brothers’ approval because they own the name’s trademark.

What do you think of that?

Do you know anyone named after a fictional character?

Updates

1 y

The passport is now being processed after someone informed the Home Office (who issues passports) that the trademark only applies to the usage of the name in literature or entertainment. Hopefully, the young lady will be able to join her mum on holiday.

[CrazyGirl2]

Yes, I dated a guy named Superman Smith once 🤣
I can’t believe the British home office did that, but fortunately the Home Office, which runs the Passport Office, confirmed her application is now being processed because this was a mistake. But only after she had to get a Lawyer to inform them that while Warner Brothers do own the trademark, their trademark is for goods and services rather than a person’s name! That’s pathetic! I’m SO glad my parents move the hell out of England! The US isn't perfect, but it’s better to be here than anywhere else.

[CrazyGirl2]

I love your update, but I'm pretty sure that the mom didn't go on holiday (vacation) without her daughter. Think about it… Would YOU leave Khaleesi "The Mother of Dragons" at home while you went on holiday (vacation)? You’d likely get a “Dracarys” and be incinerated and eaten by a dragon the second you stepped off the plane!

[CrazyGirl2]

OOPS I forgot to tag you in that last post @AviatorTom My bad sorry.

[purplepoppy]

Why not just go for the Irish name Caleigh it sounds close enough. But people have always looked to books and TV for inspiration when naming kids. It's why you get tonnes of guys your age all called Tom.

[exitseven]

My ex girlfriend had a kid in her high school graduation class named Donald Duck. I had s kid in my high school who was Ronald Mc Donald.

[AviatorTom]

@exitseven Now that you mention it, I had a cousin named Sandy, last name Claus.

[exitseven]

people can be really mean to their kids.

[purplepoppy]

We had a Theresa Green. I wonder what percentage of these are accidental v deliberate

[exitseven]

@purplepoppy whovis Theresa Green?

[purplepoppy]

Trees are green

[exitseven]

@purplepoppy okay. Too funny

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[OlderAndWiser]

I don't know anyone named for a fictional character and I also doubt that you can trademark the name of a character.

[NamerOfStars]

When Elon Musk bought Twitter, he apparently changed its name to "X". If you can trademark a LETTER- and a letter appearing in multiple major alphabets, at that- I don't think a name is beyond the circus the law has become.

[OlderAndWiser]

A character name may be trademarked if it is used to promote a line of literary works or used as a brand name for products. However, trademark protection doesn’t mean that private individuals may not use that name for their own private purposes. Do you think that i could trademark the name John Smith and preclude anyone else from using that name?

[DrPepper12]

As a teacher I think I've come across every name they're possibly could be in a classroom.

The best? I had these beautiful twin girls Flor and Dinette. At back to school night I asked a father how he came by such unusual names? His reply, hands on his hips, beaming with pride, "Thats where they were conceived!".

Im RARELY at a loss for words but i was stunned into silence. 😳

[andreasderjuengere]

Makes me think...
is "Donald" a Disney tradenark?

[Anonymous]

Fake news. They can't deny you a passport because of your name choice.

[AviatorTom]

That's not true. Some countries have restrictions on names. In Germany, for example, a person cannot be named after a place; I know a German couple who wanted to name their daughter Brooklyn, and it was denied.

[Anonymous]

Knew a guy named Peter File.