Couple Fight to Keep Daughters Name 'Metallica'

Swedish Couple Fight for the Right to Keep Daughters Birth Name

When Michael and Karolina Tomaro named their daughter Metallica they thought they were giving a complimentary nod to their favorite legendary band. But that choice in a name has been a nightmare for the family since their daughters birth six months ago.

The family, who live in Sweden, have been told by the Swedish authorities that their application to make their daughters name official has been rejected because the name Metallica is associated both with the rock band and the word 'metal'. One official handling the case also told the couple flat out the name was 'ugly' and inappropriate in Swedish society. In other words, what might be a good name for a heavy metal rock band is not a good name for a baby girl.

Sweden, much like other countries including Japan, make you go through a final process after you name your child where you get a stamp of approval from the authorities as to whether you can have a certain name or not. Swedish authorities were also in the news several years ago when a young mother wanted to name her child ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. Her application was denied based on the authorities inability to pronounce the child's name.

In an interview with the Associated Press Karolina Tomaro said she is proud of the name and the meaning behind it and said of her daughter, "It suits her. She's decisive and she knows what she wants." and said the child already acts excited when people call her by her name.