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Wheels come off parents' plan to dub sprog 'Mini Cooper'

Prince William's mum and dad also dragged into French court

A French couple's plan to dub their daughter "Mini Cooper" looks to be heading for the breaker's yard after officials referred the matter to court.

According to L'Indépendant, the town hall in Perpignan alerted the public prosecutor's office to the name, which in turn asked judges to rule against the moniker. French law allows such intervention "in the interest of the child".

The court is also considering whether it's a good idea to let another couple christen their nipper "Prince William".

L'Indépendant notes that the powers that be in Valenciennes, northern France, have previously rejected "Nutella" and "Fraise" (Strawberry). The latter name would, according to the court, "inevitably attract mockery", such as its use in the phrase "ramène ta fraise" or "move your arse".

Other French courts have similarly given short shrift to "Manhattan", "MJ" (Michael Jackson" and "Titeuf" (a popular comic character).

France is not the only country which will act to spare children a lifetime of misery and ridicule. Belgium wisely prevented Mr and Mrs Renault from calling their daughter Megane, while a New Zealand judge went as far as making "Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii" a ward of court to save her from further humiliation.

Further examples of poor parental decision-making from El Reg's archives include "4Real", "Princess Tiaamii", "Metallica", "@" and "Jon Blake Cusack Version 2.0" ®

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