Judge Orders Change of Child's Name from Messiah to Martin

A Tennessee judge (child Support Magistrate) Lu Ann Ballew has ordered the parents of a seven-month-old baby to change their child's name from Messiah to Martin because the name was earned by one person and "that one person is Jesus Christ".

Jaleesa Martin, mother and the father of Messiah were in Cocke County Chancery Court because they could not agree on a last name for the child.

During the hearing the first name came into question. Judge Ballew ordered the 7-month-old's name be "Martin DeShawn McCullough." The name includes both parent's last names but leaves out Messiah.

"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," Judge Ballew said.

Jaleesa Martin responded saying, "I was shocked. I never intended on naming my son Messiah because it means God and I didn't think a judge could make me change my baby's name because of her religious beliefs."

She has since said she will appeal against the ruling adding that 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," Ms Martin said.

Ms Ballew said the name Messiah could cause problems if the child grows up in Cocke County, which has a large Christian population.