Five years after Elon Musk and Grimes made headlines by naming their child “X Æ A-12” (later adjusted to “X Æ A-Xii” due to legal constraints), a new wave of celebrity baby name disputes has emerged in May 2025. The latest controversy involves musician Zayn Malik and his partner, architect Aria Chen, who named their newborn “†∆§¥©” (pronounced “Starlight Harmony”). The name, composed entirely of symbolic characters, has sparked debates over legality, readability, and the psychological impact on the child.
California’s Office of Vital Records initially rejected the name, citing a state law requiring names to be “composed of alphabetical characters with optional diacritical marks.” However, Malik and Chen filed a lawsuit arguing that the law infringes on artistic expression and cultural freedom. Their legal team has drawn parallels to Prince’s unpronounceable symbol phase in the 1990s, claiming that names are a form of personal art.
This case has reignited discussions about global naming regulations. In Iceland, where a strict naming committee oversees baby names, authorities have outright banned non-alphabetic names since 2023. Meanwhile, countries like Canada and New Zealand have adopted more flexible policies, allowing symbols as long as they can be reasonably pronounced. Psychologists are divided on the issue. Dr. Rachel Kwon of Harvard University suggests that unconventional names may foster creativity, while others, like Dr. Marcus Reed, warn of potential social challenges: “Children with highly unusual names often face bullying or bureaucratic hurdles.”
As the legal battle unfolds, public opinion remains split. Some applaud the couple for pushing boundaries, while others accuse them of treating their child’s identity as a publicity stunt. Regardless of the outcome, the case underscores a growing tension between tradition and innovation in how we name the next generation.
