Accidental names

[Shropshire Lass]

Anyone else heard of someone gaining an accidental name?  I was told this story recently by a friend of the man involved.  (Real names changed, as I don’t know the man himself and he may not want to be identified)

New baby John’s parents, Mr and Mrs Smith, went to register his birth - John in the pram, toddler sister carried by Dad.  Registrar started to take down the details, sister started crying.  Dad, known to all as a very abrupt man, turns to mother, says “Hold her” and passes toddler over.  Rest of information given, certificate handed over, baby’s name clearly written down - as John Holder Smith.

Registrar claimed he could not change the certificate without a further payment.  Dad refused.  John continues through life with an extra name guaranteed to mystify future genealogists!

Monica

[Su]

I heard of a Watt Jones, whose Mother was a little hard of hearing 

Su