In the town of Cerete, Colombia, a baby was registered with the name Chat Yipiti, a choice inspired by artificial intelligence (AI), specifically the popular model ChatGPT. This event has generated countless reactions, from those who consider the name a demonstration of originality to those who find it humorous.
Baby in Colombia registered as ‘Chat Yipiti,’ a name inspired by the digital era
The event occurred on August 15 at the Cerete Registry Office, when the baby was given the name Chat Yipiti Bastidas Guerra. Apparently, the baby’s parents chose this name as a tribute to the digital age, alluding to the growing influence of artificial intelligence in daily life. The direct reference is to the ChatGPT chatbot, developed by OpenAI, which has become one of the most well-known and widely used AI models globally.
Although such naming choices are not unprecedented, the fact that a name directly linked to a recent and revolutionary technology was registered has sparked a debate about the freedom of parents to choose their children’s names, and to what extent this freedom should be limited by social or cultural norms.
How far does the freedom to choose names in Colombia go?
In Colombia, the law grants parents the freedom to choose their children’s names, as long as they do not violate basic principles of respect and dignity. However, the National Registry has the authority to reject names that are considered offensive, humiliating, or potentially harmful to the child’s well-being.
Despite possible questions regarding the name Chat Yipiti, the authorities found no impediment to its registration, sparking public debate about whether current regulations should adapt to reflect the growing influence of technology in society.
While this case is unique, it falls within a broader trend of unconventional names that have appeared in civil registries in Colombia in recent years. Names inspired by celebrities, technology, or unusual combinations reflect the creativity of parents, but also raise questions about identity and the future of new generations.
Uncommon names registered in recent years in Colombia
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the choice of uncommon names in Colombia. Some of these names seem to respond to external influences, such as international celebrities, or even trends from the digital age. Among the most unusual names registered between 2023 and 2024 are:
• Usnavy: Inspired by U.S. Navy.
• John Crazy: Unusual combination of English words.
• Messi Andrés: A tribute to soccer player Lionel Messi.
• María José Bz Bz: Use of unconventional letters.
• Dayana Valentina Shakira: Influence of celebrities.
• Yariangelis: Invented compound name.
• Valloleidys: Caribbean-sounding.
• Betsililiana: Fusion of traditional names.
• Bunkwaneywin: Possible indigenous or invented root.
• Shunguemaku: Indigenous influence.
• Shimunke Zhu: Mix of Asian sounds.
• Bunkua Wimaku: Exotic-sounding, possibly invented.
• Maximillian: Variant of Maximiliano with a European touch.
These names, although uncommon and sometimes strange by traditional standards, reflect a global trend of cultural hybridization and the personalization of identity.