Colombian Baby Named Chat Yipiti After AI Sparks Debate

A baby in Colombia was registered with the name Chat Yipiti, a reference to OpenAI’s ChatGPT program, sparking debate on social media. Credit: World Bank Photo Collection / CC BY NC ND 2.0

In a move that perfectly captures our current technological zeitgeist, a newborn in the town of Cerete, Colombia, has been officially named Chat Yipiti. This unique choice, directly inspired by the popular artificial intelligence model ChatGPT, has ignited a wave of reactions online, ranging from amusement to serious debate.

A Name for the Digital Age

On August 15, at the local Registry Office, the baby was officially recorded as Chat Yipiti Bastidas Guerra. According to reports, the parents chose the name as a tribute to the digital era and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in our daily lives. The name is a phonetic Spanish spelling of 'ChatGPT', the revolutionary chatbot from OpenAI that has become a global phenomenon.

While unique names are not a new trend, this direct link to a recent and transformative technology has pushed the conversation into new territory, raising questions about the boundaries of parental freedom in naming their children.

Naming Laws and Public Debate in Colombia

In Colombia, parents are generally granted the freedom to choose their children's names. However, this right is not absolute. The National Registry has the authority to reject names that are considered offensive, humiliating, or potentially detrimental to a child's well-being.

In the case of Chat Yipiti, authorities found no legal grounds to prevent the registration. This decision has fueled a public discussion on whether current regulations are equipped to handle the influence of modern technology and internet culture on societal norms, including something as fundamental as a name.

This single case fits into a broader pattern of parents choosing highly unconventional names, reflecting a desire for uniqueness but also posing questions about identity for future generations.

A Growing Trend of Unconventional Names

The choice of Chat Yipiti is not an isolated incident. Civil registries across Colombia have seen a surge in uncommon names in recent years, drawing inspiration from pop culture, global brands, and creative fusions. Between 2023 and 2024, some of the most notable registrations include:

• Usnavy: A name inspired by the U.S. Navy.
• John Crazy: An unusual combination of English words.
• Messi Andrés: A tribute to soccer superstar Lionel Messi.
• María José Bz Bz: A name incorporating unconventional letters.
• Dayana Valentina Shakira: A combination influenced by celebrities.
• Yariangelis: An invented compound name.
• Valloleidys: A name with a Caribbean sound.
• Betsililiana: A fusion of more traditional names.
• Bunkwaneywin: A name with a possible indigenous or invented root.
• Shunguemaku: A name reflecting indigenous influence.
• Shimunke Zhu: A mix of sounds with Asian influence.
• Bunkua Wimaku: An exotic-sounding and possibly invented name.
• Maximillian: A European-style variant of Maximiliano.

These diverse and sometimes strange names highlight a global trend toward cultural mixing and the deep personalization of identity in our modern world.