France’s public prosecutor is arguing that giving the female baby a traditionally masculine name would be “contrary to the interest of the child and could harm her in her social relations”.

The courts have been asked to impose “another name chosen by the parents and, failing that, by the judge”.

It is the latest intervention by the French authorities in a country where baby names are strictly regulated by law, The Local reports.

The parents, who remain anonymous, have enlisted the services of a lawyer and postponed the baby’s baptism.