The US president's birth certificate names him as "Barack Hussein Obama, II". Why does he qualify for the Roman numerals?

Joe Bloggs II would typically be used when a son is named after a relative other than his father – his grandfather, for example. However, it is also used, sometimes, as an alternative to Joe Bloggs Jr.

So according to Behind the Name and Miss Manners, the US president should definitely have been Barack Obama Jr, rather than Barack Hussein Obama II.

"The designation of Sr or Jr to distinguish between father and son with all the exact same names (first, middle, & last), can be replaced by the Roman numerals, I and II, respectively, when the grandson has the exact same names," explain Dr Dave and Dr Dee, who provide advice on health, medicine, relationships, families, etiquette, manners and fashion.

"The grandson will then have a III after his name. The grandfather and father can continue to use Sr and Jr, respectively, or the numerals."

According to Sharon Manitta, the bigger numbers tend to be used mostly in swankier sections of society.

"Juniors are all over the place, but if it's getting painful – VI is the furthest down the line I have come across – then it's usually an upper-class family," she says.

Observant readers will note that Barack Obama's birth certificate also has a comma between the "Obama" and the "II".

Is this excruciatingly correct, or not? On this point, the authorities disagree. The Chicago Manual of Style is against the comma. Dundee Printing (For Life's Special Moments) is in favour.

At any rate, it seems unlikely to disqualify Barack Obama from holding the presidency.

Originally Published On: www.bbc.co.uk – Original Article Here