Would You Name Your Child After a Fast Food Icon for Money? These Parents Did!

These parents went to great lengths to secure a college fund for their child.

November 27, 2018
By: Amanda Mushro

Choosing a name for your baby can be hard. Do you search the trendiest baby monikers? Opt for a family name? Or do you name your baby after a fast food icon so your little one can cash in for college? Forget the baby naming books because one North Carolina couple went for the college fund for their little chicken nugget.

So how did this name game start? In honor of Colonel Sanders’ birthday, the fast food restaurant KFC held a contest for any baby who is born on September 9th--the Colonel's birthday. According to the contest rules, if parents name their baby after the Colonel, their child would win $11,000 to put towards college.

Here’s the good news — the baby needed to be named Harland, which is Sanders's real name and not Colonel. Pause for sigh of relief from parents everywhere. KFC recently announced that one baby was the grand prize winner — and she's one cute chick.

Proud parents Anna Pilson and Decker Platt have introduced their KFC winner, Miss Harland Rose, who they say will go by Harley.

“I’m as pleased as pumpkin punch to announce the winner of our Baby Harland Naming Contest and the Harland who will be ushering in an all-new generation of Harlands, little Harland Rose,” KFC wrote on their social media accounts.

According to her parents, while Harland wasn’t on their short list of baby names, everything changed when Anna went into labor on September 8 and little Harland made her entrance into the world just 12 seconds after midnight — making her birthday the same as the Colonel's, September 9.

You may wonder why $11,000 was the grand prize? Turns out, it was chosen in honor of the 11 herbs and spices used on KFC chicken. The money from the contest is being put into a college fund for little Harley by KFC. Financial experts say that sum would accumulate to about $44,000 when she’s ready for school. So not only does the little one get a cool name, but also a cool start to her future.

Next Up

How to Stay Healthy When Your Kids Are Sick

Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to germs.

Study Finds Eating Disorder Symptoms Reduced in Those with Strong Family Bond

Researchers are hopeful this study will shine a light on the importance of family support during treatment of eating disorders.

This Name Took a Nose Dive in Popularity in 2020

Can you guess which girls' name fell out of favor last year?

Crack Them Up! Dad Jokes Are Good for Kids, Study Finds

The silly pranks and cringy jokes made popular by dads can actually be a good thing for kids.

The US Could See a Baby Boom This Summer, Study Says

Get ready for more adorable baby pictures on your feed.

Girls May Be Struggling More Throughout the Pandemic, Study Says

Here’s why girls reported higher levels of depression and anxiety.

Here’s What to Do If You Think You Have Mastitis

Everything breastfeeding moms need to know to feel better fast

Can You Induce Labor at Home? The Truth Behind Labor-Inducing Myths

Getting close to your due date? Can you really speed things up?