Expert Warns Parents: Avoid These 10 Regrettable Baby Names

Choosing a baby name can be an overwhelming task for expectant parents, and a leading baby name expert has highlighted ten names that many may come to regret. SJ Strum, a renowned adviser at Babycentre, warns that names inspired by popular culture, particularly those from television and film, can lead to unforeseen regrets.

Strum, based in Richmond, South West London, emphasizes that while parents wish to select distinctive names, they often overlook potential pitfalls. Here are the categories of names she advises parents to be cautious about when naming their children in 2026.

Trendy Names and Their Consequences

Overly trendy names often emerge from popular television shows or movies, leading to unanticipated popularity. For instance, Strum notes that viewers of Bridgerton have contributed to the spike in names like Daphne and Eloise. Parents who believed they had selected unique names soon find them commonplace in playgrounds.

Another common regret comes from choosing names with unconventional spellings. Strum points out that names like Emmaleigh and Jaxson may seem inventive but often lead to frustration when others struggle to spell them correctly.

The Importance of Initials and Family Traditions

Parents frequently overlook the implications of initials when selecting names. Strum advises them to examine what the initials of their chosen names spell out. Names like Phoebe Imogen Green or Seth Arthur Davies could be a source of embarrassment later on.

Family names can also create pressure, as some parents feel obligated to continue family traditions. Strum reassures parents that breaking from these traditions is acceptable if they do not genuinely love the name being passed down.

The unpredictability of fame also poses a risk. As Strum illustrates, naming a child Harry Potter before the book series’ debut in 1997 could lead to regret, especially as names become synonymous with popular figures or characters.

Missed Opportunities and Unfortunate Choices

Parents sometimes overlook the potential benefits of selecting middle names. Strum suggests that these can add depth and character to a child’s full name, allowing for creativity without the burden of a first name that feels too daring.

Strum highlights the challenge of long names that lead to common nicknames that parents may dislike. For example, a child named Genevieve may predominantly be called Jen, which some may find unsatisfactory.

Names inspired by fantasy characters, while initially appealing, can create high expectations for the child. Strum advises against names like Khaleesi or Wednesday, as they can place undue pressure on a child to embody the character’s traits.

Choosing a “safe” name can also lead to regret, as parents often settle for names they consider less risky. Strum cites examples where parents preferred names like Aurora over Amelia or Phoenix instead of Felix, leaving them with a lingering sense of lost opportunity.

Finally, Strum warns against using cherished names for pets. Assigning a beloved baby name to a family pet, such as Luna for a cat or Bodhi for a dog, can eliminate those names from the baby name list entirely.

By being mindful of these common pitfalls, parents can make more informed choices about their children’s names, ensuring they select a name that carries significance and avoids potential regret.