These baby names are better avoided (Image: Getty)
Choosing your dream name for a baby is one of the most exciting parts about expecting. However, it’s important to remember when you’re picking out the perfect moniker that what sounds cool and fresh today can easily become dated and cringey in a matter of short years.
Chris Smith, Formuland operations manager and baby expert has been tracking naming patterns and predicts that 2026 will see a surge in escapist, media-inspired names. Influences from literature and television are on the rise and although they may sound magical, not every trendy name is a good choice. He said: “When a name becomes too trendy, it loses the very quality that attracted parents in the first place.”
“What starts as a unique choice quickly becomes ubiquitous. In five years, these names won’t feel special anymore, they’ll just feel very 2026.”
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Once popular names are fading (Image: Getty)
10 baby names to avoid in 2026
Boys
Jaden (variations like Jayden, Jadon)
Once wildly popular, the “-aden” name ending has dominated playgrounds for the last two decades but now its fading.
Chris said: “These names were everywhere in the 2000s and 2010s,” While they’re still being used, they’re starting to feel quite dated.
“The name could feel very tied to a specific era as they grow older.”
Magnus
This striking and strong name has the fantasy-hero quality that parents are drawn to – however it’s also heavily tied to current pop culture trends.
Chris said: “Magnus is powerful, but it’s the kind of name that might feel like a 2026 time capsule in 20 years.
“It’s also quite formal and could be difficult to shorten into a casual nickname, which many children prefer as they get older.”
Names without a good nickname can be challenging (Image: Getty)
Azlan
Inspired by the Narnia books, this strong name’s unusual spelling is a big no-no according to Chris.
He said: “Your child will spend years saying ‘Azlan with a Z’ every time they introduce themselves.
“It’s a burden that might seem small now, but it adds up over a lifetime of form-filling, coffee orders, and email introductions.”
River
Earth-inspired names are incredibly popular with parents. River specifically has been very popular – which is exactly why Chris recommends choosing something else. He said: “Nature names are lovely, but River has become incredibly common.
“If you’re choosing it for its individuality, you might be disappointed when your son shares the name with multiple classmates.”
Bronson
The trend of surnames as first names has been ongoing for several years but this masculine name could cause problems later in life. Chris said: “Ultra-masculine names like Bronson can box children into certain expectations and may not age well across different life stages.”
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Girls
Ophelia
This Shakespearean name carries a certain romance and drama with it – but it also has some unwanted baggage due to the namesake’s fate.
Chris said: “Ophelia is beautiful, but it’s everywhere right now.
“Plus, the literary association isn’t exactly positive, either. It’s worth considering whether you want your daughter’s name tied to a character known for her tragic fate.”
Khaleesi
While names inspired by pop culture feel exciting and current when picked by parents, they age quickly. Chris said: “What seems cool today might make your child cringe tomorrow.
“We’ve seen this pattern repeat with names from popular shows and films. The cultural moment passes, but the name remains.”
Elodie
Elodie has a French-chic appeal that’s driving its current popularity. However, it’s a victim of its own success. Chris said: “Elodie is pretty, but it’s exploding in popularity right now.
“By 2026, it could be the new Emma or Olivia. They’re lovely names, but so common they’ve lost their special quality.”
Azura
Sparkly, glamorous and different – this name is a popular choice for parents looking for something different. However, it may be so glam that it doesn’t translate into real life. Chris said: “Azura sounds like a stage name, which is fine if that’s the vibe you want.
“But think about how it will look on a CV or in a boardroom. Some children grow to resent names that feel too whimsical or performance-oriented.”
Deia
Gorgeous on paper, but names like Deia and Aya with adjoining vowels and few constants can create pronunciation confusion. Chris said: “These names are gorgeous on paper, but people will constantly mispronounce them.
“Your daughter might spend her whole life correcting people, which can be frustrating.”
