Expert warns new parents to 'avoid' these baby names in 2026
Couples expecting newborns in the New Year have been dealt a brutal warning by a baby expert, who claims there are a handful of names that should be firmly left in 2025.
Choosing the perfect moniker for a person not even born yet can prove quite a divisive subject for many mums and dads-to-be.
After all, one parent might have had their children's names picked out since their own childhood years, while the other might be a big believer in, 'We'll know the right name when we meet them'.
Some first-time parents might have agreed on a name early on in their pregnancies, only to find that the baby that came bursting out of mum's nether-regions looks nothing like a fresh-faced Isabella, and more like a wrinkled little Ruth.
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Of all the lessons that baby expert Chris Smith has learned throughout his career, when it comes to naming children, however, is that parents should never base their choices on potentially fleeting trends.
This includes naming babies after television show characters and rising social media stars - given that, you never know who might get 'cancelled' next - and after nature, with these sorts of names taking over classroom registers all over the world.
"When a name becomes too trendy, it loses the very quality that attracted parents in the first place," Smith - who works as operations manager at premium formula manufacturing brand Formuland - told The Express.
"What starts as a unique choice quickly becomes ubiquitous."
He added: "In five years, these names won't feel special anymore, they'll just feel very 2026."
Thankfully, Smith's advice also comes hand-in-hand with some practical dos and don'ts, with 10 names he says should be 'avoided' at all costs when it comes to 2026 pregnancies.
The expert says it's best to avoid trending names (Getty Stock Images)
Jaden
According to the expert, while not considered a trend today, names that end in 'aden', 'ayden' or 'adon' peaked in the late 00s and early 2010s.
As such, he believes that by the time 2026 babies reach their playground years, they'll be thought of as dated.
"The name could feel very tied to a specific era as they grow older," Smith added.
Magnus
The moniker 'Magnus' has supposedly skyrocketed in popularity, given telly-lovers' increasing fascination with all things fantasy.
I mean, you could easily throw a 'Magnus' into Game of Thrones, or Bridgerton.
According to Smith, however, this could be where parents go wrong.
"Magnus is powerful, but it's the kind of name that might feel like a 2026 time capsule in 20 years," he explained. "It's also quite formal and could be difficult to shorten into a casual nickname, which many children prefer as they get older."
Azlan
Yep, like the lion from Narnia. I'm sure you can see where Smith is going with this one.
"Your child will spend years saying 'Azlan with a Z' every time they introduce themselves," he added. "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
As Smith explained, in recent years, mothers and fathers around the world have gone nuts for nature-oriented names - things like Willow, Daisy, Sage, Luna and Phoenix. Another of the most popular names in this category is 'River'.
The moniker's fashionability might prove an issue when the child attends school, however.
"Nature names are lovely, but River has become incredibly common," he continued. "If you're choosing it for its individuality, you might be disappointed when your son shares the name with multiple classmates."
Bronson
We mentioned abstaining from naming children after celebs, stars and notable figures, given the risk of them being 'cancelled'.
This warning doesn't apply to all monikers, though. I mean, it's not like the name 'Michael' is automatically associated with the controversial King of Pop.
When it comes to giving babies the same name as somewhat more obscure stars, however - like boxer and prisoner Charles Bronson - you can see why Smith might speak out.
It's not just the association with the convicted criminal, though, that has led the expert to this particular assertion, but its masculinity.
"Ultra-masculine names like Bronson can box children into certain expectations and may not age well across different life stages," he added.
Ophelia
Originally associated with romance and tragedy by William Shakespeare, the name 'Ophelia' hit headlines all over again back in October, following the release of Taylor Swift's absolute banger of the same name.
This is something to bear in mind when naming your child, Smith claimed, given the fact that so many pregnant Swifties will probably be thinking the same thing.
"Ophelia is beautiful, but it's everywhere right now," he explained. "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
Game of Thrones might have wrapped up its final series back in 2019, but fans of the hit fantasy series aren't ready to let go yet.
And apparently, in recent years, some have attempted to commemorate the memory of the 'Mother of Dragons' (played by Emilia Clarke) by naming the child after one of her many titles - 'Khaleesi'.
"What seems cool today might make your child cringe tomorrow," Smith warned. "We've seen this pattern repeat with names from popular shows and films. The cultural moment passes, but the name remains."
Elodie
This super-chic name might be associated with Fresh high-fashion realness, but according to Smith, it could become the next 'Emma' or 'Olivia'.
"They're lovely names, but so common they've lost their special quality," he said.
Azura
It's glitzy, unique and high-glam, but what if the child you named 'Azura' grows up shy and somewhat introverted?
Of course, there's nothing wrong with these traits - but what Smith is saying is that some names inadvertently harbour some expectations, like the conventionally 'masculine' name 'Bronson' that we mentioned earlier.
"Azura sounds like a stage name, which is fine if that's the vibe you want," he explained. "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 when written down correctly, but both pronouncing and spelling names like 'Deia' is going to be a nightmare for teachers, pals and employers.
"People will constantly mispronounce them," Smith warned. "Your daughter might spend her whole life correcting people, which can be frustrating."
Of course, naming a baby is completely up to the parents, but it's always interesting to hear what an expert thinks!
Topics: Parenting, Pregnancy, Life, Real Life, True Life, Advice
Rhianna Benson