CHOOSING a baby name is one of the trickiest decisions for parents – and you don’t want to regret the one you go with.
A family expert has revealed the that may seem tempting now, but you may wish to avoid for the future.
A family expert has revealed 10 names you may wish to avoid in 2026Credit: Getty
While for the top-ranked girl name since 2016, there are a number of others, which you should swerve, according to Devon Kaper from Go Au Pair.
They shared: “As we look ahead to 2026, many parents want a name that feels meaningful but still unique.
“The challenge is that certain names are skyrocketing in popularity, while others feel trendy now but may age poorly as cultural tastes shift.
“Ultimately, the ‘best’ name is one that fits your family’s identity, not a trend cycle. Parents should ask: Will this still feel right in 20 years? That’s the real test.”
Here are ten names you should be wary of for 2026, according to the expert..
1. Ayla
A favourite, this name has skyrocketed in popularity recently.
Names like Elodie, Kaia, and Jiraiya are rising alongside it, meaning your child may share their name with many peers.
“Ayla is beautiful, but parents should ask themselves if they want their child’s name to be one of dozens in a classroom,” says Kaper.
2. Elodie
Melodic and stylish, Elodie feels fresh now but social media exposure risks overuse.
Paired with similar hyper-trendy names like Ayla and Kaia, it may lose distinctiveness within a few years.
“Elodie’s charm is undeniable, but the viral effect of TikTok can quickly make it feel common,” Kaper adds.
3. Kaia
Short and sleek, Kaia is easy to spell and modern, yet rapid adoption could make it feel dated quickly.
Names such as Ezra and Jiraiya follow the same pattern.
“Kaia is trendy today, but families should think about whether it will still feel unique in a decade,” notes Kaper.
4. Jiraiya
Anime-inspired and unique, it’s eye-catching but tied to a specific trend.
Names like Atlas and Wilder share this whimsical, trend-based appeal that may fade.
“Jiraiya may feel playful now, but it could become a name children tire of or associate strongly with a particular era,” explains Kaper.
5. Ezra
Literary and biblical, it’s elegant but climbing charts fast. Grouped with other celebrity-inspired names such as Rumi or Jupiter, it may feel less exclusive.
“Ezra has sophistication, but its rapid rise in popularity means it won’t remain rare for long,” says Kaper.
Quick Tips for Parents Choosing a Baby Name
FAMILY & Childcare Expert Devon Kaper from Go Au Pair, says:
- Check the data: Look at the last 3–5 years of name rankings. Steep climbs mean the name won’t stay unique for long.
- Say it out loud: First + last name + middle name. If it feels like a tongue-twister, rethink it.
- Test for longevity: Ask yourself, “Will this suit a baby, a teenager, and a CEO?”
- Avoid emotional impulse naming: Don’t name your child based on a trend you discovered yesterday. Sleep on it.
- Have a Plan B: If your favourite name suddenly spikes in popularity, choose a less common variation or spelling.
6. Persephone
Mythology-based and whimsical, it’s beautiful but heavy-sounding for everyday use.
Similar names like Freya and Atlas are trendy now but may fall out of favour.
“Persephone is poetic, yet parents should consider if their child will want to carry such a dramatic name into adulthood,” Kaper advises.
The challenge is that certain names are skyrocketing in popularity, while others feel trendy now but may age poorly as cultural tastes shift
Devon Kaper , Go Au Pair.
7. Atlas
Strong and adventurous, this name is gaining momentum on social media.
Its rise mirrors other micro-trend names like Wilder or Freya, which often see sudden popularity spikes.
“Atlas makes a statement, but its sudden popularity could date it quickly,” Kaper comments.
Charlotte is popular – but you may wish to avoid the name, according to the expertCredit: Getty
8. Rumi
Influenced by celebrities and social media, Rumi is currently fashionable.
Names like Aire or Jupiter are experiencing the same surge, meaning the novelty could fade quickly.
“Rumi is stylish now, yet parents should remember trends driven by celebrities and movies often peak and then decline fast,” notes Kaper.
Ultimately, the ‘best’ name is one that fits your family’s identity, not a trend cycle. Parents should ask: Will this still feel right in 20 years? That’s the real test
Devon Kaper , Go Au Pair.
9. Oliver
A classic with lasting appeal, but it’s over-cycled in the US, topping popularity charts for a decade.
Choosing Oliver alongside common variants like Olivia may reduce the sense of individuality.
“Oliver is timeless, but it’s everywhere. Families seeking uniqueness might want alternatives,” says Kaper.
10. Charlotte
Timeless and elegant, yet ubiquitous in .
If you want a classic yet more uncommon name, you might consider alternatives to stand out from the many Charlottes born each year.
The expert explained: “Charlotte is classic and elegant, but its widespread popularity means your child may encounter many peers with the same name.”
What baby names to avoid
FAMILY & Childcare Expert Devon Kaper from Go Au Pair, says:
1. Hyper-trending TikTok names
Names like Ayla, Elodie, Kaia, Jiraiya, and Ezra have exploded across short-form video platforms. They feel fresh today, but that visibility means they could become the ‘Emma’ and ‘Liam’ of the late 2020s: beautiful but far from rare.
2. Names tied to fleeting micro-trends
A surge in cottagecore and mythology content has boosted names such as Persephone, Freya, Atlas, and Wilder. They may feel whimsical now, but sudden spikes often lead to fast burnout.
3. Celebrity-event names
Names inspired by high-profile celebrity babies. Think Riot, Aire, Rumi, Jupiter, are increasingly common, and what feels edgy now may soon feel overused.
4. Over-cycled classics
Traditional names like Oliver, Amelia, Noah, and Charlotte remain gorgeous, but they’ve dominated Top 10 lists for a decade. If distinctiveness matters, families might want alternatives.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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