Expert Reveals Baby Names to Avoid in 2026 and Trends to Embrace

As new parents prepare for 2026, an expert has outlined baby naming trends to consider and avoid. According to Chris Smith, operations manager at Formuland, the upcoming year is expected to see a rise in names influenced by media and literature. However, parents are cautioned against choosing names that may soon feel outdated or overly trendy.

Smith emphasizes the fleeting nature of naming trends. “When a name becomes too trendy, it loses the very quality that attracted parents in the first place,” he stated. He notes that names that seem unique today could feel overwhelmingly common in just a few years.

Top Names to Avoid in 2026

Smith identified ten names that parents might want to steer clear of in 2026 due to their potential to become cringe-worthy with time.

1. **Jaden/Jayden/Jadon**: Once a staple of the 2000s and 2010s, these names are now losing favor. Smith warns that they may feel tied to a specific era as children grow older.

2. **Magnus**: While appealing for its power and fantasy connections, Smith cautions that Magnus may become a “2026 time capsule” in the future. Its formal nature can also make it difficult for children to adopt casual nicknames.

3. **Azlan**: Inspired by the Narnia series, Azlan’s unconventional spelling may lead to challenges. “Your child will spend years saying ‘Azlan with a Z’,” Smith noted, highlighting the potential burden of frequent corrections.

4. **River**: Although nature-themed names remain popular, River’s widespread use could lead to disappointment for parents seeking individuality. Smith points out that many children might share this name with classmates.

5. **Bronson**: This ultra-masculine surname-turned-first-name may box children into certain expectations, making it potentially problematic as they navigate different life stages.

6. **Ophelia**: With its literary roots and recent surge in popularity due to pop culture, Ophelia may lose its allure. Smith warns that the character’s tragic fate in literature could also affect perceptions of the name.

7. **Khaleesi**: Popularized by the television series Game of Thrones, Khaleesi may lose its charm over time. Smith suggests that names inspired by current trends often become less appealing as cultural moments fade.

8. **Elodie**: While beautiful, Elodie’s current popularity may lead it to be perceived as commonplace in a few years, similar to names like Emma and Olivia.

9. **Azura**: Although appealing for its uniqueness, Azura may seem too extravagant for everyday life, potentially causing resentment in more professional environments.

10. **Deia**: Names like Deia, with adjoining vowels and few consonants, can lead to persistent pronunciation issues. Smith notes that constant mispronunciation can be frustrating for children.

Vintage Names on the Rise

For those looking for a timeless option, Molly Ejdowski, a spokesperson for My 1st Years, has identified a resurgence in vintage names expected to gain popularity in 2026.

**Bonnie** is forecasted to charm parents, especially those with Scottish ties, as it is derived from the Scottish term for “pretty.”

**Matilda**, linked to the beloved Roald Dahl character, is also set for a comeback, particularly following the success of a recent musical adaptation. Notably, Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey chose this name for their daughter in 2023.

**Margot** has seen a rise in popularity, largely influenced by actress Margot Robbie, providing an elegant twist to traditional naming conventions.

As new parents weigh their options, understanding these trends can help them make informed decisions that blend personal significance with cultural relevance. Whether leaning towards vintage charm or avoiding contemporary pitfalls, the choices they make today will resonate for years to come.