Some of these names are not going to age well, according to a baby expert
Choosing a baby name is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new arrival. Parents spend hours scrolling through lists, considering family traditions, and imagining how their child’s name will sound at graduation. But with shifting baby name trends, what feels fresh and modern today might feel dated tomorrow.
Chris Smith, baby expert at Formuland, has been tracking naming patterns and predicts that 2026 will see a surge in escapist, media-inspired names: think romantasy novels, historical dramas, and reality TV influences. While these names sound magical now, Chris warns that not every trending name is worth choosing.
“When a name becomes too trendy, it loses the very quality that attracted parents in the first place,” Chris explains. “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.”
Chris said: “Choosing a name that stands the test of time doesn’t mean picking something boring or old-fashioned. The sweet spot is finding names that feel current without being overly trendy, and meaningful without being too unusual. Think about nicknames and whether the name has flexibility. Can it be shortened if your child wants something more casual? Does it work in both professional and personal settings?
“It’s also worth doing the ‘playground test’ and the ‘resume test’. Imagine calling the name across a busy park. Does it feel natural? Then picture it at the top of a job application. If a name passes both tests, you’re on the right track. Trust your instincts over trends. If you genuinely love a name and it feels right for your family, don’t let popularity alone put you off. But if you’re choosing something mainly because it’s trendy right now, that’s worth pausing to reconsider.”
Chris listed the top names expected to dominate 2026 and explains why parents might want to avoid them.
The Top 5 Boy Names to Avoid in 2026
Chris lists the top five boys’ names to steer clear of in 2026:
1. Jaden (and variations like Jayden, Jadon)
The “-aden” ending has been wildly popular for the past two decades, but it’s now experiencing a significant decline. Names like Jaden, Jayden, Brayden, and Aiden have saturated playgrounds across the country.
“These names were everywhere in the 2000s and 2010s,” Chris explains. “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.”
2. Magnus
Magnus has that bold, fantasy-hero quality that’s attracting parents right now. It sounds striking and distinctive, but names that feel heavily tied to current pop culture trends can become very of-the-moment.
“Magnus is powerful, but it’s the kind of name that might feel like a 2026 time capsule in 20 years,” says Chris. “It’s also quite formal and could be difficult to shorten into a casual nickname, which many children prefer as they get older.”
3. Azlan
Azlan draws clear inspiration from literary characters, but with an unconventional spelling twist. The problem? Unique spellings of familiar-sounding names often create lifelong spelling corrections.
“Your child will spend years saying ‘Azlan with a Z’ every time they introduce themselves,” Chris points out. “It’s a burden that might seem small now, but it adds up over a lifetime of form-filling, coffee orders, and email introductions.”
4. River
Nature-inspired names have climbed the charts as parents seek meaningful, earthy choices. River has become particularly popular, but that’s precisely why it might be worth reconsidering.
“Nature names are lovely, but River has become incredibly common,” says Chris. “If you’re choosing it for its individuality, you might be disappointed when your son shares the name with multiple classmates.”
5. Bronson
Bronson exemplifies the trend of surname-style first names with a rugged, masculine feel. The challenge is that these names can feel very tied to specific trends and may carry quite heavy expectations.
“Ultra-masculine names like Bronson can box children into certain expectations and may not age well across different life stages,” Chris notes.
The Top 5 Girl Names to Avoid in 2026
Chris advises against these girl names for the coming year:
1. Ophelia
Ophelia sounds romantic and sophisticated, drawing from Shakespeare and classic literature. However, it carries some unfortunate baggage and is becoming increasingly common among trendy parents.
“Ophelia is beautiful, but it’s everywhere right now,” says Chris. “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.”
2. Khaleesi
Pop culture names inspired by recent TV phenomena have created some regrets for parents. While they feel exciting and current when chosen, they can date incredibly quickly.
“What seems cool today might make your child cringe tomorrow,” Chris warns. “We’ve seen this pattern repeat with names from popular shows and films. The cultural moment passes, but the name remains.”
3. Elodie
Elodie has that French-chic appeal that’s driving its current popularity. The problem is that it’s having such a major moment that it’s losing its distinctive quality.
“Elodie is pretty, but it’s exploding in popularity right now,” says Chris. “By 2026, it could be the new Emma or Olivia. They’re lovely names, but so common they’ve lost their special quality.”
4. Azura
Azura has that sparkly, glamorous quality many parents love. However, it’s quite stylised and may not translate well into formal or professional environments.
“Azura sounds like a stage name, which is fine if that’s the vibe you want,” Chris explains. “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.”
5. Deia
Names with adjoining vowels and minimal consonants are predicted to surge in 2026. Names like Deia, Aya, and Amael look beautiful written down, but they often create pronunciation confusion.
“These names are gorgeous on paper, but people will constantly mispronounce them,” says Chris. “Your daughter might spend her whole life correcting people, which can be frustrating.”