Choosing a name for your newborn is one of the biggest decisions new parents face, but a leading UK expert warns that many mums and dads end up regretting their choice. SJ Strum, a 44-year-old baby name specialist and adviser for Babycentre, has identified the top ten categories of names that are most likely to cause future parental remorse.
The Pitfalls of Popular Culture and Spelling
According to SJ Strum, based in Richmond, South West London, one of the most common regrets stems from overly trendy names that suddenly spike in popularity. "Everyone watching Bridgerton fell in love with the names Daphne and Eloise," she explained, noting that parents who believed they had picked a unique name suddenly saw it everywhere on the playground.
Another frequent mistake is opting for names with unconventional spellings. While creative versions like Emmaleigh or Jaxson might seem appealing initially, they often lead to a lifetime of corrections and frustration. SJ advises that sticking to a traditional spelling can save a child from constantly having to spell out their name.
Hidden Hazards and Family Pressure
Simple oversights can also lead to lasting regret. SJ urges parents to always check their child's initials to avoid creating unfortunate monikers like Phoebe Imogen Green or Seth Arthur Davies. She also cautions against feeling pressured to use a family name purely for tradition's sake. "If you don't love the name, I wouldn't feel pressure to use it no matter how many generations have before you," she reassured.
Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of fame can backfire. Naming a child after a character or person before they become globally famous, like Harry Potter before 1997, or choosing sibling names that later become associated with famous duos, can lead to unexpected regret.
Strategic Naming and Missed Opportunities
SJ Strum highlights several strategic errors parents make. Skipping a middle name is often seen later as a missed opportunity to use a more daring or fun name from their list. Similarly, choosing a long, beautiful name without considering its inevitable nickname can be problematic—a Genevieve who only gets called 'Jen' is one example.
She strongly advises against borrowing names directly from fantasy characters or blockbusters, such as Khaleesi or Wednesday. "It immediately gives your child something to live up to, an instant comparison," she warned. Finally, SJ notes that many parents regret playing it too safe, opting for a name like Amelia when they truly loved Aurora, forever feeling like they let 'the one' get away.
Her most practical tip? Save your favourite names for your children, not your pets. Naming a dog Bodhi or a cat Luna effectively wipes those excellent choices off your future baby name list for good.
