Experts reveal 10 baby names parents should avoid in 2026 as popular names that are set to go extinct revealed

Choosing a name for someone is no mean feat, after all it has to feel right for the new parents.

Baby names, like many other things, go through their own cycles and trends with previously rare names becoming common while fashionable names fall out of favour.

So, if you are looking for something to name your child which just feels right, then it might be worth taking a look at the list of names to avoid.

Chris Smith works at Formuland and examines patterns and forecasts for baby naming, including particular trends.

"When a name becomes too trendy, it loses the very quality that attracted parents in the first place," Chris said. "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."

So, what are some names you may wish to avoid?

Choosing a baby name is a big decision (Narumon Bowonkitwanchai/Getty)

Jaden

These names, which end in -aden, were popular in the 2000s and 2010s, but their popularity has dropped since.

Chris said: "These names were everywhere in the 2000s and 2010s. 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."

Magnus

Meaning 'great' in Latin, Magnus has a grand feeling to it, but Chris warns it may not stick.

"Magnus is a powerful name, but it might feel like a 2026 time capsule in 20 years," said Chris. "It's also quite formal and could be difficult to shorten into a casual nickname, which many children prefer as they get older."

Azlan

This falls into a particular category - a name from a fictional series but spelled different, which is not something that Chris recommends for more practical reasons.

"Your child will spend years saying 'Azlan with a Z' every time they introduce themselves," Chris said. "It might seem like a small burden now, but it adds up over a lifetime of form-filling, coffee orders, and email introductions."

River

Names which are inspired by nature are wonderful, but Chris said that they are becoming more popular, so if you want something unique you might want to choose a different name.

"If you're choosing it for its individuality, you might be disappointed when your son shares the name with multiple classmates," said Chris.

Bronson

Chris points out that names like Bronson can feel very rugged and masculine, which some parents might feel places undue expectations on their children.

"Ultra-masculine names like Bronson can box children into certain expectations and may not age well across different life stages," Chris said.

There are some names you may wish to avoid (Daniel Lee/Getty)

Ophelia

Literary characters are great for inspiration, but it's worth bearing in mind what actually happens to the character in question, and Ophelia does not have a happy ending.

"The literary association isn't exactly positive," said Chris. "It's worth considering whether you want your daughter's name tied to a character known for her tragic fate."

Khaleesi

This name reinforces choosing the name of a character, in this case from Game of Thrones, with its infamous ending that left fans reeling.

Not only that, but Chris advises it's also very of the moment and will be out of step very quickly, saying: "What seems cool today might make your child cringe tomorrow."

Elodie

You may wish to try a more distinctive name, but bear in mind that others might also see that lovely name and think the same thing.

Chris said: "Elodie is pretty, but it's exploding in popularity right now. By 2026, it could be the new Emma or Olivia. They're lovely names, but so common they've lost their special quality."

Azura

While it's undoubtedly a pretty name, Azura might feel more like a stage name than a real one, and Chris advises that could backfire in a more formal setting.

"Think about how it will look on a CV or in a boardroom," said Chris. "Some children grow to resent names that feel too whimsical or performance-oriented."

Deia

Finally we have Deia, which Chris advises might look and sound beautiful, but your child may spend their life correcting pronunciation.

Chris said: "These names are gorgeous on paper, but people will constantly mispronounce them. Your daughter might spend her whole life correcting people, which can be frustrating."