17 Baby Names You’ll Wish You Didn’t Pick (Here’s Why)

Choosing a baby name is one of the most important decisions parents make, but it’s not always easy. What might sound trendy or unique now could lead to future regret. Whether it’s due to spelling challenges, cultural shifts, or unexpected associations, some names just don’t stand the test of time.

Here are 17 baby names that parents often end up regretting—and why you might want to think twice before giving them to your little one.

1. Nevaeh

While it gained popularity for being “heaven” spelled backward, many parents regret choosing Nevaeh due to its overuse and the mixed reactions it tends to evoke. What was once seen as unique has now become somewhat cliché, and children might face teasing or confusion about its meaning.

Additionally, the non-traditional spelling can lead to frequent mispronunciations. It’s a name that’s often more of a conversation starter than an easy, timeless choice.

2. Brayden

Names ending in “-ayden” have seen a huge rise in popularity, but that also means they’ve become overused. Brayden, in particular, blends in with similar-sounding names like Jayden, Aiden, and Kayden, which makes it hard for your child to stand out. Many parents regret this name as it becomes associated with a passing trend rather than something classic or enduring.

While it might seem cute for a baby, it may not age well into adulthood.

3. Khaleesi

Inspired by the popular “Game of Thrones” character, Khaleesi seemed like a strong, exotic choice at first. However, as the character’s storyline took a controversial turn, parents began to regret naming their children after her. Khaleesi isn’t even a name but rather a title in the show’s fictional language, which can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

As the cultural moment fades, so does the appeal of this trendy name.

4. Bentley

While it might sound luxurious, naming your child after a car brand can come off as overly materialistic. Bentley has seen a spike in usage, but many parents regret it because of the associations with wealth and status it brings. What’s worse, it may seem pretentious or out of place in many contexts, and children might face teasing for having a name linked to a high-end product.

Names based on brands tend to lose their charm over time.

5. Addison

Originally a masculine name meaning “son of Adam,” Addison transitioned into a popular girl’s name. However, its surge in popularity has led to a common regret: it’s now too trendy and no longer feels unique. On top of that, the name’s masculine origins can cause confusion or mismatched expectations for a little girl.

Parents often end up wishing they had chosen a name with a more timeless appeal.

6. Jayden

Another member of the “-ayden” trend, Jayden has exploded in popularity over the past decade. Many parents have grown tired of how common it has become, losing the sense of individuality they originally sought. The name’s trendy nature means it could feel dated in a few years, and the likelihood of your child sharing the name with multiple classmates is high.

Parents often regret choosing such a “fad” name once the trend dies down.

7. Messiah

Naming a child Messiah can come with unintended weight and expectations, making it a name many parents end up regretting. While it may have been chosen for its strong, religious connotations, it can be seen as presumptuous or inappropriate by others.

Children with such names might also feel burdened by the implications that come with the title, leading to unwanted attention or confusion as they grow up.

8. Kinsley

Kinsley has become a trendy choice for girls, but its rise in popularity means it’s now overused. Many parents choose this name for its soft, modern sound, but regret sets in when they realize how many other little girls share it. Additionally, Kinsley doesn’t have the historical or timeless qualities of other names, which can make it feel dated as trends shift.

What once felt fresh can quickly feel like it belongs to a specific era.

9. Axel

While Axel may sound edgy and cool, parents often regret it once they realize how strongly it’s associated with rock star Axel Rose from Guns N’ Roses. This pop culture connection can feel limiting, and children might not appreciate having their name linked to a famous personality they don’t identify with.

Additionally, the hard, tough sound of the name may not suit every personality, leading to mismatches as children grow into their own identities.

10. Jaxon

Jaxon, a trendy alternative spelling of Jackson, may seem like a cool twist at first. However, the unusual spelling often leads to frustration with constant corrections or misspellings. Many parents regret opting for a more “unique” version of a classic name once they realize how much confusion it causes.

While Jackson has a timeless appeal, Jaxon can come across as trying too hard to be different.

11. Paisley

Paisley, inspired by the colorful pattern, has become a popular name choice, but it’s one many parents grow to regret. What seems cute and quirky for a baby can feel overly cutesy or juvenile as the child grows up. Additionally, Paisley is heavily associated with the pattern, which could lead to teasing or unwanted associations.

As children grow older, they might wish for a name with more substance or flexibility.

12. Cullen

Thanks to the “Twilight” series, Cullen became a trendy name choice for fans of the vampire family in the books and movies. However, parents often regret the name once the cultural moment fades, and the strong association with the series becomes less relevant. Cullen can also feel tied to a very specific time, making it seem dated in the future.

Names linked to pop culture tend to lose their appeal as trends change, leading to potential regret.

13. Danger

While some parents opt for Danger as a middle name in a playful attempt at uniqueness, others regret it for the connotations it carries. Children might not appreciate having a name that implies risk or recklessness, and it can lead to teasing or misunderstandings as they grow up.

What seems fun and edgy for a baby or toddler may not age well, and parents often find themselves wishing they had chosen something more balanced.

14. Stormy

Inspired by the weather or celebrities, Stormy has become a name choice for those seeking something bold. However, parents often regret it due to the negative connotations that come with storms—such as unpredictability or chaos. Additionally, the name can feel too trendy, especially with celebrity babies bearing the same name, and may not age well into adulthood.

Parents may find themselves wishing they had chosen a name with a more positive or timeless meaning.

15. Kaiden

Like Jayden and Brayden, Kaiden is another name that’s part of the “-ayden” trend. Its overuse and trendy nature make it a common source of regret for parents who wanted something distinctive. Kaiden also has multiple spelling variations (Kaden, Cayden), which can cause confusion and lead to frequent corrections.

What starts as a unique-sounding choice can quickly become too common, especially when grouped with similarly sounding names.

16. Maverick

Maverick may sound like a strong, independent name at first, but parents often regret it for its overly rebellious connotations. Children might find it hard to live up to the name’s bold, free-spirited meaning, and it can lead to misunderstandings in more formal settings.

What seems adventurous for a child can feel out of place for an adult, leading to possible regret down the road.

17. Blue

Choosing a color as a name can feel whimsical and unique, but Blue, in particular, is often met with regret. The name is heavily associated with celebrity culture, and while it may work for a famous personality, it doesn’t always translate well for everyday use. Additionally, the potential for teasing (“feeling blue”) makes this name a risk that many parents later wish they hadn’t taken.

While it’s a striking choice, its lack of versatility can lead to frustration as the child grows older.