The 8 ‘unpopular’ baby names young parents today are avoiding

Baby names

by Aimee Jakes |
Published on

A handful of baby names are being shunned by the next generation because of their 'negative' connotations in the modern world.

Names such as Stan, Felicia and Alexa are being ditched according to a study by Channelmum.com

Two thirds of younger parents are snubbing the name 'Alexa' after Amazon named their popular digital assistant after the moniker.

Millennials are also avoiding the name 'Stan' after it was used as a hashtag to describe a 'stalker fan'.

Young parents are also saying 'bye Felicia' to the name Felicia, after the viral meme was used to say goodbye to someone/something you disliked.

GALLERY: 50 of the most unusual baby names

Gallery

Top 50 most unusual baby names - and their meanings

Chester1 of 48

Chester

Holly Willoughby bagged Chester - meaning 'fortress' - for her baby boy, so we imagine this comfortable, quirky and cuddly name will rise in popularity soon.

Pax2 of 48

Pax

Meaning 'peaceful this unusual unisex name got a lot of publicity when chosen by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for their Vietnamese-born son.

Constantine3 of 48

Constantine

Constantine, meaning "steadfast", is a distinguished name that has long been overlooked. But, as names such as Augustine and Atticus become more popular, it seems as if the Roman Emperor's name could be primed for a comeback...

Lev4 of 48

Lev

This concise one-syllable name, meaning "heart" or "lion", has definite potential, being more unusual than the increasingly popular Levi.

Susannah5 of 48

Susannah

Susannah, meaning "lily", has an irresistible, flowing rhythm - and is a more stylish version of the traditional 'Susan' or 'Suzanne'.

Mirabelle6 of 48

Mirabelle

If you're looking for a 'belle' name that isn't 'Isabelle than why not try the lovely Mirabelle? Meaning 'marvellous it can be changed to 'Mirabella' or 'Maribel' - depending on what suits your little one.

Rio7 of 48

Rio

Rio is a Spanish boy's name, meaning 'river'.

Theodora8 of 48

Theodora

This charmingly old-fashioned girl's name means 'gift of God' and has a wealth of nicknames available - think Teddy, Thea and Dora, to name but three!

CELEBRITY INSPIRATION: Robbie Williams named his little girl Theodora - nicknamed Teddy - Rose

Shepherd9 of 48

Shepherd

A cute pastoral boy's name, Shepherd means exactly what you think it does - and can be shortened to the adorable Shep.

Rosalind10 of 48

Rosalind

Rosalind - meaning 'pretty rose' - was made popular when Shakespeare used it for one of his heroines in 'As You Like It'.

Caspian11 of 48

Caspian

Caspian - taken from the name of the large sea between Asia and Europe - was used by C.S Lewis for the name of the hero of his children's novel, Prince Caspian, part of the Chronicles of Narnia series.

Zadie12 of 48

Zadie

Zadie means 'princess making it perfect for your little girl.

Ellison13 of 48

Ellison

Ellison, meaning 'benevolent is traditionally a boy's name - but could just as easily be used for a little girl.

Aviva14 of 48

Aviva

Aviva is a vivacious and memorable girl's name, meaning 'springlike, fresh, dewy'.

West15 of 48

West

West is definitely shaping up well as a unisex name - but we imagine it will increase in popularity now that the Kardashian-Wests are in power!

Indigo16 of 48

Indigo

Indigo, a deep blue-purple dye from plants native to India, is particularly striking for both girls and boys.

Cleo17 of 48

Cleo

Cleo (meaning 'glory') is short, of course, for Cleopatra, one of the most powerful women in history. Sounds like a good choice to us...

Devon18 of 48

Devon

Devon, spelled like the lovely seaside town, can be used for baby boys or baby girls - would you be tempted to use it for your own little one?

Aurelio19 of 48

Aurelio

Aurelio is an exotic and energetic Italian boy's name, rarely heard in the UK, which means 'the golden one'. It can also be changed to Aurelia - just like in Love Actually - if you plan on using it for a baby girl.

Pilar20 of 48

Pilar

The girl's name 'Pilar' originated in the legend of the miracle of the Virgin Mary's appearance over a marble pillar, giving it a special sense of strength and elegance.

Baxter21 of 48

Baxter

The boy's name Baxter, meaning 'baker was last popular in 1886, meaning it's well time for a comeback.

Pippa22 of 48

Pippa

Pippa made headlines thanks to Kate Middleton's sister - but this cute name, meaning 'lover of horses is still an unusual one.

Willis23 of 48

Willis

Almost never used in modern times, the boy's name Willis means 'resolute protection'.

Georgiana24 of 48

Georgiana

Pronounced Geoge-ee-AH-na, this elaborately feminine girl's name means 'farmer' - and has cropped up in the likes of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and 2008 film The Duchess. Very regal!

Octavia25 of 48

Octavia

Octavia - meaning 'eigth' - was popular in ancient Roman and Victorian times, and has a rich literary pedigree. Think Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, for starters.

Zinnia26 of 48

Zinnia

Zinnia is an edgy, energetic flower name - symbolising remembrance. We love it.

Teo27 of 48

Teo

The Spanish version of Matthew, this unusual boy's name means 'gift of God'.

Winifred28 of 48

Winifred

This beautiful vintage girl's name, meaning 'blessed peacemaking has a choice of two nicknames; Winnie or Freddie.

Marguerite29 of 48

Marguerite

Marguerite is a classic French girl's name, meaning 'pearl' or 'daisy'. Totally chic!

Roscoe30 of 48

Roscoe

This quirky name - meaning 'deer forest is a fresh choice for a baby boy or girl.

Romy31 of 48

Romy

Another unisex name with a lot of energy and bounce, this cool name means 'citizen of Rome'.

Nile32 of 48

Nile

Nile, meaning 'champion is inspired by the famous Egyptian river and can be used for both boys and girls.

Juno33 of 48

Juno

Juno, inspired by a Roman goddess named the 'queen of heavens is fresh, beautiful and unique. We love it.

True34 of 48

True

Inspirational and aspirational, True means exactly what you'd expect - and can be used for both boys and girls. Nice!

Verity35 of 48

Verity

This virtue name, meaning 'truth is the perfect fusion of old and new - it even made a brief appearance in Harry Potter!

Slater36 of 48

Slater

This boy's name was made popular by 90s TV show Saved By The Bell, but has diminished in popularity since then. A shame, since this boy's name has a seriously friendly and genial feel.

Tierney37 of 48

Tierney

Celtic unisex name Tierney means 'descendant of a lord making it a fine choice for any new parents.

Lulu38 of 48

Lulu

We love the name Lulu (which means 'pearl') - it's so energetic, vivacious and fun!

Penn39 of 48

Penn

This simple, elegant boy's name - meaning 'enclosure' - is VERY distinctive, isn't it? No wonder it made it into Gossip Girl!

Snow40 of 48

Snow

This girl's name feels brisk, fresh, pure, evocative - and magical. We imagine fans of Frozen will love it!

Cassidy41 of 48

Cassidy

This unisex name - meaning 'curly-headed' - is an Irish cowboy name that packs a punch.

Greer42 of 48

Greer

This glam Scottish name, meaning 'alert and watchful is a strong and sophisticated choice for any little girl.

Henrietta43 of 48

Henrietta

With plenty of vintage charm, Henrietta - meaning 'estate ruler'. has a number of charming nicknames, including Etta, Hetty and Hattie.

Baker44 of 48

Baker

This hip occupational name is fresh and friendly-sounding; perfect for a little boy.

Millicent45 of 48

Millicent

Millicent is a sweet and feminine girl's name, meaning "strong in work", and in definite need of a comeback.

Auden46 of 48

Auden

Auden is a poetic and old-fashioned unisex name, meaning 'old friend'.

Stellan47 of 48

Stellan

Stellan is a strong, attractive, Scandinavian boy's name, meaning 'calm'.

Leopold48 of 48

Leopold

This aristocratic boy's name - meaning 'brave people' - is an interesting Germanic one. Think 'Leo' for short!

A staggering 83 per cent of parents reject baby names if it reminded them of someone they didn't like, alongside 81 per cent who rule out a moniker which doesn’t fit with their surname.

Seems fair enough, tbh.

Another name to face the wrath of 2018 culture is 'Ollie', the name of a popular American pet food brand and is now a YouTube internet phenomenon with humans scoffing their dog’s dinners.

The name 'Harvey' has also suffered after the shocking Weinstein allegations.

Even the name 'Scarlett' is being snubbed for a on-trend, millennial hue 'Violet' and Lauren' has decreased in popularity after the numerous reality telly stars with the same name.

Overall, 55 per cent of parents would be very worried if their child had a name linked to a hashtag, meme or other internet trend, with one in 25 encouraging their child to use a middle name or change their name altogether.

SJ Strum, ChannelMum.com baby name expert, said: "Although Alexa was a popular choice a few years ago, the rapid proliferation of Amazon Alexas is killing it off. No one wants a daughter and a device with the same name.

"And this problem will only grow. If Facebook ever launches its rumoured AI personal assistant M, it will end the popularity of Emma, which is shortened to Em.

"And Samantha, Harmony and Solana are all definite no-nos as they're all brands of sex robot. These are problems no parent faced a few years ago."

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