When selecting a name for their baby, parents often put significant thought into their decision, weighing the pros and cons of how the name might serve their child throughout life. Some might even draw inspiration from trends or cultural moments. But even with careful planning, baby name regret is surprisingly common.
A survey by BabyCenter revealed that nearly 1 in 10 parents wishes they had chosen a different name for their child.
Why Do Parents Experience Baby Name Regret?
Negative Feedback
Among the 450 moms surveyed, 15% reported that their child’s name had been mocked or criticized.
One parent shared, “I named my son Kyan (rhymes with Ryan), but whenever I introduce him, people say, ‘Like cayenne pepper?’”
Opting for Simplicity
Some parents—11% in the survey—said they initially chose culturally significant names they cherished but ended up using easier-to-pronounce English names for convenience. Many noted that others often struggled to pronounce the original names correctly.
Personality Mismatch
Ten percent of moms said the name they chose didn’t match their child’s personality.
One mother explained that she initially called her son “MJ” for months but later switched to “Maverick Dean,” incorporating his dad’s middle name, which felt like a better fit.
Overly Common Names
Another study from the UK by Mumsnet in 2020 found that 20% of parents regretted their choice because the name was too popular. Additionally, another 20% admitted they never loved the name but had given in to outside pressure.
Timing of Baby Name Regret
The good news is that if regret does arise, it usually happens within the first year—often by the time the baby turns one. If parents feel confident in their choice after that milestone, they’re less likely to second-guess it later.
Coping Strategies
For parents experiencing name regret, changing the child’s name legally is an option, though it can be a time-consuming process. Only about 5% of moms surveyed reported going through with a legal name change. Instead, many parents turn to creative solutions:
- Nicknames: 20% of parents said they use a nickname instead of the given name.
- Middle Names: Another 15% opted to use their child’s middle name instead.
Expert Advice for Avoiding Name Regret
While baby name regret isn’t entirely avoidable, experts suggest a few proactive strategies:
- Make Lists: Baby name consultant Taylor Humphrey recommends creating separate lists of “Names I Love” and “Names I Dislike” to clarify preferences.
- Identify Key Qualities: Laura Wattenberg, founder of Namerology and author of The Baby Name Wizard, suggests focusing on the specific qualities you love about a name to help guide your choice.
- Practice Out Loud: Sherri Suzanne, founder of My Name for Life, advises saying potential names aloud in real-life scenarios, such as introducing your child.
Final Thoughts
While baby name regret is a reality for some parents, it’s far from the norm. With a bit of thoughtfulness and preparation, most parents are thrilled with the names they choose for their children—especially when the decision is rooted in love and intention.