Gen Z Mom Warns Other Parents About Giving Their Babies ‘Insane’ Names 

It isn’t uncommon for parents to give their children an unusual name in a bid to make them stand out. However, one Gen Z mom told Newsweek that others should think twice before choosing a name their child may grow up to hate.

Taylor Eskridge, from Kansas City, Missouri, has shared her thoughts on TikTok (@taylorreskridge) and racked up over 377,000 views. She told Newsweek that she was inspired to make a series about ‘crazy baby names’ through some mom groups on Facebook.

“It has made me realize how insane baby names are getting these days,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s also crazy to see parents give their child a common name, but spell it with six extra letters that don’t belong just so it can be different.

“Kids are going to have a very hard time learning to spell their names in a few years. Don’t give them a name you’d be embarrassed to have yourself,” Eskridge said.

In 2010, Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, conducted a study of 325 million babies’ names and discovered that many parents were opting for unique spellings of popular ones. For instance, the name Jaxson had become more common than the traditionally spelled Jackson, and double-barreled names were also on the rise.

More recently, the U.S. Social Security Administration announced its 1,000 most-popular baby names for 2023, based on new Social Security card applications. Although classics like Liam, James, Charlotte, and Mia continue to rank in the top 10, the names that saw the biggest increases in popularity from 2022 appear to be largely influenced by social media, celebrities, and pop culture.

“Each year, the list reveals the effect of pop culture on naming trends,” the Social Security Administration wrote in a news release.

“Parents must have really smashed the ‘like’ button for YouTube and TikTok star Kaeli McEwen (also known as Kaeli Mae), who routinely promotes a clean, tidy and neutral-aesthetic lifestyle,” added the news release.

Other rising female names in 2023 include Azari and Emryn. Boy names have also been influenced by content creators, with Eiden being one of the fastest risers last year. This could be due in part to TikTok creator Wyatt Eiden, who has more than 3 million followers.

Eskridge, a stay-at-home mom, wants people to remember that the child is going to grow up and be an adult one day.

“I am never judging the children,” Eskridge said during the video. “I’m more so questioning why adults are doing this to their kids nowadays.”

She added that she has noticed that parents want their kids to be “unique” and “different”. However, some people who have had to live with an unusual name have contacted her and said they don’t like it.

Eskridge then concluded the post by offering advice for parents who are on the fence about unique names.

She told Newsweek: “My biggest piece of advice for people wanting an unusual or unique name for their kid is to give it to yourself for a week. Use it in a coffee shop, and listen to how it sounds when another adult calls out your name.

“Go yell it off your back porch and see if it sounds ridiculous. Imagine it on the door of a CEO’s office. Does it look silly? Does it sound insane? If so, don’t do that to your child.”

Recently, a woman who has no plans on becoming a mom shared her favorite baby names on TikTok, such as Melrose, Avalon, Emerald and Rhythm.

“I am child-free by choice, but I do think that my baby name list is elite,” the woman, from San Diego, California, said. “I’m going to share this with the internet, because, if I’m not going to use them, someone else can.

Eskridge added: “I know there are no rules, maybe there should be, when it comes to naming a child. I don’t know if there are names that are best to go with. There is just a very big difference between unique names and insane/cruel names.

“However, you can never go wrong with a classic name that is spelled right!” she said.

If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.