Every year I take one week to choose all of the names, typically without input from anyone.
This year, I had a slightly different idea. I’ve really enjoyed writing about Cohen and Madison and Apple. I typically discover there’s much to love aboutanyname, even one that provokes strong feelings in others. And so I’ve decided to dedicate the week of July 23 to the Most Hated Names in America.
So far, the schedule looks like this:
- Monday, June 23 – Nevaeh
- Tuesday, June 24 – Jayden
- Wednesday, June 25 – Brooklyn
But then comes Thursday, and I’m stumped. There are plenty of trendy names that fall out of favor quickly, typically those borrowed from celebrities or infamous figures. That’s not quite what I have in mind, though. You might not call your daughter Kimora, but do you really loathe the name?
So which names completes the set? No fair saying Hayden or Zaiden – that’s too easy. And no geezer names, either – they have to be modern, trendy names, ideally ones heavily in use.
Suggestions welcome.
Makayla/Mikayla is one that I hear everywhere and dislike immensely! McKenna and McKenzie are right up there, too.
Perusing the top 500, I think these would make good picks:
Jackson/Jaxon/Jaxson
Ryder
Ryker
Cash
Dakota
Jagger
Colt
Jett
Gunner
Donald
Camden/Kamden
Armani
Marvin
Kaylee/Kylie/Kayla
Serenity
Trinity
Genesis
Destiny
Payton/Peyton
Brynn
McKenna/Makenna/any McName
Presley
Aaliyah/Aliyah
Miley
Crystal
Finley
Tenley
Miracle
I agree with all of these…except for Trinity and Serenity. I wouldn’t use them, but I kind of like them.
How about Mackenzie?
Yes! MacKenzie! Ugh! The WORST.
What about Caitlin and its many variations?
What about something like Gracelyn or Ashlyn or place names like London?
Bentley is definitely up there thanks to Maci on 16 and pregnant.
Everytime I watch Toddlers and Tiaras I’m struck by the names—Ceelee, Sailee and other farfetched end in “e” names, McKenzie (ahhh!), Addison, just to name a few.
hmm… i can only think of the overused annoying ones in our neighborhood and they aren’t even that bad i mean, Brittany, Kaitlin, Ashley… i really don’t like Tammy either…no offense anyone! 🙂
I would agree with Bentley (especially on a girl – it represents a lot of other hated names. I recently met a baby girl Bentley). Oh, and maybe Madison?
I’m sad Brooklyn is so hated, though at this point it’s too popular for me to use. I’m wondering why Cohen is so hated?
Basically, for Jewish people Cohen is a significant surname showing relation to a kind of priest (or something similar) but most people who use Cohen as a first name aren’t Jewish. So some people think it’s just stealing part of a culture and some people don’t see a big deal about it and it can cause lots of arguments online.
It’s not really the name, it’s more the context it’s used in really.
Good question! My first thought was Kennedy, but it seems you’ve already covered him/her. Not sure about hated, but Suri was a controversial pick. Or maybe Bentley? Personally, I’m no fan of either Emma or Ella/Elle.
I suggest Kiley, Jaylynn or Paisley.
I agree with Kylee, Kiley, Kylie et. al. That name drives me nuts.