Survey Shows Nearly 10% Of Mothers Regret The Names They Chose For Their Children

After giving birth to her second child, a son named Wolf, in 2022, Kylie Jenner famously changed his name to Aire. Jenner disclosed that she made an impulsive name choice due to the pressure to sign the birth certificate, which she later regretted.

According to a BabyCenter survey, nearly one in ten mothers have some regret about the names they chose for their children. Nine percent of the 478 parents questioned by the baby names blog reported regretting the name they gave their child.

Jenner and Travis Scott, the father of her son, "just didn't feel like it was him." So, Wolf became Aire a few months after his birth.

Jenner took some time to come up with the ideal name for Aire; for a while, she even referred to him as Knight. But then, she said, "You know what, we are not doing this again."

"And my daughter, still to this day, is like, 'Do you remember when Aire's name was Knight?'" she recently told British Vogue. "And I'm like, 'No.' And she's like, 'That was so funny, Mom. I like Knight better.' And I'm like, 'You know what, we are not doing this again.'"

Approximately 6% of parents who participated in the study later changed their baby's first or last name legally, a procedure that can take some time.

Name choices shaped by society and history

According to some survey participants at BabyCenter, their regret didn't last, and even if it did, they could use a nickname or change it legally. But why the regret, exactly?

Ten percent of respondents expressed feelings similar to Jenner's, stating that the name of their child simply didn't fit their personality.

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In a stand-up routine, Amy Schumer said that she had given her baby a new name, Gene Attell Fisher, because the original name sounded like "genital fissure." She changed her son's middle name to David in honor of comedian Dave Attell, a choice she made.

According to the survey, 15% of respondents preferred their child's middle name, while 20% preferred their child's nickname. Although they refer to Serena Williams' first child by her middle name, Olympia, she is named after her husband, Alexis Ohanian.

Dr. Helen Fisher, a renowned biological anthropologist, explains that names can carry significant social weights and influence identity formation. Her research underscores the importance of a name in shaping a child's self-perception and the perceptions of others.

Fisher recommends involving children in future naming decisions as they grow, allowing them to express their feelings about their names. This practice promotes self-acceptance and can help alleviate parental regret. By fostering open discussions about names, families can cultivate a supportive environment where children feel empowered in their identity.

According to 15% of those polled, others have made fun of or criticized their baby's name

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Actress and podcaster Casey Wilson named her son Henry Bear, and during her "Bitch Sesh" podcast, she expressed her wish that she had given him the name Bear as a first name. It's unclear if she formally changed his name, but she now calls him Bear.

Although they appreciate their child's name, 11% of the parents surveyed indicated they prefer to refer to their child by an English name because it is culturally specific. Additionally, some parents find it difficult to decide on a name right away.

Some people seek baby name consultants, while others simply browse through baby name books or online

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The Emotional Weight of Naming

Dr. William Sears, a well-known pediatrician and parenting expert, highlights that choosing a child's name can evoke deep emotional responses, often reflecting parental hopes and values. Many parents experience 'naming remorse' as they grapple with the societal pressures surrounding names.

According to Dr. Sears, this phenomenon can lead to feelings of regret when the name doesn't align with the child's personality or family dynamics. To mitigate this, he suggests parents take their time, considering names that resonate personally and culturally, rather than rushing due to hospital pressures.

Colleen Slagen, a baby name consultant, told Inside Edition that her fees range from $250 to $400. A baby name consultant known on TikTok as @emdoodlesandstuff uses these factors, among others, to assist clients in choosing names for their infants.

She makes predictions about the baby names of social media celebrities based on their online personas and styles. She also considers family names and names that clients like but don't want to use.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, navigating the complexities of naming a child is a significant responsibility that can often lead to regret. Experts like Dr. Sears and Dr. Fisher emphasize the importance of thoughtful consideration and open communication in this process. Parents are encouraged to take their time, exploring names that resonate deeply while also embracing conversations with their children about their names as they grow.

Ultimately, creating a supportive environment where names are discussed openly can foster a sense of identity and belonging, minimizing feelings of regret and enhancing familial bonds.