Survey Shows Nearly 10% Of Mothers Regret The Names They Chose For Their Children
"You know what, we are not doing this again"
Nearly 10% of mothers say they regret the names they chose, and it is not because they picked something “wild” or embarrassing. It is the quieter kind of regret, the one that hits after the hospital rush, when the name starts to feel like it belongs to someone else.
In a BabyCenter survey, some moms admitted their child’s name simply did not match the vibe they expected. Then there are the real-life twists, like Kylie Jenner’s son starting out as Wolf before becoming Aire, or Serena Williams’ daughter being known by her middle name, Olympia.
And once you hear how fast these choices get made, you start to wonder what else could have gone differently.
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.
CBSNKylie Jenner’s Wolf-to-Aire pivot is the kind of moment that makes you understand how quickly a birth certificate can lock in a decision.
" She changed her son's middle name to David in honor of comedian Dave Attell, a choice she made. Although they refer to Serena Williams' first child by her middle name, Olympia, she is named after her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
According to 15% of those polled, others have made fun of or criticized their baby's name
CBSNMeanwhile, Serena Williams’ Olympia detail shows how a “technical” name and a “real” name can end up living two separate lives.
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.
This is also like the sister in a financial crisis who has a history of not repaying loans.
Some people seek baby name consultants, while others simply browse through baby name books or online
CBSN
On the other end, Casey Wilson calling her son Henry Bear, then wishing she had made Bear the first name, is the regret that lingers even when everyone has already moved on.
The phenomenon of naming regret is far more common than one might think, as illustrated by Kylie Jenner's experience with her son, initially named Wolf before becoming Aire. This situation underscores how the pressures of the moment, particularly in a hospital setting, can lead parents to make impulsive decisions that they may later question. In Jenner's case, the rush to sign the birth certificate resulted in a name that did not resonate with her expectations or the child's identity.
Many parents, much like Jenner, grapple with the weight of societal expectations when choosing names. This often leads to a poignant sense of regret when the chosen name doesn’t quite fit the family narrative or the child's personality. It serves as a reminder that taking time to reflect on a name’s significance—culturally and personally—can be invaluable in ensuring it aligns with parental hopes and values. The emotional weight of a name can last a lifetime, making thoughtful consideration essential before making a final choice.
Add the moms who said their baby’s name got criticized, and you can see why the regret is not just personal, it can be social too.
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.
Naming a child is undoubtedly a weighty decision, and the recent experiences of public figures highlight just how easily impulsive choices can lead to regret. The case of Kylie Jenner, who initially named her son Wolf before changing it to Aire, serves as a cautionary tale. This reflects a broader theme where the pressure to make quick decisions can overshadow the deeper significance of a name.
Parents are urged to take their time and consider names that hold personal meaning, rather than succumbing to the urgency of the moment. Additionally, engaging in discussions about names with children as they grow can help foster a strong sense of identity and belonging. By creating an environment where names are thoughtfully considered and openly discussed, families can strengthen their bonds and mitigate the regret that sometimes accompanies this pivotal choice.
Nobody expects a baby name to come with a refund policy, but some moms still want one.
Want another family conflict, too? See if it’s fair to expect gluten-free options at a friends BBQ.
