With many new parents expecting their first child in the new year, now comes the exciting task of choosing the right name for your baby. Lots will be taking inspiration from top pop culture moments in 2024, such as the release of the films Wicked and Gladiator II.
However, some of the most loved and popular baby names in the UK have meanings behind them which mean they might not be the best choice of names for your newborn going into 2025. Prashant Patel, owner of Personalised Bee, said: “Looking to the future, several trends are expected to shape the baby names of 2025 in the UK. Name trends are likely to continue reflecting religious traditions and global influences. More unique names such as Aurora, Elodie, and Rowan are gaining momentum. Also, we’re seeing pop culture continuing to have a big impact on baby’s names and shaping choices, so names linked to high profile personalities, beloved fictional characters, or global events may rise in popularity.
“In 2025 we’re going to see name trends highlight both personal and cultural markers, such as the latest releases of films and music in the UK is already having a direct impact on the trendiness of certain names. According to ONS (Office for National Statistics) found the following summer blockbuster films Barbie (starring Margot Robbie) and Oppenheimer (starring Cillian Murphy), in 2023 there were an additional 215 baby girls named Margot and 14 baby boys named Cillian, compared with 2022.
“Although, many parents in the new year will be looking for a name that has a significant and profound meaning behind them. We found from looking into some of the most popular names in the UK, it might change your mind if you are thinking of using them when you see how many actually have negative connotations behind them.”
10 boy names to avoid in 2025:
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Damien – Also can be spelt as ‘Damian’ which is of Greek origin, this can mean ‘To tame’ and ‘subdue’.
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Jacob – One that has been growing in popularity over time but actually doesn’t have the most empowering meaning! This name is of Hebrew origin referring to a “supplanter” or “one who follows”.
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Byron – This name has slowly been increasing in popularity since 2021, but it might be one we leave in 2024 as its meaning is ‘a cowshed’ or ‘a barn’ from Old English origin.
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Samael – This name can also be shortened to ‘Sam’, a popular boys name that actually has the negative meaning ‘God has heard’ or ‘Venom of God’.
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Cain – This one has links to the biblical story of Cain who killed his brother Abel and symbolises betrayal and jealousy, so not a name to give to a newborn boy.
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Kieran – This name has been decreasing in popularity over the years, and it’s no surprise due to its eerie meaning, one of them being ‘dark’ in Irish and Scottish.
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Cameron – Believed to come from the Gaelic word ‘cam sron’ which has the meaning of ‘crooked nose’, which might take away from the cuteness of your newborn baby.
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Macrinus – Following unique names and recent pop culture, the new Gladiator II is already creating a buzz and may start to influence new baby names, but one you may want to avoid is the main villain of the film, Macrinus.
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Campbell – Another common boys name which refers back to appearance is this one sadly, this one is a Scottish name for ‘crooked mouth’.
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Tristan – For fans of the Kardashians, they may have chosen this name due to its link to Tristan Thompson, Canadian basketball player and previously in a relationship with Khloe Kardashian. This name has a sad meaning though, in Celtic it refers to ‘sorrowful’ or ‘sorrowful one’.
10 girl names to avoid in 2025:
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Delilah – Originally related to a biblical character and represented ‘deception’ or ‘betrayal’.
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Lilith – In Judaism, the name Lilith refers to ‘demon’ or a rebellious figure.
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Morgana – From Arthurian legend, this name refers to the half sister of King Arthur who becomes an enchantress, this is often depicted as deceitful and antagonistic.
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Jezebel – The name is associated with a biblical queen who was seen as manipulative and immoral, leading to its use as a term for a promiscuous or deceitful woman.
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Leah – A popular name in the UK, but in Hebrew it actually has the meaning of ‘weary’ or ‘tired’
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Lola – This name is inspired by the Spanish name ‘Dolores’ which when translated means ‘lady of sorrows’.
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Mara – This name has been associated with many different cultures and religions but one of the main associations is of Hebrew origin which means ‘bitter’!
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Molly – This name has many different meanings, however the negative connotation of ‘bitter’ tends to come up the most with this name in both Irish and Hebrew.
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Emily – A popular name choice in the UK and is a shortened version of the Latin ‘Aemilius’, which translates to “rival”.
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Rebecca – This name has a few meanings, mainly aggressive verbs such as ‘to bind, ‘to tie’ or ‘snare’, it’s best to avoid it in 2025!