When it comes to naming your baby, inspiration can strike almost anywhere, but sometimes you end up finding the best baby name by copying off a celebrity’s choice for their own offspring. When it comes to celebrity baby names you might want to use yourself, however, there are some you could probably live without. Because even celebrities make questionable decisions when it comes to picking names for their children.
There is nothing inherently wrong with these celebrity baby names by any means. It’s just that, sometimes, in an effort to be so different and "out there," celebrities take it a little too far. So take some of these names as inspiration for your own baby, but feel free to leave others where they are — as the names of other people’s kids.
10 You'll Want: River Rose (Kelly Clarkson)
The name River can legitimately be used for either boys or girls, which makes it extremely versatile. It’s also the name Kelly Clarkson chose for her daughter in 2014. It has since risen in popularity in the United States, but Clarkson told People magazine it was an easy decision for her and her husband to come to before their daughter was born.
"We live on a river, so it wasn’t that creative," she revealed. "We were outside on our balcony, and we both looked at each other and were like, ‘What about River? That’s kind of cool."
9 Live Without: Frances Bean (Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain)
Frances Bean Cobain is the now-adult daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, so there’s no denying that she comes from talented stock. But as much talent as she might have coursing through her veins, nothing can make up for the fact that her name just isn't likely to be copied by parents today. Maybe that’s a good thing and makes her that much more special. It just doesn't feel like one of those unique celebrity baby names that will eventually be a trendy one.
8 You'll Want: Apple (Gwenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin)
Plenty of celebrities pride themselves on being experts when it comes to coming up with unique baby names. It could be argued, though, that Gwenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin set the bar high when they named their daughter Apple way back in 2004.
At the time, it was an out of the ordinary name for the couple to go with and they made headlines simply for choosing such an unusual name. These days, however, it’s more common to choose an uncommon name and, honestly, "Apple" is pretty adorable for any little girl.
7 Live Without: Ode Mountain (Jena Malone)
Actress Jena Malone might have been inspired by nature when she named her son Ode Mountain and there’s nothing wrong with baby names inspired by nature. Obviously River is one of the more well-liked ones, and it is in the same category. Ode Mountain probably isn't a name you will hear almost anywhere else, though, so don't beat yourself up if this is one celebrity baby name you could live without. It’s definitely not the first baby name that left people scratching their heads and it won't be the last.
6 You'll Want: Archie (Duchess Meghan and Duke Harry of Sussex)
When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex got married in 2018, the only thing more important than watching their nuptials was wondering when they would produce an heir of their own, much like Prince Harry’s brother, Prince William, had before him.
It didn't take long for them to have a son of their own, who they named Archie Harrison. And while Archibald is a regal name on its own, using Archie is just unique enough to set the name apart from so many other little boys and make it once most parents probably already want to use for their own baby boys.
5 Live Without: Pilot Inspektor (Jason Lee)
Sometimes, celebrity baby names seem like they are chosen at random from a hat and in the case of Jason Lee’s son, Pilot Inspektor, that’s certainly what it sounds like. But, Lee explained at the time of his son’s birth in 2005, he and his wife were inspired by a song by the band Grandaddy. At the time, he explained that when he and his wife heard the song "He's Simple, He's the Pilot," they knew it was the name they wanted for their son. Unfortunately, it still isn't the first baby name choice for other parents today.
4 You'll Want: Birdie Mae (Jessica Simpson)
Jessica Simpson has three children, but her newest addition to the family, eight-month-old Birdie Mae, might have the best name yet. Simpson hasn't come out to explain where she and her husband got the inspiration for the name or its accompanying middle name, but it’s another one that is unique and adorable enough for almost any parent to want to use for their own little one when the time comes. You don't necessarily have to use the same first and middle names for your own daughter, but it’s hard to deny how well they go together.
3 Live Without: Psalm (Kim Kardashian and Kanye West)
As if Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s kids didn't already have enough to live up to with parents like theirs, they each have names that set the bar high. Like their newest addition, Psalm. Because the name also means "song" in Hebrew, the couple allegedly chose the name because of their shared spirituality. It’s unclear if that’s totally accurate, but it makes sense, given how vocal West is about his own faith and how important music is to him as a whole. West apparently approached Kardashian about the name, she agreed, and that was that.
2 You'll Want: Lazer (Diplo)
Is it any wonder than a professional DJ in the EDM genre would name his son Lazer? In a way, it might be Diplo doing the absolute most in an almost annoying fashion. But it makes total sense for him and it gives the kid a lot to live up to.
What grade school kid isn't infinitely cooler with a name like Lazer? It might also be a name that has to grow on you. If you want something for your son that’s totally unique and unlikely to be found on many kindergarten rosters, however, then Lazer is it.
1 Live Without: Cricket Pearl (Busy Philipps)
There is a lot to admire Busy Philipps for. She has tons of great tips as a mom, she is open minded when it comes to parenting, and she knows the value in repping a clothing company like Old Navy. Unfortunately, he might not be the best role model when it comes to baby names. She named her six-year-old daughter Cricket Pearl, which probably won't be copied anytime soon. Philipps explained shortly after that she and her husband simply wanted to name their kids fun names that would require no nicknames, and whether you love it or will never use it for your own kid, she stands behind the name Cricket.
No one ever said you need to copy a celebrity’s baby name choice in order to make the right decision for your own kid’s name. If you happen to find inspiration there, however, then more power to you. Just be aware that not all celebrities make the best choices when it comes to baby names and it’s totally okay to leave some of those for the other parents out there.