Unique and over-the-top names have become increasingly popular in the last few years, especially thanks to the onset of celebrities trying to name their kids something unheard of. This has led to a lot of divisive baby names that people feel strongly about, whether they love them or love to hate them.
According to The Mirror, two-thirds of parents consider a baby name that’s controversial when deciding what to name their little one. These sorts of names provoke passionate reactions from friends and family, both positive and negative. This led UK baby name expert SJ Strum to compile a list of the top divisive baby names for the site.
For baby girls, the controversial list of names includes:
- Chloe
- Lola
- Stella
- Winter
- Margot
- Agnes
- Megan/Meghan
- Scarlett
- Emmie
- Olive
Surprisingly, most of the names that made the list were not extreme at all. Monikers like Chloe, Meghan, Stella, and Agnes are timeless names that have been popular for decades, so it’s surprising to hear that they can be such provocative choices. Still, there were some baby girl names on the list that are less common, such as Winter. But we wouldn’t exactly call that an unusual or out-there baby name.
For boys, these are the top names that are supposedly contentious picks:
- Jaxon/Jaxxon
- Felix
- Harrison
- Oscar
- Alfie
- Henry
- Leonard
- Fox
- Eden
- Mackenzie
Several of the names, such as Felix, Alfie, Leonard, and Henry, have been classic baby names for years. Perhaps their ‘boring’ connotation is what makes them so divisive amongst loved ones.
However, the boys’ list had more uncommon names than the girl’s list, including the moniker Eden, which is most often associated with girls. Another gender-neutral name that made the list was Mackenzie, which up until recently was most often associated with little girls. Although gender-neutral names are supposed to be rising in popularity, perhaps this is a sign that they remain contentious options.
Finally, another interesting name that made the boy’s list was Fox, which may be the most uncommon name to be featured. There’s been a rising trend of naming children after animals. For instance, Lauren Conrad recently named her second child Charlie Wolf. Actress Zooey Deschanel coincidentally also has a son with the same name. Her daughter also has an animal-inspired name: Elsie Otter.
Do you love or hate these controversial baby names? let us know your thoughts in the comments!