45 Baby Names That Grandparents Don't Really Like

Sherri Gordon, CLC

Fact checked by Elisabeth ShermanFact checked by Elisabeth Sherman

Many grandparents play an important role in the upbringing of their grandchildren. Even so, it's not uncommon for parents and grandparents to disagree about everything from baby sleep and food choices to screen time and parenting styles. Another possible topic of contention? The baby's name.

According to various online surveys, parents and grandparents often disagree over the perfect moniker for a new baby. Some grandparents might even say that they hate their grandchild’s given name, or want to try to influence the name the parents pick.

Whether you suspect your parents or in-laws are displeased with your child’s name—or if you’re simply curious about names that grandparents hate—keep reading for more insight. We also provide tips on what to do when faced with a baby name dispute.

<p>Parents / Getty Images</p>

Parents / Getty Images



Although this article separates names by gender, your baby’s assigned sex at birth does not need to dictate the name you choose for them. Names are not inherently gendered or associated with a specific sex, and it's important to select a name that feels right for your little one and your family.



Do Grandparents Really Hate Their Grandchild’s Name?

Blame it on generational gaps, cultural differences, or misunderstandings, but many parents have personal anecdotes about baby name disagreements involving the grandparents. Research has also backed up the phenomenon.

A survey by MedicareAdvantage found that at least one out of every three participating grandparents disapprove of at least one of their grandchildren's names.

Meanwhile, Mumsnet notes that one-fifth of surveyed grandparents hate their grandchild’s name. What's more, 6% of parents have fought with future grandparents because of their baby name choice; the fighting caused the relationship to end in 4% of those cases.

Boys Names Disliked by Grandparents

We scoured various internet forums and polls—including the MedicareAdvantage and Mumsnet surveys— to round up a list of boy names commonly hated by grandparents.

Interestingly, many of the most-hated monikers are also the most popular boy names given to kids today. Others are unique names that stand out from the crowd—and that might be precisely why the grandparents don't approve.

Girls’ Names Disliked by Grandparents

Just like we did for the boy names, we reviewed various polls and forums to see which girl names topped the most hated category for grandparents. You'll see some popular girl names mixed with unique ones, but something they have in common is that they create quite the controversy across generations.

Why Do Grandparents Hate Baby Names?

When releasing their survey results, Munset noted the top grandparent objection to a baby’s name: they thought it was too odd (28% of survey respondents). Here are some other reasons why grandparents might hate their grandchild's name:

  • The name sounds old-fashioned or unconventional

  • The name might be embarrassing for the child

  • It wasn't the grandparent's suggested or preferred pick

  • It's not a family name

  • The name is shared by someone they dislike

  • The spelling or pronunciation seems difficult

What to Do When Grandparents Hate Your Baby Name

As you prepare to be a new parent, you probably expect that people will have opinions on everything from your birth plan to your nursery colors. But having a parent or in-law express their distaste over your future baby’s name may just push the envelope a little too far. How should you handle the situation?

Here are some tips on tactfully explaining your name choice if it comes up.

  • Validate the grandparent's concern by acknowledging where they’re coming from, even if you don’t agree with them.

  • Pay attention if they point out how the name might be misconstrued, pronounced incorrectly, or used to tease your child down the road. They may have a valid point!

  • Share the meaning of the name and why it’s special to you.

  • Let the grandparents know (politely) that you’re sticking with the name you selected and that hopefully, in time, they will come to like it too.

  • Don't feel like you have to justify your baby name choice to anyone.

  • Recognize that if you change your baby’s name to appease your parents or in-laws, you may end up regretting your decision—or worse, develop a feeling of resentment toward them.

  • Find things you all agree on—like wanting a healthy baby or how much this little one will be loved—rather than dwelling on the name you selected.

For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Parents.

Advertisement