If you are an expecting parent, you would be like Sherlock Holmes hunting for the perfect name for your little one - something thats unique and sounds beautiful! Instagram is flooded with pages which suggest names and using tags like “trending names” automatically makes parents want to take a look! I was reading a Reddit thread the other day where a parent was talking about the names of kids in his child’s nursery class! There was a Reyansh, Riyansh, Reyaaan, Rayan and Riyan also! Imagine the confusion for the teachers when children’s names have become so common! Now names like Pooja, Neha and Rahul which were “trending” for millennials have become rare!
"I named my daughter Anaya 3 years ago but now everywhere I go, I meet another child called Anaya!", laughs Sowmya, mother of 3 year old Anaya.
So here is a lowdown on some names which were trending but have now become outdated! Read the entire list so you can make the right choice!
1. Aarav
Why it was trending: Aarav, meaning "peaceful," became a favorite for its modern yet rooted feel.
Why it's common now: Its consistent top ranking in baby name lists has made it overly familiar.
2. Kiara
Why it was trending: Inspired by Bollywood actress Kiara Advani and its Western appeal, the name means "light" or "bright."
Why it's common now: Its rapid rise in popularity, especially post-2019, has made it a household choice, losing its uniqueness.
3. Viraj
Why it was trending: A strong, regal name meaning "king" or "splendor," Viraj appealed to parents seeking a name with grandeur.
Why it's common now: Over the years, it has become a go-to choice for boys, making it feel less distinctive.
4. Kairav
Why it was trending: A poetic name meaning "born of water" or "white lotus," Kairav resonated with nature-loving parents.
Why it's common now: Its frequent appearance in baby name lists has made it a widely chosen name, diminishing its exclusivity.
5. Aanya
Why it was trending: Aanya, meaning "grace," gained popularity for its simple, elegant sound.
Why it's common now: Its consistent popularity has made it too common among baby girls.
6. Vihaan
Why it was trending: Meaning "dawn" or "beginning," Vihaan became a favorite for its fresh and positive vibe.
Why it's common now: Overuse in the past decade has made it one of the most recognizable names in classrooms today.
7. Ananya
Why it was trending: Ananya, meaning "unique" or "incomparable," was loved for its aspirational meaning.
Why it's common now: Its popularity soared to such an extent that its uniqueness ironically diminished.
8. Reyansh
Why it was trending: Reyansh, meaning "ray of light," became a trendy choice for its modern and meaningful essence.
Why it's common now: Its appeal led to widespread adoption, making it feel overused.
9. Myra
Why it was trending: A short, elegant name with global appeal, Myra became a hit among parents looking for cross-cultural options.
Why it's common now: It has become a staple name, especially for girls born in the last decade.
10. Viren
Why it was trending: A name with mythological roots, meaning "leader of heroes," Viren gained traction for its strong and classic appeal.
Why it's common now: Its increasing popularity has led to it becoming a very familiar choice.
Additional Notes
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Names like Kiara, Viraj, and Kairav are perfect examples of how once-unique names quickly become common due to mass adoption.
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Why these names gained traction: Their modern sound, meaningful roots, and cultural relevance initially made them stand out.
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Why they feel overused now: Popularity among parents, frequent use in pop culture, and repeated appearances in baby name lists have caused saturation.
Takeaway for Parents
If you want to avoid this trap, consider names that are:
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Underexplored: Names from regional languages or less-common traditions.
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Personalized: Modify existing names slightly to create a unique version (e.g., Kiara to Kyra or Kairav to Kariv).
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Timeless: Choose classic names that are not tied to fleeting trends, ensuring they remain special.
We hope this helped you filter out names or look at so called “trending” names with new eyes! So was your favourite name on this list? Let us know in the comments!