Picking a baby name is a significant decision, as it’s a major part of your child’s identity and how they fit into their generation. To help you stay current, here’s a list of 37 baby names that are declining in popularity in 2024 that you might want to avoid.
Diana
A timeless name with roots going back centuries, Diana, meaning “divine,” is now at risk of fading away. It was most popular in 1946 and saw a resurgence in the ’80s and 2010s. Despite its noble and celestial connotations, and famous bearers like Diana Ross and Princess Diana, its popularity is waning.
Baylor
Baylor, a name of British origin meaning “horse-trainer,” has been identified by BabyCenter as one of the names decreasing in popularity. In 2024, it’s ranked at #461 for boys, showing a decline of 18 places from the previous year.
Amanda
The Latin name meaning “worthy of love” was popular among Millennials, especially highlighted by stars like Amanda Bynes and Amanda Seyfried. But as tastes shift, Amanda’s appeal is waning, having fallen 131 spots in the recent rankings.
Clayton
Meaning “clay town,” Clayton saw a spike in popularity during the ’90s, partly thanks to American Idol star Clay Aiken. However, its popularity has been in decline since the early 2000s, now positioned as the 751st most popular boys’ name.
Mckenna
Despite associations with Gen Z celebrities like Mckenna Grace, this name has fallen out of favor, now ranking as the 506th most popular name. Its peak during the early 2000s seems to be a distant memory.
Bradley
Once a staple, Bradley has seen its days of popularity wane since peaking in 1980. Despite being borne by notable figures like Bradley Cooper and Bradley Whitford, it now ranks as the 404th most popular name.
Princeton
This Ivy League-inspired name saw a boost in the 2010s but has been fading, recently dropping 98 spots. Notable Princetons include football player Princeton Fant and figure skater Princeton Kwong.
Ariah
Gaining popularity possibly due to its similarity to Aria and the influence of Pretty Little Liars, Ariah saw a significant rise and fall, now ranking as the 782nd most popular name.
Angela
Meaning “heavenly messenger,” Angela was ubiquitous in the ’80s and ’90s, peaking in 1975. Its popularity has significantly decreased, now ranked as the 595th most common name. Angela Bassett and Angela Kinsey are among the well-known bearers of this name.
Ronan
A Celtic name meaning “a pledge,” Ronan has seen a drop in popularity despite its notable bearers like Ronan Keating and Saoirse Ronan. It lost 104 spots in 2023 alone.
Cali
Originally an Indian name meaning “black,” Cali saw its popularity peak in 2014 but has since dropped sharply, now ranking as the 820th most popular girl’s name. Cali Sheldon, known for her role in Friends and later Us, is among its notable namesakes.
Brooke
This name was everywhere in the late ’90s, likely boosted by actress Brooke Shields. But from 2023 to 2024, Brooke has tumbled 883 spots, now ranking as the 1,357th most popular name.
Jaiden
This name, with its early 2000s vibe, is fading from favor as BabyCenter indicates a general decline in boy names ending in -aden. Peaking in 2010, possibly boosted by celebrity influence like Jaden Smith, Jaiden is now less trendy than it once was.
Mckenzie
An Irish name meaning “Son of Coinneach,” Mckenzie enjoyed popularity in the ’90s and early 2000s. However, it has rapidly fallen out of favor, dropping 436 points since last year. Its rise could have been influenced by actress Mackenzie Phillips.
Maximus
Associated with grandeur and historical figures like Roman emperors and famously portrayed by Russell Crowe in Gladiator, Maximus means “the greatest.” It enjoyed popularity in the 2010s but has since declined to the 522nd spot.
Raiden
Another name in the -aden group, Raiden gained popularity through early 2000s possibly thanks to its association with video game characters from “Metal Gear” and “Mortal Kombat.” However, it has recently seen a sharp drop, now ranking as the 377th most popular name.
Blake
Known as a trendy Millennial name, particularly for girls—thanks in part to actress Blake Lively—Blake is another name that enjoyed popularity in the ’80s and ’90s. Recently, however, it has fallen 264 spots, now positioned as the 595th most popular name.
Julius
Often associated with the iconic Roman leader Julius Caesar, this name saw a resurgence in the early 2000s but has recently declined sharply in popularity.
Finley
Although endearing, Finley has been struggling to maintain popularity. Over just one year, it dropped 144 places in the rankings for girls’ names on BabyCenter. Notable Finleys include Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn’s daughter, along with Lisa Marie Presley’s daughter.
Reid
This Scottish name meaning “red” saw a peak in popularity in 2014 but has since fallen, dropping 290 points in 2023 alone. Now, it’s the 751st most common name, with notable bearers including actors Reid Scott and Reid Ewing.
Charli
Although pop singer Charli XCX and TikTok star Charli D’Amelio brought this name into the limelight, it has since plummeted, falling 441 points in 2023 to become the 857th most popular name.
Brooklynn
At one point, names inspired by locations like Brooklynn were incredibly popular. Peaking in 2011, Brooklynn’s popularity may have been helped by celebrities like Brooklyn Decker.
It has been declining steadily, now ranking as the 91st most popular name.
Brady
Once a staple among Millennial names, Brady has seen a decline despite associations with famous athletes like Tom Brady. Now at the 701st spot, its peak seems well in the past.
Raegan
Known from Shakespeare’s King Lear and rejuvenated in the ’90s and 2000s, Raegan has lost its recent appeal, now ranking 820th in popularity. Notables like Raegan Revord and Megan Fox’s character in New Girl had carried the name in popular culture.
Sawyer
Traditionally a boy’s name, Sawyer has been increasingly used for girls since 2010. However, its popularity is diminishing, with a drop of 382 points from last year. The name might bring to mind figures like journalist Diane Sawyer or the adventurous Tom Sawyer.
Raphael
A Hebrew name meaning “God has healed,” Raphael enjoyed popularity peaking in 2022 but has since declined. Notable Raphaels include tennis star Rafael Nadal and the fictional Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. It’s now the 701st name in rank.
Orion
Named after the mythical Greek hunter and corresponding constellation, Orion means “son of fire” or “the hunter.” This name grew in popularity through the early 2000s but has recently seen a decline, now standing as the 542nd most popular name for boys.
Aidan
Once a staple in one of TV’s most memorable love triangles on Sex and the City, Aidan has seen a decline in popularity. This Celtic name, meaning “fire,” fell 93 spots last year, ranking as the 420th most popular boy’s name.
The name has been carried by actors like Aidan Quinn and Aidan Turner, and even by the character Littlefinger, portrayed by Aidan Gillen in Game of Thrones.
Michelle
Peaking in 1968 as the second most popular girls’ name, Michelle is a classic that seems unimaginable to fade. Yet, it’s losing ground, dropping 129 spots. This name has been carried by many, from Michelle Obama to Michelle Pfeiffer.
Oaklee
Oaklee, a gender-neutral name of British origin meaning “meadow of oak trees” and “oak clearing,” is also noted by BabyCenter as a name losing traction. In 2024, it ranks #453 in popularity for girls, having dropped 4 places since the previous year.
Hendrix
Inspired perhaps by Jimi Hendrix, this name peaked in the early 2000s but has seen a recent decline, dropping 99 places. It remains relatively rare, aside from figures like Hendrix Yancey from Stranger Things.
Adelynn
A modern twist on the German Adelyn, meaning “noble,” Adelynn had its moment in the early 2000s but has been losing appeal. Noted for being worn by child actress Adelynn Spoon, it now risks falling into obscurity.
Alaya
This name, meaning “dwelling” in Sanskrit, saw a peak between 2010 and 2020 but is now less favored, ranking 434th in popularity. Alaya High, known for her role in the Nickelodeon sitcom That Girl Lay Lay, is a notable bearer.
Bo
Scandinavian for “householder,” Bo became more common from the ’80s onward but saw a significant drop in 2021, falling 185 spots. Known bearers include Bo Burnham and Bo Derek.
Preston
Meaning “priest’s estate,” Preston surged in popularity in the early 2000s but has since lost its appeal, now ranking as the 394th most popular name. Notable Prestons include actor Preston Bailey and TikTok celebrity Preston Schaeffer.
Gracelyn
A modern take on Grace, Gracelyn rose in popularity in the early 2000s but has recently declined, now the 563rd most common name. Notable Gracelyns are few, including TikToker Gracelyn Durham.
Eden
With Biblical origins meaning “delightful,” Eden was once popular for boys but has recently plummeted 762 spots. It remains more favored as a girls’ name, ranking as the 9th most common in 2024.
Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.