The Craziest Baby Names...Ever?

It takes a lot to shock me, but...

I was hanging out with a friend on a recent Sunday when her mom called and asked to speak to me.

“I have a name question for you,” she said. “Have you ever heard of the name Arson?”

Have I ever!

I’ve been tracking the name Arson for a few years now, ever since I noticed it at the bottom of the extended baby name data.

Despite its similarity to Carson, Arson always struck me as an odd choice. Who would name their child after a literal crime?

The parents of the particular Arson my friend’s mom was telling me about were asked the same question. Yes, arson is a felony, but they chose it because Arson = “our son.” 🤯

Is that sweet? Am I coming around to Arson as a baby name? What is happening?

I did soften up slightly about Arson, but worry not — it’s still included on my list of the craziest baby names of 2020. Along with Demon, Vanity, Kovid (why??), and many, many more dubious choices.

The Top Names of 2021…so far

Which names are trending on Nameberry this year? Our stats are in and we have a new top girl name for 2021…

…it’s Lilibet, of course! 👑

Meghan and Harry’s unique and meaningful nickname name went from being unranked on our charts to the most-searched name on Nameberry. And she’s brought her sisters with her — Lilibeth, Lila, Lily, and Lilith each rose in our rankings.

On the boys’ side, Arlo holds on to the Number 1 spot, while bad-boy Danger creeps up to Number 2. 🙊

Other interesting names trending on the Nameberry charts: Persephone and Celeste, Caspian and Kamakanaalohamaikalani.

Wacky Celebrity Baby Names

It was my birthday last week, and I received the most special gift of a Nick Cannon name announcement.

Thanks, Nick, I love it!

I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday reveal — Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir (yes, that’s right, Zillionaire). My predictions were off, although I stand by Classic and Champ as excellent ideas. I’ll save you from googling Mixolydian with the link to our database entry. (Also new to the site: Zillion and Heir).

And the gifts just keep on coming! A few days later, Usain Bolt revealed the punny names of his twin sons, Saint Leo and Thunder (Bolt ⛈)

Are there more to come? (if I could put in a request: Nicki Minaj, please).

Private Name Consulting

In case you missed it: we’re offering private name consultations now! Head to our brand-new consulting page to find out how you can get expert advice from the Nameberry team — including yours truly.

Prices start at $1 (for real!)

More fun things

• This name literally means “cheese island” 🧀🏝

• I have trouble imagining a baby named Craig 🧓🏻

• My favorite new userlist: Real Housewives Names 📺

• These are the cutest initials 🐄