These modern baby names are skyrocketing in popularity, but Boomers think they sound absolutely ridiculous.
Boomers can’t believe the names Millennials and Gen Z are giving their babies—and they’re not shy about saying so. While younger parents love unique, modern, and sometimes downright bizarre names, older generations are left scratching their heads, wondering what happened to classics like Michael and Sarah.
Whether it’s the unusual spellings, over-the-top creativity, or names that don’t even sound like names, these trendy picks are making Boomers roll their eyes so hard they might get stuck.
1. Jaxxon – Because Apparently, One ‘X’ Just Isn’t Enough
Creative spellings are all the rage, and Jaxxon is proof that parents are doubling down—literally. While Jackson is a solid, time-tested name, adding an extra “X” somehow makes it edgier… or just extra. Boomers see this and wonder if parents are trying to name a child or a futuristic robot. Sure, it looks cool on a kindergarten cubby, but imagine explaining the spelling for the rest of this kid’s life. “No, not Jackson… Jaxxon. With two Xs.”
2. Nevaeh – Because “Heaven” Was Just Too Basic
Nevaeh (heaven spelled backward) burst onto the baby name scene in the early 2000s, and Boomers still haven’t recovered. It sounds pretty, sure, but something about a name that’s essentially a riddle makes older generations shake their heads. They also argue that if you have to explain a name every time you say it, maybe it’s trying a little too hard. Still, it’s stuck around, proving that Millennials and Gen Z love a name with a hidden message.
3. Braxley – When Braxton and Paisley Had a Baby Name Baby
What do you get when you mash up trendy name parts into one mega-trendy name? Braxley. It sounds like it could be a town in Texas or maybe a new line of sneakers. Boomers hear this and wonder, “Did someone throw Scrabble tiles in the air and pick what landed face-up?” But modern parents adore that it’s unique, yet familiar. Just don’t be surprised when Braxleys start popping up at every daycare in the next few years.
4. Maverick – Because Every Toddler Needs a Call Sign
There was a time when “Maverick” meant a rebel cowboy or Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Now, it’s an actual baby name, and Boomers are baffled. Giving a newborn a name that screams “rule breaker” might be tempting fate—good luck getting little Maverick to follow the bedtime routine. Parents insist it’s cool and strong, but older folks hear it and assume he’s already got a leather jacket, a motorcycle, and a need for speed.
5. Oaklynn – Because Nature Names Are Trendy, But Normal Ones Are Overdone
Parents love earthy, nature-inspired names, but why go with classic “Lynn” or “Oak” when you can smash them together into Oaklynn? Boomers hear this and immediately picture a boutique candle company instead of a baby. It’s one of those names that feels modern but also oddly old-fashioned, like it’s trying to be both trendy and timeless. Will Oaklynn be the next great novelist or just someone constantly correcting people who think her name is Oakland? Time will tell.
6. Kylo – Because Star Wars Fans Are Fully Committed
Sure, Star Wars names have been around for decades, but Kylo is the first one to really take off outside of sci-fi conventions. Parents see a strong, unique name—Boomers hear it and wonder if there’s a Darth waiting in the middle name slot. Naming your kid after a moody villain who destroyed his own family? Bold choice. But hey, at least it’s easier to spell than Anakin, right?
7. Wrenley – Because Normal Names Need Fancy Tweaks Now
Wren is cute. So is Everly. Why not smush them together and create Wrenley? This is the kind of name that Millennials and Gen Z parents can’t get enough of, but Boomers? They’re just confused. Is it an old English surname? A new fabric softener? Either way, it follows the ultra-trendy formula of adding -ley or -ly to anything and calling it a name. Just don’t be surprised when Wrenley is sitting next to Paisley, Blakely, and Brinley in preschool.
8. Caspian – Because Regular Ocean Names Are Just Too Mainstream
Forget Cody or Finn—why not name your kid after an entire sea? Caspian is exotic, literary (The Chronicles of Narnia, anyone?), and just uncommon enough to feel special. Boomers hear it and wonder if parents are picking names from a fantasy novel instead of a baby book. Sure, it has a regal ring to it, but will little Caspian want to be called Cap for short? Or worse, Cassie? Good luck with that one.
9. Zayden – Because There Weren’t Enough -Aiden Names Already
Aiden, Brayden, Cayden, Jayden… what’s one more? Enter Zayden, the edgiest of the bunch. If you thought Boomers were tired of the rhyming -aiden names, imagine their reaction when they hear one that sounds like the sequel to all the rest. It’s a cool name, no doubt, but older generations can’t help but wonder if it came preloaded with a TikTok account.
10. Ensley – Because It’s Just Close Enough to Be Confusing
Ensley is one of those names that sounds familiar but also makes Boomers pause. Is it Ashley with a twist? A lost Kardashian sister? It’s actually part of the rising trend of soft, lyrical names, and while parents love its delicate charm, Boomers are wondering if this is just another step toward naming kids entirely in vowels.
11. Bodhi – Because Every Baby Needs a Zen Vibe
Bodhi is cool, spiritual, and effortlessly hipster. But Boomers? They hear it and think of Patrick Swayze’s character from Point Break. It’s one of those names that Millennials and Gen Z love because it feels enlightened and free-spirited. Boomers, meanwhile, just wonder when we all started naming babies after ancient wisdom instead of grandfathers.
12. Navy – Because Colors Are Names Now
First, there was Blue. Then, there was Indigo. Now, Navy has sailed in as the latest color-inspired name. It’s crisp, modern, and totally unisex. But Boomers? They’re wondering if someone named their kid after the military branch or just their favorite shade of home decor. Either way, expect a lot of nautical-themed nurseries.
13. Jovie – Because “Happy” Names Are In
Jovie is one of those names that sounds both vintage and modern at the same time. Millennials and Gen Z parents love that it has a peppy, upbeat feel, but Boomers? They immediately think of the Elf character played by Zooey Deschanel. If nothing else, this kid will always have a built-in holiday reference.
14. Lux – Because Minimalism Applies to Baby Names Too
Who needs extra letters when you can have Lux? It’s short, bold, and effortlessly cool. Parents love its sleek, modern feel, but Boomers? They’re not convinced a baby can pull off a name that sounds like a high-end shampoo brand. Sure, it means “light” in Latin, but older generations can’t help but think this is what happens when parents start naming kids based on Instagram aesthetics.
15. Atlas – Because Every Kid Should Carry the World on Their Shoulders
Atlas is big, bold, and adventurous—literally. Millennials and Gen Z parents love a name that feels strong and worldly, but Boomers? They hear it and wonder if this kid is doomed to carry a heavy burden from birth. It’s a lot of name for a little baby, but hey, at least it beats being named GPS.