6 common baby names that might actually be offensive
Who knew Cohen was so problematic?
Baby name expert, Emma Waterhouse from Nameberry has shared a TikTok that is blowing up the internet.
As someone who is immersed in all things ‘baby name‘ on a daily basis, the expert has revealed that there are some names in regular use that she and her team would strongly advise against using.
According to Emma, she and the team at Nameberry scoured their lists for “polarising names”, with the expert revealing six of them in the now viral TikTok reel.
So what makes a name so offensive? Factors such as inadvertent racism, accidental religious offence and violent associations that parents may not have thought of are all reasons that parents may find themselves in hot water without meaning to.
Six baby names to reconsider removing from your baby name lists
- Azriel
It may be rising up the charts as a “trendy choice right now”, but Azriel is actually the name of the Angel of Death in both Islam and Judaism.
- Bodhi
One of the fastest rising names in the 2010s and bang on trend for the boho baby names that are seeing a surge today, Bodhi might be a name worth reconsidering.
Emma explained: “It’s a Buddhist word referring to a state of enlightenment, however, it’s not traditionally used in Buddhist culture.”
Using this name might see you getting accused of cultural appropriation since “most the people who have used this name for their child are not Buddhist”.
- Cohen
This hugely popular C name might seem innocent, but using it if you are not Jewish is kind of a no-no.
Cohen is a sacred Jewish surname that belongs to members of the kohanim, descendants of the sons of Aaron who served as priests in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Emma explained: “Most people consider it highly offensive to use as a given name regardless of your religion, and again most people who have used this name are not Jewish.”
- Dixie
In the wake of Black Lives Matter, using these seemingly cutesie name may be problematic.
Emma says: “Most parents are avoiding this name because of its heavy overtones of racism. Dixie was a nickname for the confederate states in America, so don’t use this name for your baby or your pet for that matter.”
- Gunner
Viking and Norse names are hugely popular right now, but one popular name should be used with careful consideration.
When spelled with an ‘ar’ the name Gunnar is a traditional Norse name, however changing the spelling to end with ‘er’ makes it another kind of name altogether.
The violence associated with being a Gunner, can not be discounted, particularly where Emma is based in the US.
Emma strongly suggests going with traditional spelling if using this name. “Especially given the gun violence epidemic in the US.”
- Karen
Here in Australia, the name Karen is a popular choice from days of old, but Emma suggests it may be worth retiring.
“The memes that began in 2020 have not done this name any favours,” says Emma. “People are going to be avoiding Karen for a long time.”
Looking for a baby name? Check out these the best baby name lists here.
