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Choosing a baby name has never been easy. It is one of the first decisions that parents make for their children - one that quietly stays with them for life.
This year, however, astrologers believe that this decision carries even more weight. As per the planetary alignments this year, the names chosen casually, impulsively or for the wrong reasons may create subtle but lasting challenges. As per astrologers and numerologists, 2026 is the year of balance. From overused names to aggressive sound patterns and celebrity-inspired picks, experts suggest parents should pick carefully. Here is a closer look at the kinds of baby names parents are advised to avoid this year - and why.
Names Matter More Than We Think
A name is not just a label. It is spoken, repeated, written and interpreted countless times throughout a person's life. According to Tarot Pooja Verma, a name becomes deeply intertwined with an individual’s sense of self."For many parents, deciding on a name for their baby is one of the most difficult tasks they will face - especially in 2026," she explains. "A name contributes to identity, confidence, and how easily a child moves through the world. It should be easy to pronounce, spell, remember, and carry across cultures."
She further adds that names which lack a clear meaning can lead to confusion later in life. However, a thoughtfully chosen name supports personal growth, pride and emotional stability.
Pooja also highlighted one of the biggest naming mistakes parents make. It is choosing names simply because they are familiar or commonly accepted. "When too many children share the same name, individuality gets blurred," she explains. Names like Raju, Pappu or Aman, while widely loved, are often repeated endlessly across generations. According to the Tarot, this repetition can unintentionally dilute a child's sense of uniqueness.
In 2026, astrologers recommend avoiding names that have become placeholders. Instead, names that are traditional yet meaningful - such as Ishaan or Vaman - offer depth without feeling dated.
Another major category astrologers advise parents to avoid in 2026 is the kind of names that attempt to project power and authority too early.
According to Sidhharrth S Kumaar, 2026 is astrologically sensitive to forced greatness. "With Ketu positioned in Leo for much of the year, names that loudly announce power or superiority can attract resistance,” he explains. "When a child is named ‘king’, ‘ruler’, or ‘conqueror’ at birth, they are subconsciously burdened with expectations before they’ve earned anything."
Names such as Rajveer, Samrat, Mahaveer, Adhiraj, Yuvraj or names with meanings similar to emperor, supreme, or invincible may sound impressive but they can quietly translate into self-doubt or constant pressure.
Overly Dreamy Or "Floating" Names
Yes it is true that poetic and ethereal names are increasingly popular but astrologers caution against going too abstract in 2026. With Saturn influencing Pisces, emotional grounding becomes especially important. Sidhharrth says, "Names that feel vague or too cosmic can create confusion rather than clarity. This year requires rootedness. Otherwise, the child may grow up emotionally sensitive but unsure of direction."Examples include names that translate to dream, maya, illusion, endless sky, eternity, or cosmic light.
The astrologer also urges parents to avoid names heavy with harsh consonants such as ksh, tra, kr, or repetitive ra and ka sounds that feel heavy when spoken repeatedly. This is because 2026 is already influenced by Rahu's intensity and speed and names with sharp, forceful phonetics may amplify restlessness or anxiety.
Avoid Names That Glorify Chaos
Sidhharrth also highlights that rahu is already strong this year. Feeding it through name meaning will backfire. Names that suggest disruption, rule-breaking, extreme speed, or constant change sound modern, but they make it harder for the child to stay focused and consistent in life. 2026 rewards steady builders.Names meaning storm, rebel, firebrand, wild, unstoppable force, lightning, chaos, revolution - should also be avoided.
This year values clarity over chaos and therefore naming a child in 2026 is less about sounding impressive and more about feeling right. A name should not shout - it should support. It should not borrow but it should belong. And most importantly, it should give a child space to become who they are meant to be and not what the name expects them to be.
