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In the world of celebrity, the trend of bestowing unconventional names upon children is hardly new. However, 2025 is shaping up to be an especially eccentric year for the naming choices of the rich and famous.
Unusual baby names are no longer the exclusive domain of Hollywood’s elite. This year, social media influencers, reality TV stars, and YouTubers are also joining the ranks, showcasing their own quirky naming decisions.
Among these, singer Anne-Marie, known for her hit single and album released two years ago, surprised audiences with the announcement of her child’s name on live television. Together with her husband, rapper Slowthai, who was cleared of rape charges last year, they chose to name their son ‘Forever Sugar.’ The name partly draws inspiration from Anne-Marie’s journey with gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Not long after, comedian Katherine Ryan and her partner Bobby Koostra shared the name of their third child, and her fourth: Holland. The name adds to the year’s trend of eye-catching monikers.
Earlier this year, actress Michelle Keegan and husband Mark Wright embraced the trend of geographic names. They named their first child, a daughter, Palma, likely a tribute to their cherished Majorcan holidays, where they own a vacation home.
And earlier in the year, actress Michelle Keegan, 38, and Mark Wright, 38, also plumped for a geographically-inspired name for their first child, a baby girl called Palma, seemingly in a nod to the couple’s love of Majorcan holidays, where they have a second home.
Traditionally, whacky names were the more likely choice for those wealthy or famous enough to not have to worry about it affecting the prospects of their children.
In the 1970s, rocker Frank Zappa was not only a trailblazing musician but also something of a pioneer when it came to babynaming – with Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen among those he selected.
Pop singer Anne-Marie has revealed they very unusual name of her second child with husband and fellow musician Slowthai in May
In 1971, David Bowie famously named his first son ‘Zowie’ Bowie. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he later rejected the name his father had given him, and is now known simply as Duncan Jones.
But in the early aughts, the Beckhams popularised the trend even further with their left-field choices of Brooklyn, Cruz , Romeo and, later, Harper Seven.
Here, experts reveal the real meanings behind this year’s strangest baby names, give their verdict on which ones work, and who will be changing theirs by deed poll as soon as they’re 18…
Anne-Marie and Slowthai – Forever Sugar
Annie-Marie, 34, gave birth earlier this year and later revealed the unusual choice, Forever Sugar, in an interview on ITV’s This Morning.
The popstar, who recently released the single Depressed, already shares a 19-month-old daughter, Seven, with her husband, Slowthai, 30, real name Tyron Kaymone Frampton, a Grammy-nominated rapper known for hits Doorman and Inglorious.
During an interview on ITV’s This Morning, the singer explained the inspiration behind the name, telling presenters that it was part inspired by a health condition, gestational diabetes, which she suffered during the pregnancy, and part influenced by her grandmother.
The chart-topper, who is best known for hits including Rockabye and Ciao Adios, also shares daughter Seven (pictured) with husband Slowthai
‘My nan used to sign off every card with always and forever,’ she said. ‘All the time, and now my mum does it and my sister does it and I just think Forever is, I don’t know, it’s a cool name.’
Taylor Humphrey is a US-based celebrity baby name consultant. Having helped countless parents choose their children’s monikers, she is an industry expert and has heard nearly every name under the sun.
She wasn’t convinced. ‘First Thought: “The everlasting reminder of Gestational Diabetes… Hmm”,’ she said.
‘Upon reading about the meaning behind the name, I do think that ‘Forever’ is a clever nod to Grandma’s signature sign-off, “always and forever.”
‘Parents are often looking for creative ways to honor loved ones, and this is a great example of how to pay tribute to a grandparent of the opposite gender.
‘Given the name’s uniqueness, Forever ventures down the “Celebrity/ Influencer” scale, while still being largely “on-trend” with similar virtue names like “Ever” or “Everly.”
‘While it conjures experiences of such pleasant, comforting sweetness, ‘Sugar’ fits more squarely in the “Celebrity/Influencer Baby Name” Category.
‘As a pairing, Forever Sugar is something I like to call a “Modern Puritan Name.” Similar to “North West,” it’s idiomatic and phrase-like, using simple nouns-as-names that English-speakers automatically know the meanings of.’
Katherine Ryan and Bobby Koostra – Holland
Katherine Ryan, 42, recently announced the birth of her fourth child with partner, Bobby Koostra, 42, revealing that the pair had named their newborn Holland Juliette (pictured with the newborn)
The comedian is already parent to son Fred, four, and daughter Fenna, two, both of whom she shares with Bobby
Katherine Ryan, 42, a comedian known for her appearances on various radio panel shows, including Mock the Week, recently announced the birth of her fourth child with her partner, Bobby Koostra, 42.
Katherine, who is originally from Canada but lives in the UK, revealed the couple had named their newborn Holland Juliette.
They are already parents to son Fred, four, and daughter Fenna. The couple also raise her eldest daughter, Violet, 16, from a previous relationship.
Announcing the birth last week, Bobby shared a series of snaps. He captioned a sweet social media post: ‘Holland Juliette Kootstra has arrived. The ‘Patrick Mahomes’ of childbirth pulled out another MVP performance! Amazing to witness the greatness of @kathbum.’
SJ Strum, a UK-based baby names consultant, said it was a ‘trendy gender neutral name’.
‘While it feels a bit left field for the Canadian couple, Daughter Fenna also has a Dutch name – so the couple must have special ties to the country, making it more personal and meaningful to them, which is always a top tip for picking a place name.’
Taylor explained that it was a ‘standard millennial Place Name’.
‘Holland ranks #602 on the US Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Names chart, and was given to 498 girls born in 2024.
‘Place Names make for popular choices, especially for families who have meaningful ties to certain locations.’
Trisha Paytas and Moses Hacmon – Aquaman
Trisha Paytas gave birth to a baby boy called Aquaman (pictured)
Trisha Paytas, a social media personality known for her outlandish TikTok videos and appearances on reality TV shows such as Big Brother, gave birth in July.
The influencer, 37, who has 10million followers on TikTok, has arguably the most offbeat name of them all.
Following a ‘traumatic’ delivery, she and her husband, Moses Hacmon, welcomed a baby boy called Aquaman.
They explained that a shared love of water had inspired the unusual name, and nearly led them to call him Water Snake.
Trisha, who hosts her own podcast, Just Trish, told listeners: ‘I’ve been wearing Aquaman T-shirts for years, since 2017 when the first Justice League came out. I have gone to so many Comic Cons for Aquaman. And I really fell in love when we rewatched Aquaman.
‘[Aquaman is] of two heritages, like our baby. He connects the land and sea, which is Moses’ order at Benihana. He can talk telepathically to fish. He’s also blonde and brunette, which – plot twist: our Aquaman has blonde hair.’
SJ was less than impressed by the moniker. She said: ‘Known for her bold baby names – Aquaman is a personal favourite character of mum Trisha, but really feels a step too far as a baby name.’
‘The alternative name she mentioned was Watersnake…so I feel he was going to get a hard to live with name either way.
‘When naming your baby, it’s important to consider their own individuality and life, and having a literal superhero name is only going to lead to a lifetime of jokes and questions plus comparisons.
‘I’m hoping he goes by Aqua to bring in her desire to have a link to water, but less childish…I’ll be checking back in, but don’t see this taking off, and actually it would be illegal in many countries where you can’t use a superhero name as is, Elvis her daughter’s name in Sweden already.’
Elon Musk and Shivon Zilis – Seldon Lycurgus
In February, Elon Musk, 54, and his partner, Shivon Zilis, 39, had their fourth child together, a second son who was awarded the very obscure title, Seldon Lycurgus. (Shivon pictured with their children, Strider and Azur)
The announcement was made on X on the first birthday of their third child, Arcadia, with Elon cryptically writing, ‘built like juggernaut, with a solid heart of gold, love him so much’ (Elon Musk, pictured)
X owner Elon Musk, 54, entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, announced the birth of his fourth child with partner Shivon Zilis, 39, earlier this year.
The newborn was given the obscure title, Seldon Lycurgus.
The announcement was made on X on the first birthday of their third child, Arcadia, with Elon writing: ‘built like juggernaut, with a solid heart of gold, love him so much.’
The first part of the moniker, Seldon, is believed to be inspired by Hari Seldon, who is a central character in Isaac Asimov’s Foundation science fiction series.
In the books, Hari is a mathematician known for developing ‘psychohistory,’ a concept used to predict the future of civilization.
‘Elon Musk isn’t known as a great namer,’ the SJ said. ‘Lycurgus feels on brand as the legendary Spartan Leader who lead political, economic, and social reforms with the aim of creating a military-oriented Spartan society.
‘It feels a bit of a mission statement wrapped up in a baby name and being named after a notoriously severe historical figure wouldn’t be many people’s pick for their newborn.’
Taylor called it one of Elon’s ‘tame’ names compared to those born out of his relationship with Grimes – X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl, Techno Mechanicus.
‘A cross between ‘Sheldon’ and ‘seldom,’ I find myself tongue-tied trying to get Seldon out of my mouth correctly,’ she added.
‘Lycurgus feels stylistically similar to other bold and magnificent Ancient Greek and Roman names, giving it major aura points. I’m personally advocating for the revival of imperial names like Aurelius, Maximus, and Tiberius. When it comes to baby names, I’m ready to usher in a renaissance of grandeur. Bring back “Constantine!”‘
‘This name combination fits perfectly into the “Dark Academia” aesthetic. Given Lycurgus’s historical significance as the “Lawgiver of Sparta,” I’m deeming the name Seldon Lycurgus as Lawful Neutral.
‘Seldon Lycurgus is Elon’s fourth child with Shivon Zilis, with whom he also shares b/g twins Strider and Azure, and daughter Arcadia.
‘As a sibset, Strider, Azure, Arcadia, and Seldon (or, SaaS, lol) feel like they all belong in the same comic-book universe: the mark of a cohesive sibset. While they may be out-of-the-ordinary, they aren’t out-of-this-world,’ she said.
Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright – Palma
Earlier in the year, actress Michelle Keegan, 38, and Mark Wright, 38, announced the name of their first child, a baby girl called Palma Elizabeth who was born in March (pictured)
It’s thought that her unconventional first name was inspired by Majorca’s capital city, called Palma, where the two often holiday. A source told The Sun that the name had special meaning since ‘Majorca is like a second home to them’
At the time of her birth, a plethora of heartwarming social media posts poured in congratulating the pair of the happy arrival
Earlier in the year, actress Michelle Keegan, 38, announced the name of her first child with TV personality, Mark Wright, 38.
The couple revealed they had named their baby girl Palma Elizabeth.
At the time of her birth, a plethora of heartwarming social media posts poured in congratulating the Brassic star and her husband on the happy arrival.
It’s thought that her unconventional first name was inspired by Palma, the capital of Majorca, where the two often holiday. A source told The Sun that the name had special meaning since ‘Majorca is like a second home to them.’
Her middle name, Elizabeth, is thought to be a tribute to Michelle’s great-great-grandmother.
‘Named after their favourite holiday spot, Palma is a quirky pick meaning Palm Tree,’ SJ explained.
‘It is totally unranked in the charts, making it a ‘one of a kind name’, something that I imagine for a couple with overly popular names of their time, Mark and Michelle, was a top criterion.’
‘So many couples ask for a name that won’t be shared by other kids in the class after being one of many themselves,’ she added, remarking that school registers would soon feel like taking ‘a trip around the world’.
Nara Smith and Lucky Blue – Fawnie Goldie
The divisive trad wife and social media influencer, Nara Smith, 24, has become the queen of inventive baby names in recent years after, repeatedly shocking the internet with her bizarre choice of titles (pictured with her husband, Lucky Blue)
She and her husband, Lucky Blue, 27, share four children, the latest addition being a baby girl called Fawnie Goldie, who was born only a few short weeks ago (pictured)
The divisive trad wife and social media influencer, Nara Smith, 24, has become the queen of inventive baby names in recent years, repeatedly shocking the internet with her bizarre choices.
She and her husband, Lucky Blue, 27, who are both American, share four children, the latest addition being a baby girl named Fawnie Goldie, born only a few short weeks ago.
‘She’s here! Welcome to the world, little angel,’ the couple wrote on Instagram, only later revealing the unusual name.
Nara and Lucky are no strangers to curious titles and are also parents to their daughters Rumble Honey, 4, Whimsy Lou, 18 months, and son Slim Easy, 3.
The mother-of-four admitted in a recent TikTok video that her children have ‘pretty unique names’.
‘We can’t talk about Nara and Lucky Blue Smith’s baby names without mentioning that Nara is just 24 years old,’ Taylor said, noting the significance of the mother’s age.
‘Nara is a young, international model who is impossibly chic. Everything Nara Smith does sits at the intersection between high fashion and satire, and her baby names are no different.
‘I think Nara and Lucky Blue Smith are Gen Z’s Victoria and David Beckham: Internationally recognised, successful, young, hot, baby makers with interesting name choices.’
Although ‘eye-opening’ choices at the time, such extravagant names have ‘since broken into the mainstream by parents influenced by Victoria and David to follow their lead.’
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky – Rocki Irish Mayers
Musicians, Rihanna, 37, and ASAP Rocky, 37, welcomed Rocki Irish Mayers, on 13 September earlier this year, the third in their brood, which also includes RZA, named after the American rapper, and Riot Rose (Rihanna pictured with Rocki)
Bar one letter, the newborn shares the name with her father, who, born Rakim Mayers, uses the cmoniker professionally (Rihanna and ASAP Rock pictured with Riot Rose)
Superstar Rihanna, 37, welcomed a baby girl called Rocki Irish Mayers in September.
The Umbrella hitmaker already shares two children, RZA, named after the American rapper, and Riot Rose, with ASAP Rocky, her American rapper partner.
An Instagram post revealed an adorable snapshot of the baby girl cradled in her parents’ loving arms.
Bar one letter, the newborn shares her father’s name, who, born Rakim Mayers, uses the moniker professionally.
‘Names represent our deepest-held, often unconscious, values as parents,’ Taylor commented.
‘Rocki perfectly reflects the essence of parents “Bad Girl Riri” (as she’s known on social media) and A$AP Rocky: names are hard, rebellious, and impenetrable.
‘A name is the first gift a parent gives to their child: perhaps names like Rza, Riot, and Rocki serve as both a shield and a scaffolding, offering the kind of reinforced protection that Rihanna and ASAP once needed themselves.’
Cressida Bonas and Harry Wentworth-Stanley – Delphina
Cressida, 36, and her husband revealed that they gave their daughter the middle name Pandora in honour of Cressida’s half-sister, who inspired others with her 24-year cancer battle (pictured)
‘They have named their daughter Delphina Pandora Wentworth-Stanley,’ a friend told the Mail’s Richard Eden. ‘It’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl’
In the summer, Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriend, Cressida Bonas, 36, gave birth to Delphina Pandora, who shares with Harry Wentworth-Stanley, 36.
Cressida and her husband revealed that they gave their daughter the middle name Pandora in honour of Cressida’s half-sister, who inspired others with her 24-year cancer battle.
‘They have named their daughter Delphina Pandora Wentworth-Stanley,’ a friend told the Mail’s Richard Eden. ‘It’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.’
Revealing the reason for the naming, SJ said: ‘Delphina meaning The Oracle Of Delphi has a spiritual side with rebel girl vibes from Pandora who famously opened the box from which all evils were sent into the world is a bit of a ‘dark heroine’ vibe we’re seeing with names like Ophelia, Delilah and Lilith also souring in the name charts.’
According to SJ, the name might be an attempt to ‘reclaim’ female stories.
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly – Saga Blade
Actress Megan Fox, 39, and Machine Gun Kelly, 35, welcomed their daughter, Saga Blade, in March earlier this year (Megan Fox and MGK, pictured in 2022)
American actress Megan Fox, 39, star of Jennifer’s Body and Transformers, welcomed Saga Blade in March, revealing her birth in a sweet Instagram video.
She shares Saga with partner, rapper Machine Gun Kelly, 35, whose real name is Colson Baker.
Later, in an interview with Today, Machine Gun Kelly revealed the meaning behind the name lay in Megan’s turbulent pregnancy journey.
The actress has experienced pregnancy loss on more than one occasion, and her husband, wanting to honour the ‘saga’ they had undergone, wanted to reflect their ‘epic story’.
He said: ‘Her journey, the five years of her culmination of coming, disappearing, coming back again, disappearing, coming back again, she’s an epic story and that’s what Saga means.’
He also credited his Norwegian heritage, telling the outlet that the name Saga was that of the Nordic goddess of storytelling.
The bizarre name is fitting for the couple, SJ said, adding that it matched their ‘dramatic story’.
‘I feel like the name tattoo design came with the birth registration,’ she added.
Jesy Nelson and Zion Foster – Ocean Jade and Story Monroe
Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, 34, also opted for an unlikely name. She and her fiancé, Zion Foster, 26, had twin daughters in May earlier this year, introducing the newborns on social media as Ocean Jade and Story Monroe (Jesy pictured after giving birth)
Zion Foster pictured with the newborn
Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, 34, also opted for an unlikely name. She and her fiancé, Zion Foster, 26, had twin daughters in May, introducing the newborns on social media as Ocean Jade and Story Monroe.
Ocean’s middle name is thought to be a direct nod to one of her former bandmates, Jade Thirlwall.
‘While we didn’t grow up with many Oceans or children name Story, the names have become popular in the last 5 years with Ocean being at 290 in the popularity charts and rising,’ SJ said.
‘Story reflects on the hard journey Jesy went through to have her healthy babies, and it has a creative feel.
‘Given to three boys and five girls last year, it’s still edgy and I know it’s many people’s guilty pleasure’ name, so it will occur a lot more frequently in the middle spot.’
Rupert Grint and Georgia Groome – Goldie G
Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint, 36, left, shared a first look at his newborn baby in April earlier this year, introducing Goldie G, the second of his children with fellow actress, Georgia Groome, 33, right
Captioning a social media post, Rupert wrote: ‘Secret Child Slightly Revealed’ Introducing Goldie G. Grint. ⭐️ A 10/10 baby (so far)’ (Goldie, pictured)
Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint, 36, shared a first look at his newborn baby in April earlier this year, introducing Goldie G, the second of his children with fellow actress, Georgia Groome, 33, who is best known for starring in the teen flick, Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging.
The couple already share a daughter, Wednesday, who was born in 2020.
Captioning a social media post, Rupert wrote: ‘Secret Child Slightly Revealed’ Introducing Goldie G. Grint. ⭐️ A 10/10 baby (so far)’.
SJ remarked that the name could be seen as glamorous or ‘gaudy’.
‘It has been trending and interestingly both his daughters have the middle name G. (The dot seems to be included, but won’t be an official part of the girls’ names as it’s against the law to use a punctuation).
‘With older daughter, Wednesday Rupert was reported as loving it for being ‘memorable’ and Goldie feels mainstream in comparison.’
Meanwhile, Taylor said: ‘The sunshiny, metallic ‘Goldie’ (and its “Nicholas Names” -or, elongated form of a “Nick Name” — Marigold #693, Golden, currently unranked but gaining popularity as a middle name) is becoming more popular.’
Poppy Delevingne and Archie Keswick – Kaia Moon
Poppy announced in January that she was expecting her first child, a baby girl, with her partner, Archie (pictured in April)
Poppy Delevingne has welcomed her first child with her partner Archie Keswick. The socialite announced the news on Friday with a black and white snap clutching her baby girl’s hand
Poppy Delevingne, 39, who is a model and the sister of Cara Delevingne, gave birth to Kaia Moon in May and shared the joyful news in July.
She shares Kaia with her partner, Archie Keswick, 44. ‘Welcome to the world, baby bear. You have our hearts, our everything,’ she wrote in an Instagram post revealing the news.
The unique moniker received SJ’s seal of approval. ‘This is such a fun thought-out name with Kaia meaning Earth, it’s fitting for the middle name to be Moon.
‘She sweetly quoted “we love you to the moon already” when her baby arrived, and I think that’s why celestial names are a huge trend.’
Taylor also approved. ‘Kaia Moon’ is a cool girl name. It’s bee-boppy; adorable; light and airy; feminine without being overly frilly,’ she said. ‘Kaia Moon evokes the image of moonlight dancing upon the sea.’
