Trendy Baby Names for Boys: Some of the Worst

Meet the top 5 worst trendy baby names for boys: Jayden, Aiden, Braydon, Hayden and Caden. All five were among the top 100 baby names given to boys in 2008, according to the Social Security Administration. Aiden actually made the list three times (Aiden/Aidan/Ayden,) while Jayden (Jaden) and Caden (Kaden) appeared twice.

"-Ayden" names are certainly riding a wave of popularity, so why avoid choosing one? Here are three reasons not to give your baby boy an "-ayden" name, and one reason why you might just do it anyway.

Fashions Change

Would you name your child Corey? How about Stacey? Both were among the most popular baby names in 1985, but neither is in vogue now. It's likely to be the same with all those "-ayden" names. If you want a name that will stay in style - and won't reveal your grown-up child's age to anyone with a grasp of fashion - choose something classic, like Michael or Thomas.

The Perils of Popularity

Any parent who grew up with the name "John" in the 1960s or "Jennifer" in the 1980s understands why having a popular name can be a mixed blessing. Many of today's newborns will go through life as "Jayden S." or "the tall Kaden." With all the original name choices available, there's no reason to saddle your child with something so mundane.

How Do You Spell That?

It's likely many parents have underestimated the popularity of "-ayden" names because there are so many different ways to spell them. "Ayden" may be down the bottom of the list at #91, but with Aidan at #59 and Aiden at #16, there are more Aydens out there than you'd think. And you can bet all those Aydens/Aidens/Aidans will be spelling out their name for years to come.

Why to Give Your Baby an "-Ayden" Name Anyway

There's one good reason to give your child an "-ayden" name: because you really love it. Many a Mary has wished she was named something more daring, but few Marys have been teased about their "weird" name like your average Pilot Inspektor (that's the son of My Name is Earl actor Jason Lee.) It's fine to go with the flow if you can't imagine naming your son anything else. Just don't be surprised when your unique little flower comes home with his book bag labeled "Braydon J."