Why Are Celebrities Obsessed With Wild Baby Names?

  • By Julian
  • Dec. 27, 2025, 3:20 p.m.

The Celebrity Baby Name Phenomenon

Why do celebrities go wild when naming their babies? It's like the more bizarre, the better! Gone are the days of simple names like Kate or George. Instead, we have Bambi (thanks to Molly Mae and Tommy Fury), Rocky (courtesy of Kourtney Kardashian), and who could forget Apple (a Gwyneth Paltrow original)?

Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo have joined the ranks of unique name givers with their newborn Ziggy. But it’s not just the stars – this trend is catching on in UK households, says Sophie Kihm from Nameberry. Names like Raine, Dusty, Storm, and Navy for girls, and Sunny, Zephyr, and Forest for boys are on the rise in England and Wales. "Ocean is hot for both sexes," she adds. Wavy, indeed!

“New word names are on the rise across the English-speaking world," Sophie Kihm from Nameberry shared.

What's in a Name?

Chartered Psychologist Dr. Mark Rackley explains that these unique names might say more about the parents than the child. "Having a unique name draws attention to the parent and the child," he says. "The parent will view this as positive attention." He suggests that some parents might choose unusual names to project an image of being highly educated or well-traveled.

But is it all about ego? It seems so, especially since celebrities thrive on the limelight. While some children might "embrace the name and own it," Dr. Rackley warns that others might resent it, leading to tension with their parents.

Elon Musk & Grimes: The Pinnacle of Unique

Enter the king of peculiar names – Elon Musk. His child with Grimes, originally named X Æ A-12, had to be tweaked to X Æ A-ii due to California's laws against numbers in names. Grimes explained on Twitter that "X" represents the unknown, while "Æ" is her version of Ai (love or Artificial Intelligence). The "A-12" pays homage to their favorite aircraft – speedy yet non-violent.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk

Other Stars and Their Unique Choices

Comedian Jimmy Carr chose Rockefeller for his son, inspired by the legendary John D. Rockefeller and comedian Chris Rock. Meanwhile, Nara and Lucky Blue Smith welcomed Fawnie Golden, adding to a family of whimsically named siblings like Slim Easy and Whimsy Lou.

Frank Zappa's children, Dweezil, Ahmet, Diva Thin Muffin, and Moon Unit, are a testament to his creative genius. And let's not forget Nick Cannon, who has a dozen kids with names like Moroccan, Golden, and Powerful.

The Meaning Behind the Madness

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's children – North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm – each have meaningful names. Chicago honors Kanye's hometown, while North signifies the couple's "highest point together." Saint was chosen for being a "blessing," and Psalm reflects Kanye's Christian faith.

In Conclusion

Whether it’s a desire to stand out or a reflection of personal beliefs, these unique names are here to stay. As Dr. Rackley notes, some might embrace their unique identity, while others may find it a burden. Either way, the trend shows no sign of slowing down. So, if you're considering a name like Ocean or Zephyr, you're in good company!

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Julian
Author: Julian
Julian

Julian

Julian follows the paper trail: filings, timelines, and who benefits. He reframes drama as facts - contracts, lawsuits, NDAs, and PR strategy - so readers get the full picture, not the spin.