A baby name expert has shared the top 10 baby names parents are likely to regret - including monikers inspired by TV characters.

SJ Strum, 44, says choosing the perfect name for your child can feel like an impossible task - especially if you want something unique but not too out there.

The UK's leading baby name expert and consultant at Babycentre, from Richmond, London, has shared the types of names people are most likely to regret.

1. Too Popular names

According to SJ, parents often regret names that suddenly soar in popularity, often because of a TV show or film.

"Everyone watching Bridgeton fell in love with the names Daphne and Eloise seeing the names spike in popularity", she said. "

"Suddenly parents who thought they had chosen ‘unique' names saw them all over the playground." "

2. Names which are tricky to spell

SJ says choosing an alternative spelling for a popular name may seem like a fun idea at the time, but this may lead to annoyance, when no one is able to spell these names.

"Emmaleigh and Jaxson may always have to spell out their names and parents often wish they had kept it traditional", SJ said."



3. Bad initials

When picking out a child's name, parents often forget to check what the names spell. She advises parents to spell out the initials of the chosen name to check.

"Unfortunate monikers like Phoebe Imogen Green or Seth Arthur Davies can sneak by and cause regret", the expert explained."



4. Family names - you don't love

Some parents may feel pressure to keep the family tradition of passing a name down going.



However, SJ said that if you aren't a big fan of the name, it's OK to break tradition.

"If you don't love the name, I wouldn't feel pressure to use it no matter how many generations have before you", she said."



5. Names that become famous

There's no way of predicting what names will become famous in the future, but if you called your son Harry Potter before 1997, you are probably regretting it now, says SJ.

SJ added: "Siblings names can take a turn, like the mum of Meghan and Harry or twins Anna and Elsa." "

6. No middle name

If you have a few names that you can't decide on, using these as middle names is a great way to add some extra fun to your baby's moniker.

SJ said: "Parents often regret not picking a middle name as a missed opportunity to add something more daring from their baby name ideas."



"A middle spot is a great place to choose a fun, personality full name." "

7. Bad nicknames - eg. Genevieve/Jen. Benedict/Ben

"If you're using a long and interesting name, just consider if you equally love the short nickname that will be unavoidable", SJ suggested. "

"A friend called Genevieve, a gorgeous name, gets solely called Jen, something that is much more plain!" "

8. Character names



Although baby name inspiration may strike when you're watching a hero save the world in a new blockbuster, SJ advised avoiding names such as Khaleesi or Wednesday.

"Choosing a character name has becoming very popular in recent years but it can lead to regrets", she said. "

"It immediately gives your child something to live up to, an instant comparison." "

9. Using your ‘safe' name

"Many parents regret not using the name they really loved, because they were scared it was too daring, so opted for a safer choice", SJ explained. "

"Aurora became Amelia, Phoenix settled on Felix. But that name you loved more will always feel like ‘the one that got away'."

10. Using your best name for your pet

Couples often get a cat or a dog before having a baby, but SJ advised saving your favourite names for the kids.

"Giving your great baby name to a pet is really bad future planning", she said. "

"Luna the cat and Bodhi the dog will wipe those off your baby name list forever, so think wisely and maybe go with Ian and Karen for the pets."