Names are more than terminology; they’re indicators of societal fads, personal faith, and social pressure. Name trends in 2025 are strange and creepy: names inspired by serial killers and notorious individuals are on the rise.
A recent survey conducted by BabyCentre UK put the world in a tizzy last year when it discovered that true-crime stories were making inroads into Gen Alpha names. Why are parents choosing such names, then? And what does it say about our times?
1. The Rise of True-Crime Influence
True-crime television shows, podcasting, and streaming programs have exploded with popularity, enthralling millions. Shows such as Dahmer and Conversations with a Killer are not merely TV, but cultural milestones. Hence, names such as Ted (Bundy), Jeffrey (Dahmer), and even Aileen (Wuornos) are now appearing on baby wish lists. Specialists think that this indicates something about how fiction and fact overlap in an era where media constructs identity.
2. Rebellion Against Traditional Norms
Parents now are under more pressure than ever to be original. The quest for an “uniqueness” name regularly enters dark waters. Once taboo names have become edgy or edgy-gone-wrong. Psychologists contend that this is a manifestation of denying social norms in the interest of extreme self-expression—albeit at the expense of assuming risk.
3. The Viral Effect of Pop Culture
From You’s Joe Goldberg to the mysterious “Night Stalker,” characters with dark histories are being glamorized online. TikTok edits, fan accounts, and influencer commentary often elevate these figures to cult hero status. This virality fuels curiosity and can desensitize viewers, making controversial names more palatable. It’s no surprise, then, that they creep into parenting decisions.
4. A Disconnect from Historical Memory
Younger generations do not automatically associate names with the history of their original fame. Context fades with time. A 2000-born parent might not even know the horror of a name such as Charles (Manson) and would opt for it due to its sound or because it’s different. This memory failure is an insidious but powerful influence on present-day naming.
5. The Role of Media in Shaping Values
Experts such as sociologist Dr. Linda Blair observe that media we are subjected to redefine our internal compass. The viewers might start identifying with violent protagonists if they are shown repeatedly or even sympathizing with them. That’s not parents sanctioning crime—it is that they are constantly having their perception reformed. Naming a child after someone who isn’t liked is an unintentional tip of the hat to complexity and not cruelty.
6. Social Identity Through Shock Value
Some parents intentionally select salacious names so that they will make a scene or become celebrities. This culture belongs to a larger cultural phenomenon of “performative parenting,” where children’s names, style, and milestones are performed in an effort to be noticed on social media. A provocative name is a marketing tool—one that makes waves, for better or for worse.
The Ethical Dilemma
The giving of a name to a child is a very intimate choice, yet it is not made alone. There are ethical dilemmas: Should there be disacknowledging of names that have violent histories? Do parents have an obligation to preserve history in the form of names? There aren’t even answers, but these arguments become louder with inflammatory names in classrooms and playgrounds.
What Experts Suggest
Parenting experts suggest thoughtful reflection before naming a child after anyone with a complicated past. Consider how the name will age, what associations it carries, and whether it’s fair to place that burden on a child. Trendy or not, names are lifelong identifiers—and context matters.
Resources for Choosing Meaningful Names
If you’re seeking unique but positive baby name inspiration, consider using tools like:
Behind the Name – Historical and cultural meanings
Nameberry – Trend predictions and uncommon name recommendations
SSA Baby Names – Official U.S. Government statistics
These websites present a balance between creativity and cultural awareness.
Understand Different Baby Names
Trends carry over, but names endure. Serial killer name trend says something more than shock value—it says something about media culture, psychological motivations, and cultural fixation. Parents, the name decision matters. How tantalizing to be rebellious or subversive, but think how that given name can shape a child’s identity in an already complicated world.
