I named my daughter after a My Little Pony character and I have no regrets - more parents should choose unusual monikers

A mother has defended naming her daughter after a My Little Pony character - despite being criticised for the rather unusual moniker. When Sybilla Hart first fell pregnant with her fourth child more than 12 years ago, she was completely stuck for name ideas, having already used all of her top choices. That was, until her daughters, Beatrice and Florence, were watching an episode of the franchise's show when a new character was introduced: Princess Celestia.The expectant mother, then 34, was immediately taken with it.'It sounded like Celeste – a name I liked, but felt was a bit abrupt for my liking – only better,' Sybilla, from Essex said.'I loved the name, as did my husband, Charles.'However, the name soon proved to be a controversial choice, with Sybilla admitting that several people online assumed that there was an inherent link between the show's character and her newborn. She said: 'I had friends who joked on my Facebook page when I announced her name, saying, "You're naming your daughter after My Little Pony?". A woman has defending naming her daughter after a My Little Pony character - despite receiving criticism for the rather unusual moniker When Sybilla Hart first fell pregnant with her fourth child more than 12 years ago, she was completely stuck for name ideas, having already used all of her top choices'I proudly replied to say yes, and that I loved the name. It didn't matter where I found the name – I had fallen in love with it.'Some people have been rude and asked if it is even a "real" name". To which I tell them it is, just a lengthening of the name Celeste.'However, Sybilla added that other individuals in her life 'loved' the name, with one friend of a friend even asking if she could use the name for her own daughter. Sybilla, now 45, shared that others have previously mixed up her moniker with 'Celestial', particularly since the release of Ed Sheeran's track of the same name in 2022.Celestia, now 12, has wholeheartedly embraced her moniker - with her mother insisting that she is 'proud' of her unlikely name inspiration.And while her sisters' names have become increasingly popular, Celestia remains a hidden secret - for now. 'She loves her name and is proud to have an unusual name – it's something she shares with me,' Sybilla said.'She is proud to have an unusual name.'It comes after data from BabyCentre, the UK's leading pregnancy and parenting hub, revealed at the start of this year that parents welcoming babies in 2026 can expect to be influenced by popstars like Lily Allen, Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo.The data estimated that pop culture would dominate this year's choices for those who are expecting, with social media trends that highlight the spiritual 'aura' of names also taking centre stage. Celestia, now 12, has wholeheartedly embraced her moniker - with her mother insisting that she is 'proud' of her unlikely name inspiration'Baby names are always a reflection of the cultural moment, and this year our data shows exactly what's capturing parents' imaginations,' said Faye Mingo, the group's Growth Officer, as it released its top 100 baby names of 2025.'This year has been one of the most expressive naming years yet, with choices driven by identity, intention and personal values.'The predicted names set to soar in 2026 are also ruled by 'aura points', according to naming expert SJ Strum - a new social media trend.'Modern parents want a name with meaning: a name that reflects personality, values, and positive energy. Inspired by the viral social media Aura Points trend,' she explained.'This "rates" names on qualities like kindness, strength and joy, Aura Points names are rising fast. These characterful, meaning-rich names prove that what a name represents matters as much as how it sounds.'Aura Points isn't just a trend, it's a reflection of how parents are thinking about names today.'Parents want names with personality and values built in. Aura Points names carry meaning, character and positivity, and that's exactly what modern families are drawn to.'There appears to be no exact science for how to calculate said points, but examples, for girls, include Maeve, Myla, Gianna and Esme.For boys, meanwhile, parents may go for Ahmad, Caleb, Asher, Jude and Ronnie.Elsewhere, names rich in symbolism about 'light' are also expected to be making waves.'The Glow Up trend is transforming the name popularity lists and celebrates names that shine with meaning, beauty and brightness,' the centre said. 'These names are strong in symbolism and style and strike the balance between timeless charm and modern appeal.'