Choosing a baby name is a significant decision for any parent, but for one couple, their surname has turned the process into a minefield of potential playground taunts. Quincie and Zach Cox, who are expecting their second child, have revealed the list of names they absolutely cannot use because of the crude innuendos created when paired with their family name.
The Cox Family's Naming Dilemma
The couple, who are already parents to a daughter named Capri, recently took to Instagram to discuss their baby naming challenges. In a video posted on 15 January 2026, they shared a slideshow of monikers that are firmly off the list for their impending baby girl. The core issue is that otherwise lovely names can be twisted into embarrassing joke phrases when followed by 'Cox'.
They identified eight primary names that are unusable for them. These include Eden, Holden, and Harry, which could be misheard as 'eating Cox', 'holding Cox', and 'hairy Cox'. Also banned are Anita, Ryder ('ride your Cox'), Isla ('I love Cox'), Sharon ('sharing Cox'), and Sawyer ('saw your Cox').
A Second Wave of Unfortunate Combinations
The couple's caution didn't end there. They posted a second video with even more names that would lead to trouble, including Olive, Sandy, Iva, Dixon, Ophelia, Ivana, and Robin. Quincie added an extra layer of complexity, joking that the situation would be worse if they incorporated her maiden name, Pullen, into the mix.
The Instagram posts sparked a wave of sympathy and shared experiences from other commenters. One user named Harry Wang wrote, "I wish my parents had thought like that," while another mum who married into the surname 'Head' said she faced similar careful considerations. A former Cox by maiden name urged more awareness, stating some families with the name are "shockingly blase" about what they name their children.
The Importance of Surname Awareness
This story highlights a crucial, often humorous, aspect of parenting in the UK. While most parents simply consider how first and last names flow together, those with surnames that are common words or sound like them must be extra vigilant. The goal is to protect their child from potential bullying at school and embarrassment in later life, a sentiment strongly echoed in the comments on the Cox's post.
One extreme example shared by a commenter involved a local family with the same surname who allegedly named their daughters Precious, Pleasure, and Desire Cox. For Quincie and Zach Cox, their diligent approach serves as a reminder to all prospective parents: say the full name out loud, think like a schoolchild, and choose wisely.
