Parents will be taking inspiration from entertainment and escapism when naming their babies in the year ahead, at least according to a new report by Nameberry. The baby name site has just come out with their baby name trend predictions for 2026 and the list is full of dreamy, whimsical choices.
These are the baby name trends that are set to take over next year:
- Ancient Civilizations - Moms and dads will be digging through their own family history and world history when deciding what to name their little ones. Names from this trend include Cressida, Cyril, Marcella and Ramses.
- Showgirl names - We all know Taylor Swift is an influencer, and that applies to baby names, too. Her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl” is sure to inspire parents with options like Ophelia and Honey, along with names like Farrah, Seraphina and Tallulah.
- Soulful names - These aren’t overly religious, but they’re still spiritual, like Dove, Olive, Purpose and River.
- A-OK Boomer names - Inspired by baby boomers and the 1950s, these are names your grandparents might have, like Bonnie, Gwyn, Hal, and Monty.
- Romantasy names - Taking a page from the popular literary genre, these are names that sound like they could be the hero or heroine of a romantic fantasy novel, like Cassian, Esmarie, Magnus and Sabine.
- Vowel hiatus names - It refers to the “enunciation of two distinct adjoining vowels,” with no consonant sound in between. Names fitting this trend include Anaia, Eziah, Leonie and Romeo.
- Number names - Whether it’s a number to honor a child’s birth order or just a number, this trend is expected to be huge in the coming year. Nameberry says we’ll be seeing more names like Cinco, Deuce, Million and Prima.
- Straight out of Utah - Thanks to the cultural obsession with “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Mom Tok, and “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” names like Bodee, Dottie, Quincy and Scotlyn will be popular.
- Anime names - This trend is growing, getting a push from “KPOP Demon Hunters” and Korean dramas, these names include Anya, Jinu, Kiro and Riyo.
- Brit lit names - Taking inspiration from British literature classics, more babies will be called Celia, Darcy, Tess and Winston.
Source: She Knows