Biggest Baby Name Trends for 2025

Atmospheric, whimsical, soft and meaningful are among the baby name trends set to be huge in 2025.

While parents will continue to love the traditional names that have dominated the baby name charts for years, such as Noah, Oliver, Amelia, Isla and Ava, there are captivating trends making their mark.

Many parents will look for the familiar within these baby name themes, such as alternative spellings of popular names or diminutives of familiar names.

However some parents want to mix things up and find a more distinctive name that makes their baby stand out from the crowd as they grow up.

So we’ve got some cool baby name themes and gorgeous ideas for you to choose from in our annual list of baby name trends.

Many of these names are unique and less common. If you want inspiration from more commonly used names then see this list of the most popular baby names in the UK, according to the latest ONS names data.

Rising baby names

While many parents find their baby’s name by looking at the most popular baby names, it’s also really interesting to check out the rising baby names.

These may not have got into the top 100 most used names, but you can look at names that have seen a huge leap in popularity for inspiration of what’s stylish and modern.

Here are some of the top trending boy and girl names, according to the US’s latest SSA data.

I can see that K names are seeing a real surge here, as are names that sound familiar but have been spelled slightly differently, such as Ivey.

Boys

Eiden
Cassian
Kyren
Jesiah
Matheo
Ezrah
Mael
Elio
Chosen
Waylen
Rhodes
Koen
Izan
Massimo
Lucien
Kyro
Palmer
Cillian – We definitely think that actor Cillian Murphy has inspired this trend!
True
Crue
Rome

Girls

Kaeli
Alitzel
Emryn
Adhara
Azari
Kya
Ivey
Ainara
Arely
Scottie
Avani
Miller
Aleyna
Miley
Andie
Inaya
Dania
Halo
Ailany
Aylani
Maisy
Lakelynn
Elowyn
Wrenlee
Emberlynn
Florence
Maddie
Emory

Atmospheric

Airy and light atmospheric names are a fun off-shoot of the nature baby names trend. These names can feel fresh and breezy, as well as strong and powerful.

Some of these names are tied to words meaning air and light, or they can be connected to the sky and weather.

Girls

Alizeh – This name could be derived from “alizé,” meaning trade winds in French.
Aura – Meaning soft breeze or glowing light, but can also refer to a energy field surrounding a person.
Aurora – It originates from the Latin word for “dawn.”
Cielo – This is Spanish or Italian for “sky.”
Lumi – Meaning light.
Makani – This is a Hawaiian name meaning “wind.”
Nova – In astronomy, a nova refers to a sudden brightening of a star.
Soleil – French for “sun.” It signifies warmth, light, and vitality.
Solene – A name derived from “soleil,” meaning “sun” in French. I think this name may see a little jump in popularity due to it being the name of the lead character in The Idea of You – a best-selling romance novel that’s now a film starring Anne Hathaway.
Stormi – This name evokes images of storms or turbulence.
Sunny – Literally refers to bright, sunny weather. It conveys warmth, happiness, and positivity.

Boys

Beau – Derived from the French word for “beautiful” or “handsome.” It often conveys physical attractiveness.
Bear – Refers to the animal known for its strength and resilience. It symbolizes courage and power.
Cael – Possibly derived from the Latin word “caelum,” meaning “sky” or “heaven.” It can symbolize vastness or spirituality.
Corentin – A Breton name meaning “hurricane” or “tempest.” It conveys strength and power.
Dalfon – The meaning of this name is less clear, but it may have Hebrew origins, possibly meaning “raindrop” or “he who draws water.”
Keanu – A Hawaiian name meaning “cool breeze over the mountains.” It suggests refreshment and tranquility.
Raiden – Japanese for “thunder and lightning.” It symbolizes power and energy.
Tempest – Literally refers to a violent windstorm. It conveys strength and intensity.
Van – Originally a Dutch surname meaning “of” or “from.” It’s often used as a given name and can suggest connection or lineage.
Wyndham – An English surname derived from a place name meaning “homestead by the winding path.” It may connote a sense of journey or exploration.
Zephyr – In Greek mythology, Zephyrus was the god of the west wind. The name suggests a gentle breeze and can symbolize tranquility and change.

Unique whimsical names

Parents love the whimsical baby name trend because these names tend to be playful, which makes them perfect for babies.

But they’re also full of beauty and grace, as well as that feeling of magic and enchantment.

Here are some unique whimsical baby names that we think parents will love for 2025.

Girls

Adley – The meaning of Adley is uncertain, but it could be a variation of the Hebrew name “Hadley,” meaning “meadow of heather.”
Ballad – Refers to a narrative poem or song, often with a romantic or sentimental theme. It conveys storytelling and emotion.
Cove – A small sheltered bay or inlet, often associated with tranquility and natural beauty.
Delsie – This name’s meaning is uncertain, but it could be a variant of Delcie, derived from the French name Delphine, meaning “dolphin.”
Flair – Refers to a natural talent or aptitude, often accompanied by style and originality.
Ember – A glowing piece of coal or wood remaining after a fire. It can symbolize warmth, energy, or the last remnant of something.
Indira – Derived from Sanskrit, meaning “beauty” or “splendid.” It’s also a name of the goddess Lakshmi in Hindu mythology, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Lavender – Refers to the fragrant flowering plant known for its calming aroma.
Lilith – In Jewish folklore, Lilith was Adam’s first wife. The name may derive from Akkadian and Hebrew roots meaning “night” or “stormy wind.” It’s often associated with independence and strength.
Reader – Literally refers to someone who reads. It conveys a love for literature and learning.
Royal – Pertaining to or characteristic of a king or queen. It suggests regalness, dignity, or importance.
Saylor – This name is derived from the English word sailor.
Whimsy – Refers to playful or fanciful behaviour or humour. It conveys a sense of lightheartedness and creativity.
Winslet – Meaning joy or joyful dweller.

Boys

Ayden – The meaning of Ayden is uncertain, but it may have Turkish or Gaelic origins. It’s often associated with meanings like “fiery” or “little fire.”
Bauer – A German surname meaning “farmer” or “peasant.” It suggests a connection to agriculture or rural life.
Corwin – An English name meaning “friend of the heart” or “heart’s companion.” It conveys a sense of closeness and camaraderie.
Crew – Originally a surname, Crew may refer to a group of people working together on a ship or aircraft. It suggests teamwork and cooperation.
Darwin – Derived from the Old English name “Deorwine,” meaning “dear friend.” It’s also associated with the surname of Charles Darwin, the naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution.
Dawson – Of English origin, Dawson means “son of David.” It’s a common surname turned given name.
Hutton – An English surname derived from a place name meaning “ridge settlement.” It suggests a connection to elevated landforms.
Huxley – An English surname originating from a place name meaning “Hucc’s clearing” or “Hucc’s wood.” It’s associated with the biologist Thomas Henry Huxley, known as “Darwin’s Bulldog” for his advocacy of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Keaton – Derived from Old English, meaning “place of hawks” or “where hawks are bred.” It’s associated with actor Buster Keaton and may suggest agility or sharpness.
Kiefer – A German surname meaning “barrel maker” or “cooper.” It suggests craftsmanship and skill.
Rex – Latin for “king.” It conveys regalness, authority, and strength.
Ridley – This name’s meaning is uncertain, but it could be derived from the Old English words “rid” (a clearing) and “leah” (a meadow), suggesting a clearing in the woods.
Tobias – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “God is good” or “God is my good.” It’s associated with the biblical figure Tobias and suggests divine favor or blessing.
Truett – An English surname derived from a place name meaning “clearing of the trust” or “true wood.” It conveys honesty and integrity.

Victorian era names

Some baby names are timeless and crop back up in the baby name charts again after a brief spell of falling out of favour. Others rarely see a drop, for example William has maintained popularity for many years.

We think parents looking to find new vintage baby names that evoke a timeless and historic feeling will look back a little further to find lesser used names. The Victoria era is a wonderful place to find familiar and lesser known names.

Here are some ideas that were popular in the US and UK in the late 1800s. I especially love Amos and Beulah.

Boys

Alfred – Meaning “elf counsel” or “wise counselor.”
Amos – Hebrew for “carried” or “borne by God.”
Chester – Of Latin origin, meaning “camp” or “fortress.”
Earnest – Derived from Old English, meaning “serious” or “sincere.”
Edwin – Originating from Old English, meaning “wealthy friend” or “prosperous friend.”
Everett – Of Old English origin, meaning “brave boar.”
Ezra – Hebrew for “help” or “assistance.”
Horace – Of Latin origin, meaning “man of time” or “keeper of hours.”
Leonard – Derived from Germanic elements meaning “brave lion.”
Otto – Of Germanic origin, meaning “wealth” or “prosperity.
Grover – Originally an English surname referring to someone who lived near a grove of trees.
Valentine – Perfect name for your little Valentine.
Wallace – Of Scottish origin, meaning “foreigner” or “Welshman.”
Willis – Meaning resolute protector.

Girls

Adela – Of Germanic origin, meaning “noble” or “of noble birth.”
Alma – Derived from Latin, meaning “nourishing” or “kind.”
Bessie – A diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God” or “God is abundance.”
Beulah – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “married” or “to marry.” It’s also associated with the biblical term for the land of Israel, suggesting a sense of belonging or promise.
Cecily – Meaning blind or heaven.
Christiana – Feminine form of Christian, meaning “follower of Christ” or “belonging to Christ.” It suggests religious devotion.
Clarissa – Derived from the Latin word “clarus,” meaning “bright” or “clear.” It suggests clarity and intelligence.
Edna – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “pleasure” or “delight.”
Edith – Of Old English origin, meaning “riches” or “blessed.”
Georgiana – Feminine form of George, meaning “farmer” or “earthworker.”
Harriet – Of Germanic origin, meaning “ruler of the home” or “estate.”
Hazel – Refers to the hazel tree or the color hazel, often associated with wisdom and protection.
Kitty – A diminutive of Katherine, meaning “pure” or “clear.” It conveys innocence and purity.
Lula – Meaning “renowned warrior” or “famous in battle.”
Selina – Of Greek origin, meaning “moon goddess” or “heavenly.”
Lavinia – After the ancient place name Lavinium.

Cool, unique nature names

Nature baby names have been a big hit with parents for the last decade because they have that connection to the earth and there’s a sense of purity around them.

As parents look for new ideas we think these slightly more quirky and little-used baby names – some of which you won’t find in any baby name charts – may catch the eye.

Boys

Acer – Latin for “sharp” or “keen.” It is also a genus of trees commonly known as maples.
Alder – Refers to a type of tree belonging to the genus Alnus. It symbolises protection and strength.
Arbor – Latin for “tree.” It conveys a connection to nature and growth.
Bramble – Refers to prickly bushes or shrubs, often found in wild or overgrown areas.
Bray – A verb meaning to make the loud, harsh cry of a donkey. It’s often used metaphorically to describe a loud, harsh noise.
Briar – Refers to a prickly plant, such as a thorny bush or shrub.
Bud – Refers to an undeveloped or embryonic shoot or flower on a plant. It symbolises growth and potential.
Calhoun – Of Irish origin, meaning “narrow woods.” It suggests a connection to wooded areas or nature.
Cedar – Refers to coniferous trees in the genus Cedrus, known for their fragrant wood.
Cullen – Of Gaelic origin, meaning “holly tree.” It suggests resilience and protection.
Danner – Possibly derived from the Middle High German word “tan,” meaning “fir tree.”
Ellery – Of English origin, meaning “island with elder trees.” It suggests a connection to nature and tranquility.
Forrest – Derived from Old English, meaning “forest” or “woods.” It conveys a connection to wooded areas and nature.
Gardner – Occupational surname for a gardener, someone who works with plants and nature.
Indigo – Refers to a deep blue-violet colour.
Kestrel – Named after a type of bird of prey.
Kingsley – Of English origin, meaning “king’s meadow.”
Linden – Refers to trees of the genus Tilia, known for their fragrant flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
Marlow – Of Old English origin, meaning “driftwood hill.”
Oakley – Derived from the English words “oak” and “meadow.” It suggests strength and natural beauty.
Oren – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “pine tree” or “ash tree.” It suggests strength and resilience.
Rye – Refers to a type of cereal grain, often associated with agricultural landscapes.
Silas – Of Latin origin, meaning “of the forest” or “woodland.” It suggests a connection to nature and wilderness.
Thistle – Refers to prickly plants of the genus Cirsium, often used as a symbol of resilience and survival.
Tilden – Of Old English origin, meaning “fertile valley.”
Willoughby – Of Old English origin, meaning “willow farm.”

Girls

Cassia – Derived from the name of a type of cinnamon tree. It’s associated with warmth and exoticism.
Calla – Named after the calla lily.
Azalea – Named after a flowering shrub.
Magnolia – Named after the magnolia tree.
Linden – Named after the Linden tree.
Linnea – Named after the Linnaea flower.
Zinnia – Named after a colourful flower.
Elowen – Cornish for “elm tree.”
Linnet – Named after a small bird.
Daphne – Named after a mythological nymph who transformed into a laurel tree.
Rhea – Named after a Greek goddess associated with nature and fertility.
Eira – Welsh for “snow.”
Juniper – Named after an evergreen shrub.
Damson – Named after a type of plum tree.
Olive – Named after the olive tree.
Fen – Refers to a low-lying wetland area.
Maple – Named after the maple tree.
Saffron – Named after a spice derived from a flower.
Meadow – Refers to a field covered with grass and wildflowers.
Sterling – Refers to high-quality silver.
Sky – Refers to the open expanse of the atmosphere.
Bramble – Refers to a prickly shrub.
Heron – Named after a long-legged wading bird.
Fern – Named after a type of green plant.
Celyn – Welsh for “holly”.
Cotton – Named after the cotton plant.
Garnet – Named after a precious gemstone.
Leaf – A sweet one-syllable nature name.
Summer – Refers to the warmest season of the year.
Garland – Refers to a wreath or chain of flowers.
Rill – Refers to a small stream.
Juniper – Named after an evergreen shrub.
Ffion – Welsh for “foxglove”.
Fawn – Named after a young deer.

Boy names as girl names

Gender neutral names have been a big hit with parents for many years, but they are now looking beyond the typical unisex name ideas to borrow more typical boy names and use them for girls too.

I love this trend as you get some really sweet, quirky ideas for little girls.

August – Derived from the Latin word “augustus,” meaning “great” or “venerable.” It’s also associated with the month of August.
Bailey – Of English origin, meaning “bailiff” or “administrator of justice.”
Billie – Often a diminutive of William or Wilhelmina, meaning “resolute protector” or “will helmet.”
Denver – Of English origin, meaning “green valley.”
Devin – Of Irish origin, meaning “poet” or “bard.” It can also mean “divine.”
Dylan – Of Welsh origin, meaning “son of the sea” or “sea-born.”
George – Of Greek origin, meaning “farmer” or “earth-worker.”
James – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “supplanter” or “one who follows.”
Jesse – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “gift” or “wealth.”
Jude – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “praised.”
Logan – Of Scottish origin, meaning “small hollow” or “little hollow.”
Marley – Of English origin, possibly derived from a combination of Mary and Lee, meaning “pleasant wood” or “meadow by the lake.”
Max – Short for Maximilian or Maxwell, meaning “greatest” or “the greatest one.”
Murphy – Of Irish origin, meaning “sea warrior” or “sea battler.”
Scout – Refers to someone who explores or observes, often associated with scouting or reconnaissance.
Tate – Of Old English origin, meaning “cheerful” or “glad.”
Taylor – Of Old French and Old English origin, meaning “tailor” or “clothing maker.”
Wyatt – Of English origin, meaning “brave in war” or “warrior.”

Modern invented names

These modern baby names have been created from popular names are by tapping into beloved trends.

For example names with “-ly” or “-wyn” at the end have a pleasing soft sound, which has led some parents to place the sound at the end of popular names. For example Emberly and Everly.

If you want something a little different for your baby then you could create your own name from elements of names that you love. Here are a few ideas for boys and girls.

Aylani
Aziel
Beauden
Bowyn
Caliana
Cyaire
Dariel
Ellowyn
Emberly
Foxton
Icelyn
Kailo
Kehlani
Larose
Levitt
Maebry
Maevyn
Novarae
Oakland
Rhyett
Riverly
Romer
Starlette
Wayland
Winry
Wrenley
Woodson
Zakhai

Soft and gentle names

Soft baby names feel gentle and sweet. They can cross over into the boho or whimsical trend, but often also have a feel of quiet strength which is oh-so lovely when you want a meaningful baby name.

Here are a few soft name ideas.

Boys

Arvo – Likely derived from Finnish, meaning “afternoon” or “evening.”
Bash – Slang term meaning “to strike forcefully,” suggesting strength or power.
Bear – Refers to the animal known for its strength and courage. It symbolises power and protection.
Briley – A combination of the names Bryan and Riley, possibly meaning “strong” or “courageous.”
Corwin – Of Old English origin, meaning “friend of the heart” or “heart’s companion.”
Cyrus – Of Persian origin, meaning “sun” or “throne.” It’s also associated with the ancient Persian kings.
Elm – Refers to a type of tree, often associated with strength and endurance.
Emerson – Of English origin, meaning “son of Emery” or “brave.”
Finlo – Likely a variant of the name Finlay or Finley, meaning “fair hero” or “fair warrior.”
Fisher – Occupational surname for someone who catches fish.
Flynn – Of Irish origin, meaning “son of the red-haired one” or “son of the ruddy one.”
Hayes – Of English origin, meaning “hedged area” or “enclosure.” It can also be derived from the Irish surname O’Hays, meaning “descendant of Aodh,” where Aodh is a given name meaning “fire.”
Milano – Likely derived from Italian, referring to the city of Milan.
Reynan – Of Filipino origin, meaning “reign” or “to rule.”
Wilbie – Likely a variant of the name Wilbur, meaning “bright will” or “resolute.”
Zen – Derived from the Japanese word “zen,” referring to a school of Buddhism emphasizing meditation and intuition. It suggests tranquility and enlightenment.

Girls

Adeline – Of French origin, meaning “noble” or “nobility.”
Amiria – Likely derived from the Arabic name Amir, meaning “prince” or “commander.”
Calloway – Of English origin, meaning “pebble” or “stream.”
Dovie – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “bear” or “beloved.”
Elissy – Likely a variant of the name Elise or Elissa, derived from Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath” or “consecrated to God.”
Fable – Refers to a short story, often with a moral lesson or animals as characters.
Isolde – Of Welsh origin, meaning “beautiful,” or possibly “ice ruler.” It’s also associated with the tragic heroine of the medieval romance Tristan and Isolde.
Ives – Of English origin, meaning “archer” or “yew wood.”
Lilia – Of Latin origin, derived from the word “lilium,” meaning “lily,” a symbol of purity and beauty.
Navy – Refers to a dark shade of blue, often associated with the color of naval uniforms.
Noon – Refers to midday or 12 o’clock in the afternoon.
Petal – Refers to one of the individual leaves of a flower, often delicate and colourful.
Shiloh – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “peace” or “tranquility.” It’s also a biblical place name.
Suvie – Likely a variant of the name Suvi, which is Finnish for “summer.”
Tessa – Of Greek origin, meaning “harvester” or “reaper.”
Willowy – Refers to someone who is slender and graceful, like a willow tree.

High energy names

Cool high energy names evoke images of adventure, strength and independence.

Many of these names are associated with travel and places, but some are also connected to wildness and freedom.

Boys

Atlas – In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan who carried the heavens on his shoulders. The name suggests strength and endurance.
Atticus – Meaning rugged coast.
Archie – Derived from the Germanic name Archibald, meaning “genuine” or “bold.”
Bowie – Of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word “buidhe,” meaning “yellow” or “blond.”
Chase – English in origin, meaning “to hunt” or “to pursue.” It suggests determination and pursuit of goals.
Everest – Named after Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. It symbolises strength and aspiration.
Maverick – Originally a term for unbranded cattle, it came to mean an independent or nonconformist person.
Phoenix – In Greek mythology, the phoenix is a bird that cyclically regenerates or is reborn from its ashes, symbolizing renewal and resurrection.
Rhodes – Likely derived from the Greek island of Rhodes. It suggests strength and resilience.
Rider – Refers to someone who rides, often associated with freedom and adventure.
Ridge – Refers to a long, narrow elevation of land, often associated with strength and endurance.
Rocky – Refers to rocks or stones.
Rowdy – Refers to someone who is rough, disorderly, or unruly.
Sawyer – Of English origin, meaning “woodcutter” or “sawer of wood.”
Wilder – Refers to someone who is untamed or free-spirited.
Wolf – Refers to the animal known for its strength, intelligence, and independence.

Girls

Aeryn – Possibly a variant of the name Erin, of Irish origin, meaning “from Ireland.”
Alaska – Named after the U.S. state, which is derived from an Aleut word meaning “great land” or “mainland.”
Aspen – Named after the tree of the same name, known for its quaking leaves. It suggests tranquility and the changing seasons.
Cosima – Of Italian and Greek origin, meaning “order” or “harmony.” It’s also associated with the Greek word “kosmos,” meaning “world” or “universe.”
Dazzle – Refers to something that impresses or astonishes with brilliance or beauty.
Indie – Short for “independent,” suggesting individuality and self-reliance.
Journey – Meaning a trip or excursion – this is a very cool adventure name for a girl or boy.
Milana – Of Slavic origin, meaning “dear” or “gracious.”
Raven – Named after the bird known for its intelligence and mystique.
Romee – Possibly a variant of the name Rome or Romilly, suggesting strength and resilience.
Roxana – Of Persian origin, meaning “dawn” or “bright.”
Zelda – Meaning blessed or happy.