Expecting a baby in 2026? I’m sure choosing a baby name is one of the top things on your to-do list!
Picking your baby’s name is one of the most exciting aspects of becoming a parent. Your baby’s name is a crucial part of who they are. It’s a chance to
These are the biggest baby name trends with hundreds of name ideas that are stylish, beautiful and full of personality.
From cosy comfort names to powerful landscape names, there’s lots here to inspire you for your own baby names shortlist.
Want more baby names? Check out these baby name trends for 2025.
Fantasy fiction hero names
Fairies, dragons, werewolves and warriors are all the rage among readers right now.
BookTok – the community of readers on TikTok – is full of recommendations for fantasy fiction books, often featuring a romantic element as well as adventure. The massive Fourth Wing series and A Court of Thorn and Roses are great examples of this!
These books are filled with mystical, unique names, powerful vintage names and even popular names. Many of these books are also known as romantasy and the names that come out of them are often unique but also oh-so pretty.
It’s a great place to find baby name inspiration, so here are some ideas from this trend!
Girls
Alva – meaning elf.
Tauriel – Meaning daughter of the forest.
Feyre – Derived from “faerie” or “fairy,” meaning magical or enchanted.
Ferryn – Meaning adventurer or traveller.
Violet – A flower name and a colour, symbolising beauty and modesty.
Demi – Short for “Demetria” or “Demi-god,” meaning half or small.
Aura – A soft glow or energy surrounding a person, meaning “radiance.”
Cielo – Spanish for “sky” or “heaven.”
Oletta – A Norse name meaning small winged one or nobility. It’s a great uncommon choice for parents who love the name Olivia.
Zephyra – Meaning wind.
Delyth – A pretty soft name, meaning beautiful.
Arwen – From Lord of the Rings, meaning “noble maiden” in Elvish.
Eadlin – Meaning noble or wealth.
Journey – Symbolises adventure, growth, and discovery.
Lumi – Finnish for “snow,” representing purity and light.
Lumen – Latin for “light,” used to measure brightness.
Vesper – Latin for “evening star” or “evening prayer.”
Inca – Meaning ancestor.
Indigo – A deep blue-purple colour, linked to intuition and mystery.
Fable – A short story with a moral, symbolising wisdom and storytelling.
Trinity – A sweet virtue name meaning three.
Quinlan – Meaning strong. A lovely variation on the name Quinn.
Boys
Arthur – Derived from Celtic origins, meaning “bear” or “noble.”
Lorien – Meaning field or land of gold.
Delano – Meaning from the forest of nut trees.
Wolf – Symbolises strength, loyalty, and instinct, derived from the animal.
Cassian – Of Latin origin, meaning “hollow” or “helmeted warrior.”
Glennon – A gender neutral name meaning cloak.
Oslac – Meaning to offer a sacrifice or curiosity.
Azriel – Hebrew name meaning “God is my help” or “angel of death.”
Lucien – French/Latin origin, meaning “light” or “illumination.”
Kallon – Greek origin, meaning “beauty” or “good.”
Xaden – Modern invented name, possibly linked to “strong warrior.”
Esmeray – Meaning dark moon.
Cormoran – A Cornish name, which comes from a story about a giant.
Dain – Norse origin, meaning “new beginning” or “from the valley.”
Ridoc – Likely an invented name, possibly meaning “leader” or “warrior.”
Rune – Old Norse origin, meaning “secret” or “mystery.”
Ender – Turkish origin, meaning “very rare” or “unique.” Also known from Ender’s Game.
Wallace – Meaning foreigner or stranger.
Gruffydd – Meaning strong lord.
Leif – Meaning heir.
Ingram – Meaning raven of peace.
Dion – Greek origin, short for Dionysius, meaning “follower of Zeus” or “divine.”
Leif – Scandinavian origin, meaning “heir” or “descendant.”
Kepler – Meaning someone who makes cloaks.
Riven – A lovely, strong option if you like the name River. Of Norse origins meaning to tear down.
Sunny names
Welcoming a new baby to the family is a happy moment and so it’s understandable parents will want to celebrate this with a name that’s full of positivity, playfulness and sunshine.
A sunny baby name feels vibrant, cheerful and adorable.
Girls
Lively – Means “full of life” and energy.
Everlyn – Variant of Evelyn, meaning “wished for” or “life.”
Eartha – Old English origin, meaning “earth” or “ground.”
Honey – Symbolizes sweetness, warmth, and affection.
Solstice – Refers to the longest or shortest day of the year, symbolising change and renewal.
Palermo – A city in Italy, meaning “haven” or “protector.”
Bambi – Italian for “little child” or “baby deer,” symbolising innocence.
Celestina – Latin origin, meaning “heavenly” or “celestial.”
Astoria – Greek origin, meaning “like a star” or “of the stars.”
Astrid – Scandinavian origin, meaning “divine strength” or “beautiful god.”
Ever – Means “always” or “eternal.”
Lola – Spanish origin, short for Dolores, meaning “sorrows” but often associated with charm.
Summer – Represents warmth, joy, and the carefree nature of the season.
Soleil – French for “sun,” symbolising brightness and vitality.
Halo – Means “divine aura” or “circle of light,” symbolising purity and protection.
Boys
Atlas – Greek origin, meaning “to carry”; a Titan who held up the sky.
Cyrus – Persian origin, meaning “sun” or “throne.”
Milo – German/Latin origin, meaning “soldier” or “merciful.”
Rook – Refers to the chess piece or the black bird, symbolising strategy and mystery.
Hayes – English/Irish origin, meaning “hedged area” or “descendant of Aodh (fire).”
True – Means “genuine” or “faithful.”
Heath – English origin, meaning “heathland dweller” or “open land.”
Jett – English origin, meaning “black gemstone” or “jet-black.”
Jasper – Persian origin, meaning “treasurer”; also a precious stone.
Lowen – Cornish origin, meaning “joyful” or “happy.”
Cutesy names
While powerful and strong baby names are still big news, many baby names in the popular charts are soft sounding and cute. They are quite obviously baby names, not mini grown-up names.
There are so gorgeous sweet names in this trend to choose from. Many Disney names such as Bambi and Minnie fall under this trend. But for something with a pretty aesthetic and unique vibe, names such as Whimsy are so perfect.
Pairing these names with a one-syllable middle name can really add to the overall cute vibe, for example Millie Boo, Birdie Rae or or Dolly Bea.
Girls
Winnie – Short for Winifred, meaning “blessed” or “fair one.”
Birdie – Means “little bird,” symbolising freedom and lightness.
Bambi – Italian for “little child” or “baby deer,” symbolising innocence.
Minnie – Short for Wilhelmina or Minerva, meaning “resolute protector” or “intellect.”
Millie – Short for Mildred or Millicent, meaning “gentle strength” or “work.”
Tilda – Short for Matilda, meaning “battle strength.”
Dolly – Short for Dorothy or Dolores, meaning “gift of God” or “sorrows.”
Blossom – Refers to a flower blooming, symbolising growth and beauty.
Lilibet – A nickname for Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”
Nori – Japanese origin, meaning “belief” or “seaweed”; also a Nordic short form of Eleanor.
Posey – A small flower bouquet, symbolising charm and sweetness.
Honey – Represents warmth, love, and sweetness.
Boys
Albie – Short for Albert, meaning “noble” or “bright.”
Teo – Short for Mateo or Theodor, meaning “gift of God” or “God.”
Cyan – A colour name, meaning “greenish-blue,” symbolising calm and clarity.
Astro – Greek origin, meaning “star,” symbolising celestial wonder.
Xavi – Short for Xavier, meaning “new house” or “bright.”
Sonny – Means “son” or “young boy,” symbolising warmth and youthfulness.
Whit – Short for Whitman or Whitfield, meaning “white” or “pure.”
Scout – Means “explorer” or “adventurer,” symbolising curiosity.
Elio – Italian/Spanish origin, meaning “sun.”
Hart – English origin, meaning “stag” (male deer), symbolising strength and grace.
Wylder – Variant of Wilder, meaning “untamed” or “free-spirited.”
Archie – Short for Archibald, meaning “bold” or “genuine.”
Wolfe – Inspired by the animal, symbolising loyalty, courage, and strength.
Diminutive names
Diminutive names are shortened versions of a longer, often more traditional name. The nicknames derived from traditional names are a huge rising trend, because they feel more playful, fun and unique.
Lots of these names end in “ie” or “y” which is such a popular sound for baby names.
Girls
Lottie – Short for Charlotte, meaning “free” or “petite.”
Dottie – Short for Dorothy, meaning “gift of God.”
Ellie – Short for Eleanor or Elizabeth, meaning “light” or “God is my oath.”
Minnie – Short for Wilhelmina or Minerva, meaning “resolute protector” or “intellect.”
Rory – Irish origin, meaning “red king” or “fiery.”
Stevie – Short for Stephanie or Steven, meaning “crown” or “victorious.”
Charlie – Short for Charles or Charlotte, meaning “free man.”
Georgie – Short for Georgia or George, meaning “farmer” or “earth worker.”
Scottie – Short for Scott, meaning “from Scotland.”
Gracie – Short for Grace, meaning “favour” or “blessing.”
Cassie – Short for Cassandra or Cassidy, meaning “prophetess” or “curly-haired.”
Boys
Benji – A sweet name of Hebrew origin meaning son of the south.
Alfie – A popular boy’s name meaning elf counsel or counsellor.
Harry – A cool popular name meaning home ruler.
Joey – Meaning god will increase.
Mikey – A diminutive of the popular name Michael.
Ronnie – A cute unisex name meaning bringer of victory.
Theo – A timeless Greek name that is short for Theodore. Meaning gift of god.
Country names
Sweet country baby names feel rustic, adventurous and outdoorsy.
Some of these are cowboy names, while others have a US Southern vibe to them.
Boys
Beckett – bee cottage; little brook
Shepherd – one who herds sheep
Linden – tree known for flexibility and resilience
Carter – transporter of goods by cart
Lawson – son of Lawrence
Huck – short form of Huckleberry; free spirit, countryside
Truett – dry resin; associated with truth
Dutton – from the hill settlement
Harlan – rocky land or hare’s land
Crockett – diminutive of “crook”; little hook
Lyle – from the island
Sterling – high quality; also silver
Weston – from the western town
Stellan – calm, peaceful (Scandinavian origin)
Hartlan – stag land or deer meadow
Wescott – from the western cottage
Darby – deer town
Rook – type of bird, also means chess piece
Ranger – forest guardian or keeper
Adler – eagle
Arrow – symbol of swiftness and direction
Girl names
Dottie – gift of God; diminutive of Dorothy
Abilene – grassy meadow (Hebrew/Biblical place name)
Sadie – princess (diminutive of Sarah)
Maisie – pearl (diminutive of Margaret)
Oaklee – oak meadow
Paisley – patterned fabric; also Scottish town
Presley – priest’s meadow
Kingsley – king’s meadow
Abbie – father’s joy (diminutive of Abigail)
Harper – harp player
Piper – flute or pipe player
Brynleigh – from the hill or mound
Kodi – helpful; also linked to “Kodiak,” a type of bear
Haisley – hazel woods or clearing
Mabel – lovable
Della – noble or bright
Layken – from the lake
Shay – admirable, hawk-like
Eastlyn – from the eastern lake or meadow
Cosy comfort names
The cosy trend for fashion and interiors has been huge and so it’s no wonder parents may seek out baby names that feel comforting and warm.
These gorgeous safe haven names are pretty, sweet and so modern.
Girls
- Indie – Independent, free-spirited
- Aurora – Dawn; Roman goddess of the sunrise
- Flora – Flowers; Roman goddess of spring
- Posey – Small bouquet of flowers
- Lula – Famous warrior (diminutive of Louise)
- Blossom – To bloom, flourish
- Dolly – Gift of God (from Dorothy) or “beloved” (diminutive of Dolores)
- Whimsy – Playful, fanciful
- Bunny – Cute, endearing term (little rabbit)
- Birdie – Little bird; cheerful, free
- Evie – Life; lively (from Eve/Eva)
- Teddy – Divine gift (from Theodora)
- Eden – Paradise, delight
- Arcadia – Idyllic, pastoral paradise
- Haven – Safe place, refuge
- Sage – Wise; also a fragrant herb
- Meadow – Grassy field
- Dovie – Beloved; from “dove,” symbol of peace
- Roamy – Wanderer, free spirit
- Willa – Resolute protector
Boys
- Bertie – Bright, famous (diminutive of Albert/Herbert)
- Bear – Strong, brave animal name
- Fox – Clever, sly, sharp
- Bowie – Yellow-haired; also tied to musician David Bowie
- Otis – Wealthy, fortunate
- Hendrix – Ruler of the home; rock ’n’ roll edge via Jimi Hendrix
- Beau – Handsome, beautiful (French)
- Jude – Praised; also linked to the Beatles’ song
- Shepherd – One who tends sheep; guide, protector
- Casimir – Proclaimer of peace (Slavic origin)
- Loyal – Faithful, devoted
- Willoughby – Farm near the willows (English place name)
- Walden – From the valley woods; also tied to Thoreau’s Walden
- Augustus – Great, magnificent, venerable
- Milo – Soldier; merciful
- Carrigan – Pointed spear (Irish origin)
Gender neutral powerful earthy names
Earthy nature names have been so huge in recent years but now the trend has expanded to include words that are not traditional names. Some examples of this are Woods, Dune and Reef.
These landscape names can be both powerful and peaceful.
Cove – A small, sheltered bay, symbolising tranquility and protection.
Peak – The highest point of a mountain, representing ambition and strength.
Meadow – A grassy field, symbolising peace, nature, and beauty.
Zephyr – A gentle breeze, symbolising calmness and movement.
Ocean – The vast sea, representing depth, mystery, and power.
Aire – A variant of “Air,” symbolising freedom and lightness.
Forrest – Derived from “forest,” representing nature, wisdom, and resilience.
Coast – The land near the sea, symbolising adventure and exploration.
Reef – A coral formation in the ocean, symbolising marine beauty and life.
Ridge – A long, narrow hilltop, symbolising strength and elevation.
Dune – A sand formation shaped by the wind, representing adaptability.
Prairie – A wide, open grassland, symbolising freedom and vastness.
Tide – The movement of the ocean, symbolising change and flow.
Rye – A type of grain.
Stone – A symbol of strength, stability, and endurance.
Woods – A dense forest.
Valley – A low area between hills or mountains, symbolising peace and refuge.
Geographic names
Choosing a place name is a popular choice for parents who have a strong connection to a particular country, city or region.
However these geographic names are becoming so popular that they’re being chosen even when there is no origin story being the option.
Boys’ Names
- Camden – Scottish origin, meaning winding valley.
- Zealand – Inspired by New Zealand, meaning sea land.
- Aspen – English origin, from the tree with heart-shaped leaves.
- Rhodes – Greek origin, meaning where roses grow.
- York – English origin, place name meaning yew estate.
- Denver – English origin, meaning green valley.
- Everest – Inspired by Mount Everest, meaning dweller on the Eure river (Old English roots).
- Hudson – English origin, meaning son of Hugh.
Girls’ Names
- Nola – Irish/Latin origin, meaning fair shoulder or bell.
- Dakota – Native American origin, meaning ally, friend.
- Georgia – Greek origin, meaning farmer, earth-worker.
- London – English place name, meaning from the great river.
- Henley – English origin, meaning high meadow.
- Brighton – English place name, meaning bright town.
- Valencia – Spanish origin, meaning bravery, strength.
- India – From the Indus River, meaning river, body of water.
- Savannah – Spanish origin, meaning treeless plain, open grassland.
Short names
Who says a name has to be long to make a statement? Short single-syllable of three-letter names are so lovely in their simplicity. There’s some gorgeous vintage options in this trend, such as Ada and Eve, or more modern ideas like Noa and Ace.
Girls
- Ida – Germanic origin, meaning industrious, hardworking.
- Eve – Hebrew origin, meaning life.
- Ora – Latin/Hebrew origin, meaning light or prayer.
- Ava – Latin origin, meaning bird or life.
- Noa – Hebrew origin, meaning movement, motion (used for girls in many countries).
- Lia – Short form of names like Amelia or Julia, meaning bearer of good news.
- Ivy – English origin, from the plant symbolising fidelity and friendship.
- Amy – French/Latin origin, meaning beloved.
- Ada – Germanic origin, meaning noble.
- Liv – Scandinavian origin, meaning life or protection.
- Lua – Portuguese origin, meaning moon.
- Pia – Latin origin, meaning pious, devout.
- Gia – Italian short form of Gianna, meaning God is gracious.
- Sky – Nature-inspired, meaning the heavens, open air.
- Bea – Short for Beatrice, meaning bringer of happiness.
Boys
- Gus – Short for Augustus, meaning majestic, great.
- Ace – English origin, meaning one, unity, or expert.
- Koa – Hawaiian origin, meaning brave, warrior.
- Kit – Short for Christopher, meaning bearer of Christ.
- Abe – Hebrew origin, short for Abraham, meaning father of many.
- Max – Latin origin, meaning greatest.
- Sam – Hebrew origin, short for Samuel, meaning God has heard.
- Riv – Short for River, nature name meaning flowing water.
- Dex – Latin origin, short for Dexter, meaning right-handed, skillful.
- Cam – Short form of Cameron (Scottish: crooked nose) or Camden (winding valley).
- Cas – Short for Casimir or Casper, meaning bringer of peace.
- Pax – Latin origin, meaning peace.
- Kai – Hawaiian/Scandinavian/Japanese origins, meaning sea, earth, or forgiveness depending on culture.
- Dax – French place name, also meaning leader.
- Zen – Japanese origin, meaning meditation, calm.
- Ky – Short form of Kyle or Kyler, meaning narrow channel, strait.
