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
Shepherd
Linden
Carter
Lawson
Huck
Truett
Dutton
Harlan
Crockett
Lyle
Sterling
Weston
Stellan
Hartlan
Wescott
Darby
Rook
Stellan
Ranger
Adler
Arrow
Girls
Dottie
Abilene
Sadie
Maisie
Oaklee
Paisley
Presley
Kingsley
Abbie
Harper
Piper
Brynleigh
Kodi
Haisley
Mabel
Della
Layken
Shay
Eastlyn
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
Aurora
Flora
Posey
Lula
Blossom
Dolly
Whimsy
Bunny
Birdie
Evie
Teddy
Eden
Arcadia
Haven
Sage
Meadow
Dovie
Roamy
Willa
Boys
Bertie
Bear
Fox
Bowie
Otis
Hendrix
Beau
Jude
Shepherd
Casimir
Loyal
Willoughby
Walden
Augustus
Milo
Carrigan
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, symbolising nourishment and simplicity.
Stone – A symbol of strength, stability, and endurance.
Woods – A dense forest, representing mystery, growth, and nature.
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
Camden
Zealand
Aspen
Rhodes
York
Denver
Everest
Hudson
Camden
Girls
Dakota
Georgia
London
Henley
Brighton
Valencia
India
Savannah
Nola
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.
Ida
Eve
Ora
Ava
Noa
Lia
Ivy
Amy
Ada
Liv
Lua
Pia
Gia
Sky
Bea
Ace
Koa
Kit
Abe
Max
Sam
Riv
Dex
Cam
Cas
Pax
Kai
Dax
Zen
Ky
Gus
