20 Surprising Baby Name Trends for 2024 / 2025 (Plus 319 Baby Name Ideas)

Expecting a baby in 2024 or 2025? Have you noticed a few interesting trends in baby naming like giving three letter names or celestial-inspired names being extremely popular?

Today, I’m sharing my research on the 20 baby name trends of 2024 with 319 unique baby name ideas according to these trends.

We’ll explore the names that are set to dominate nurseries across the nation. Let’s get started!

1. Hawaiian-Inspired Names Ending in “lani”

This trend, particularly popular in America, involves using Hawaiian or Hawaiian-sounding names ending in “lani,” which means “heaven” or “sky” in Hawaiian.

These names have a melodic quality and exotic appeal. Check out these names, most of them sound very nice when pronouncing.

• Kehlani (with variations like Kaylani, Keilani)
• Leilani
• Alani
• Kalani
• Milani
• Aulani
• Healani
• Kailani
• Nalani
• Meilani

2. Nature and Space-Inspired Names

Parents are increasingly drawn to names that evoke elements of nature, celestial bodies, and the cosmos.

This trend reflects a growing environmental consciousness and a desire to connect kids with the natural world.

These awesome names you’ll find below.

• Luna (see best middle names for Luna)
• Nova
• Elio
• Stella
• Orion
• River
• Sage
• Hazel (see best middle names for Hazel)
• Fern
• Indigo
• Oak
• Maple
• Aspen
• Jasper
• Aurora
• Willow
• Pearl
• Emerald
• Tulip
• Daisy
• Sky
• Ocean
• Phoenix
• Forrest
• Ivy

See the full list of nature-inspired names for girls, as well as flower-inspired names for girls.

I’ve also curated a list with 224 celestial names for your little star.

3. Vintage Revival Names

There’s a resurgence of interest in names from the early 20th century and the Depression era. These names, once considered outdated, are now seen as fresh and distinctive.

This trend is particularly noticeable among millennials and elder Gen Z parents who find these names charming and unique for their babies.

What are they? See these interesting names below.

• Dorothy (nicknamed Dotty)
• Mildred
• Ernest
• Clyde
• Eugene
• Clarence
• Enid
• Mabel
• Maude
• Olive
• Betty
• Susan
• Constance
• Jack
• Edward
• Roscoe
• Eunice
• Marjorie
• Doris
• Lois
• Ralph
• Roy
• Amy
• Heather
• Jennifer
• Matthew
• Christopher
• Justin
• Tiffany
• Melanie
• Darla
• Karla
• Starla
• Marla
• Erica
• Farrah
• Fawn
• Dawn
• Carrie
• Gina
• Tina
• Christina
• Angelina
• Kimberly

I also recommend you check out the list of literary-inspired baby names.

4. Short and Sweet Names

There’s a growing trend towards very short names, often just three letters long.

This trend is particularly popular among influencers and ties into the 100-year naming cycle, as such names were also popular at the turn of the 20th century.

Check out these short one-syllable names.

• Fia
• Max
• Sam
• Dex
• Riv
• Cas
• Tim
• Pim
• Pax
• Eve
• Ida
• Ora
• Theo
• Remy
• Effie
• Billy
• Jack
• Leo
• Mia
• Ava
• Zoe
• Kai
• Nia
• Rio
• Ari

Parents also prefer short names as middle names. So, I have an awesome list with short unique middle names for girls in my blog.

5. Cultural Fusion and International Names

As the world becomes more interconnected, parents are choosing names that work well across multiple cultures or blending names from different cultural backgrounds.

This trend reflects the increasing multiculturalism of many societies. Japanese names for girls, Irish names for boys, Spanish names for boys – that is what modern soon-to-be-parents search for.

See the baby names related to this trend below.

• Jin-Marie
• Avi-Ryan
• Sonia
• Tamara
• Mateo (see best middle names for Mateo)
• Sebastian
• Amelia
• Luna
• Camila
• Salah
• Ezrah
• Zaiden
• Izabella
• Iver
• Asbjørn
• Einar
• Odin
• Emrik
• Isak
• Elias
• Edvard
• Erle
• Emil
• Ingeborg
• Emma
• Eline

6. Surname-Inspired First Names

The trend of using surnames as first names continues to gain popularity, often associated with a more modern or preppy style.

This trend is particularly noticeable in conservative circles and is often seen as a way to signal political or cultural affiliations.

I’ll share examples now.

• Cooper
• Hunter
• Bridger
• Booker
• Teller
• Ryder
• Kinsley
• Remington
• Brooks
• Hudson
• Grayson
• Lincoln
• Parker
• Palmer
• Harper
• Taylor
• Morgan
• Quinn
• Emerson
• Reagan
• Kennedy
• Carter
• Sullivan
• Anderson
• Harrison

7. Gender-Neutral and Masculine Names for Girls

There’s a growing trend of giving traditionally masculine names to girls, as well as an increase in the use of gender-neutral names.

This trend reflects changing attitudes towards gender and a desire for names that don’t conform to traditional gender norms.

• Remy
• Charlie
• Emerson
• Avery
• Morgan
• Jordan
• Quinn
• Riley
• Taylor
• James
• Scott
• Ryan
• Parker
• Blake
• Cameron
• Alex
• Sam
• Jamie
• Casey
• Frankie
• Drew
• Reese
• Skylar
• Finley
• Sage

See the full list with the best 89 gender-neutral names I’ve shared in a separate blog post.

8. Pop Culture and Fandom Influences

Names inspired by popular culture, including music, movies, TV shows, anime, and video games, are on the rise.

This trend reflects parents’ desire to connect their children with elements of contemporary culture that they find meaningful.

Just check out the names that follow this trend, and you’ll definitely find a few options that sound nice and are perfect candidates to become your baby’s first name.

• Arya
• Khaleesi
• Loki
• Kylo
• Eleven
• Daenerys
• Ezio
• Ciri
• Anakin
• Rey
• Bowie
• Dylan
• Jagger
• Lennon
• Cobain
• Alanis
• Rivers
• Vedder
• Naruto
• Sakura
• Hermione
• Katniss
• Tyrion
• Zelda
• Link

9. Color and Gemstone Names

Unique color names and names inspired by precious stones are becoming more common, especially for girls.

These names often have a vibrant, distinctive quality. See how cool they are.

• Hazel
• Indigo
• Violet
• Scarlett
• Azure
• Sienna
• Crimson
• Sapphire
• Amber
• Jade
• Magenta
• Chartreuse
• Cyan
• Ruby
• Emerald
• Jasper
• Onyx
• Pearl
• Opal
• Topaz
• Garnet
• Beryl
• Coral
• Slate
• Ebony

Now check out the full list of names that mean green and names that mean blue.

10. Mythological and Literary References

Names drawn from mythology, folklore, and literature continue to captivate parents, offering rich cultural connections and often unique sounds.

Look how gorgeous they are.

• Artemis
• Persephone
• Freya
• Thor
• Athena
• Odysseus
• Hermione
• Atticus
• Holden
• Scout
• Diogenes
• Apollo
• Circe
• Orion
• Phoebe
• Caspian
• Arwen
• Eowyn
• Gatsby
• Darcy
• Sherlock
• Beatrice
• Dante
• Bronte
• Byron

11. Names with “Z” Sounds

There’s a growing trend towards names featuring the letter “Z” or a strong “Z” sound.

This trend adds a modern, energetic feel to names and often makes them stand out.

• Ezrah
• Zaiden
• Izabella
• Zachary
• Zoe
• Zelda
• Ezra (see best middle names for Ezra)
• Zeus
• Azalea
• Hazel
• Zion
• Eliza
• Zander
• Zara
• Enzo
• Lizzie
• Zeke
• Zinnia
• Ozzy
• Zuri

12. Traditional Boy Names

Classic, timeless boy names are making a strong comeback.

These names often have historical significance and convey a sense of strength and tradition.

So, which traditional names future parents prefer in 2024? Here’s a list.

• Theodore (with nicknames Theo or Teddy)
• Henry
• Oliver
• Charlie
• Jack
• Benjamin
• Edmund
• Timothy
• Zachary
• William
• James
• Alexander
• Daniel
• Samuel
• Joseph
• Michael
• David
• Andrew
• Thomas
• Nicholas

13. Traditional Girl Names

Similarly, traditional girl names are becoming popular too. These names often have a timeless elegance and can be associated with historical or literary figures.

Birth stats indicate the following female names:

• Sophia
• Olivia (see best middle names for Olivia)
• Penelope
• Amelia
• Ella
• Ellie
• Eleanor
• Isla
• Claire
• Caroline
• Natalie
• Rachel
• Elizabeth
• Charlotte (see best middle names for Charlotte)
• Emily
• Grace
• Abigail
• Victoria
• Audrey
• Catherine

14. Names Starting with Vowels

There’s a noticeable trend, particularly in some European countries like Norway, towards names beginning with vowels.

This trend creates names with a soft, open sound.

• Iver
• Ellinor
• Elma
• Asbjørn
• Einar
• Odin
• Emrik
• Isak
• Elias
• Edvard
• Erle
• Emil
• Ingeborg
• Emma
• Eline
• Olivia
• Ava
• Ethan
• Isaac
• Aria
• Owen
• Evelyn
• Audrey
• Ezra
• Ivy

15. Food and Fruit Names

Names inspired by foods and fruits are gaining popularity, particularly for girls.

These names often have a sweet, whimsical quality.

Check them out, and you’ll see how cute they are!

• Clementine
• Peach
• Apricot
• Cherry
• Kiwi
• Pepper
• Yuzu
• Apple
• Olive
• Sage
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Juniper
• Plum
• Fig
• Coco
• Brie
• Saffron
• Ginger
• Maple

16. Day, Month, and Number Names

Names inspired by days of the week, months, or numbers are becoming more common, offering a unique and sometimes meaningful choice (and sometimes not :))

• Tuesday
• January
• October
• Sunday
• Wednesday
• Seven
• April
• August
• May
• June
• Friday
• March
• November
• Three
• Five
• Phoenix (related to the number five)
• September
• December
• Monday
• Nines

17. Place and City Names

Geographical names, including cities, countries, and natural landmarks, are increasingly popular.

These names can reflect family heritage, favorite places, or simply appealing sounds.

See examples below.

• Brooklyn
• London
• Paris
• Sydney
• Austin
• Phoenix
• Cairo
• Florence
• Rio
• Savannah
• Atlas
• Denver
• Holland
• Milan
• Aspen
• Rome
• Sahara
• Vienna
• Everest
• Nile

18. Nicknames as Full Names

There’s a trend towards using traditional nicknames as given names, bypassing longer formal versions.

This trend creates a casual, friendly feel and often harks back to earlier naming conventions.

• Suzy
• Sukie
• Billy
• Jack
• Freddy
• Dotty
• Millie
• Birdie
• Charlie
• Frankie
• Archie
• Elsie
• Rosie
• Josie
• Alfie
• Evie
• Lottie
• Ollie
• Vinnie
• Teddy

19. Names from Different Cultures

As societies become more multicultural, parents are increasingly choosing names from cultures other than their own.

This trend reflects a growing appreciation for global diversity.

• Juanita
• Frida
• Soren
• Julien
• Kieran
• Zara
• Anika
• Luca
• Kai
• Mila
• Nico
• Xavi
• Asha
• Niamh
• Zion
• Yara
• Alessandro
• Thiago
• Freya
• Axel

20. Agent Noun Names

Names that describe a person who performs an action or has an occupation (agent nouns) are gaining popularity.

These names often have a strong, active quality.

• Cooper
• Hunter
• Bridger
• Booker
• Teller
• Archer
• Sailor
• Piper
• Fisher
• Sawyer
• Thatcher
• Carter
• Mason
• Baker
• Tanner
• Weaver
• Shepherd
• Fencer
• Brewer
• Ryder

Wrapping Up

Whew! We’ve come through the exciting world of baby name trends for 2024, and what a ride it’s been!

With the charm of vintage revivals and the freshness of nature-inspired names, there’s something for every parent-to-be.

Remember, while trends are fun to explore, the perfect name is one that resonates with you and your partner. So go ahead, mix and match these trends, or forge your own path.

Last Updated on July 31, 2024 by Tania Nizova | Published: July 30, 2024