There have been some interesting and unique baby name trends over the last few years, with parents finding inspiration in everything from their favourite film and TV show characters to food and drink themed monikers. While some have leaned into trends like main character energy baby names, others have gone back to the vintage and more classic favourites.
But what does 2024 have in store when it comes to baby names? A new study from JoJo Maman Bébé has found that over half of British parents have struggled to decide on a name for the little one, while 33% value 'uniqueness' above all when choosing. According to baby name consultant Colleen Slagen, there are already some emerging trends for the year ahead. She predicts that 2024 baby names will be heavily influenced by cottage-core, virtue and nicknames.
"We are seeing (and will continue to see) a variety of trends which reflect the name diversity of the newest generations," she said. "Trends that are only getting hotter include nature names such as Willow and River or nicknames as given names such as Archie or Sam. Names with traditional and modern elements, for example, surnames such as Finley and Addison are having a huge moment.
"Another up-and-coming trend we are seeing is virtue names, also known as grace names which express cultural values such as Faith, Chastity or Grace. The recent trend of cottage-core which romanticises rural life has impacted name trends, with cottage-core names such as Autumn and Cedar on the rise."
Take a look at the baby names which gained the most traction last year - you may find yourself hearing them more often in 2024...
Baby names for girls rising in popularity
- Collins
- Maeve
- Margot
- Phoebe
- Poppy
- Goldie
- Sunday
- Esti
- Indie
- Frankie
Baby names for boys rising in popularity
- Rhodes
- Cal (Callan, Callum, Calvin and Cal)
- Lucien
- Dutton
- Casey
- August
- Wells
- Sonny
- Arlo
- Alden
Slagen discussed the names that rose in popularity last year, and how they will influence parents in 2024. She said: "These older names appeal to parents who are searching for timeless charm. They also feel both unique and familiar, which is something a lot of parents are seeking in a name. They want their child's name to both standout and fit in. They want a name that feels sweet but ages well and older names check all these boxes."
She also predicts that gender-neutral names like Tatum and Frances are also set to become popular, and TV shows are also impacting new parents choices as 'hearing the unique name of a TV character adds an element of familiarity that helps the name feel wearable and accessible to the average person'.
Would you choose one of these adorable baby names?
-
If you have oily eyelids like me, trust me when I tell you that this is the only primer that keeps eyeshadow in place all dayI’ve used it for years and years
-
As a beauty editor with hair prone to frizz and flyaways, I’ve tried every smoothing hair product out there—these 9 actually workThis way for sleeker strands
-
Celebrities and PTs alike love strength training to boost tone. 7 seriously effective 20-minute dumbbell workouts you can do from homeShort, simple workouts FTW.
-
The sweet and lesser-used Spring baby names that don't follow the usual floral themeThese are unique *and* adorable
-
The cutest Christmas-inspired baby names if you're expecting this winterFestive and adorable
-
The most beautiful and unique autumn-inspired baby namesThese are just perfect!
-
These vintage baby names are set to make a comeback this yearCute *and* classic
-
The Barbie movie has sparked this huge baby name trendParents are particularly interested in this moniker right now
-
The baby name most likely to land your little one a job in televisionWould you pick a baby name based on the likelihood of a particular profession?
-
The most popular summer-inspired baby names to add to your short listThese. Are. Adorable.
-
What is the 'positive baby names' trend?It might just inspire you if you're expecting
