8 Baby Name Trends We Expect to See in 2025

Baby names say a lot about the times we’re living in—and the latest trends reflect a fascinating mix of tradition, creativity, meaning, and individuality. After digging into the latest data, we’ve come up with our best predictions for the baby name trends we can expect in the coming year.

1. Vintage charm is forever in style.

Modern parents love dusting off old-fashioned baby name! Case in point: Vintage names have soared in popularity over the past decade! Eloise, for example, was all the way at #300 on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) list a decade ago, but has ascended to #106 this past year. Similarly, Maeve (#104) has leapt from #494 in 2010. For boy names, Henry (#9) and Theodore (#11) are perennial faves, while Otis, Jasper, and Leon are seeing growing interest, as parents seek fresh, underused gems from days gone by.

2. Gender-neutral names are thriving.

Gender-neutral names are more popular than ever as parents break away from norms. Names like Rowan (#113 for boys and #194 for girls) and Sage (#178 for girls and #412 for boys) show broad appeal across genders. Even surnames-turned-first-names like Ellis (#321 for boys, and climbing for girls) highlight how parents are leaning into versatility. 

3. Nature names continue to bloom.

Parents are increasingly drawn to the serenity and beauty of nature-inspired names. Ivy has inched up to #42, up from #86 in 2015, while Willow now ranks at #37, showing steady growth over the past decade. For boys, names like River (#105) and Everest are also making waves, signaling an embrace of grounded, outdoorsy vibes. Keep your eyes peeled for fresh floral names like Magnolia and Dahlia.

4. Pop culture influence is strong.

Pop culture continues to have a profound impact on naming trends. The Kardashian effect is real, with Kourtney Kardashian naming her son Rocky, inspiring renewed interest in punchy, retro names like Ace and Rex…both of which are climbing fast in SSA rankings. (Peep more celebrity baby name picks!) On the flip side, the regal elegance of Netflix’s Bridgerton has fueled the popularity of names like Daphne (#288, up 36 spots), Penelope (#23), and the aforementioned Eloise. Meanwhile cowboy-inspired hits from Yellowstone—like Kayce, and Dutton—have made their chart debut in recent years. Expect to see more of the like (think: Rip, Remington, Wyatt, Belle, Annie, Carson, and Raelynn) on the horizon!

5. Short, melodic names pack a punch.

Minimalism is having a moment, and short baby names are leading the charge. Beau (#79) cracked the top 100 names for the first time ever in 2021, and Theo (#78) is up almost 100 spots since 2020. For girls, Luna (#10) has leaped 100+ spots in the past decade; June (#171) has been steadily rising, and Lux has seen a double-digit increase in popularity on BabyCenter. These names are easy to say, easy to spell, and impossible to forget.

6. Surnames as first names are here to stay

Using surnames as first names seems to be a trend that will last—possibly because they achieve a trifecta of contemporary cool, sophistication, and gender neutrality. Names like Harper (#10 for girls) and Mason (#9 for boys) are already list staples, but fresh picks like Beckham (up 145 spots over the past decade) and Huxley (up 67 spots since 2022) are surging. Names like Collins and Tate are poised to gain more ground in the year to come!

7. Parents are embracing unique spellings.

Unconventional spellings are becoming chart mainstays. Jaxon (#48) has long been a fave—but it’s far from the only imaginative take on the list! Parents are rethinking classics using -yn to replace -on or -an names (Emersyn, Landyn, Londyn, Jordyn, Jayceon are all on the top names list). Another favorite spelling change: replacing -y or -ie with -ee (Rylee, Kaylee, Brynlee, Journee, again all in the top girl names) and -ly with -leigh (Everleigh, Ryleigh, Charleigh, Marleigh—you guessed it, all on the chart, too!).

8. Mythical names have cast a spell.

Names like Freya (#152) and Orion (#326, up from #570 in 2010) with mythological resonance have been on an upward trajectory. Athena, Diana, Aurora are comfortably in the top 150, as well. These choices reflect a desire for names that are both distinctive and meaningful. Don’t be surprised to see Thor, Odin, or Artemis on the rise! 

More Baby Names to Watch:

• The Top Baby Names for Girls
• The Top Baby Names for Boys
• Baby Names to Rescue From Extinction!
• Our Favorite Baby Names From A-Z

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.