UPDATE: A new report from BabyCenter reveals that baby names in 2026 will be heavily influenced by the pop culture moments of 2025. With parents increasingly looking to entertainment for inspiration, trends are emerging that could reshape naming conventions across the globe.
This year’s hit television shows, chart-topping music, and major sports events are all expected to play a pivotal role in the names parents choose for their newborns. As BabyCenter highlights, names are not just personal choices; they are becoming cultural markers reflecting current trends.
Among the names climbing the ranks, fans of the Apple TV series “Severance” might gravitate towards Helena, which has surged to No. 313 on the baby girl names list. Meanwhile, names from HBO Max’s “The Pitt”—including Samira, Heather, and Cassie—are gaining traction, with Cassie marking a notable comeback after being absent from the top 1,000 since 2009.
It’s not just television; music is also a significant influence. BabyCenter reports a rise in names associated with popular boy band members. Names like Howie and Nick (of the Backstreet Boys) are trending, along with Lance and Joey from NSYNC. Additionally, K-pop sensations like Jin from BTS are also expected to inspire name choices among new parents.
Names linked to Beyoncé’s recent album, “Cowboy Carter”, are also on the rise. Names such as Rose and Jane are seeing increased popularity, bolstered by their connections to her music. Other names gaining traction include Miley (from Miley Cyrus) and Willie (from Willie Nelson and Willie Jones).
Sports achievements are also shaping baby names. The recent success of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals has led to a surge in names like Jaylin, Dillon, Jalen, and Isaiah. Additionally, names of WNBA All-Stars like Courtney and Kelsey are trending upwards.
Literary influences are notable as well, with names such as Ernest, Ishmael, and Sylvia experiencing a revival. The viral cottagecore aesthetic is also prompting interest in names like Sienna, Eloise, and Flora.
In a poignant note, following the passing of Pope Francis, BabyCenter has observed an uptick in variations of his name—like Francis, Francesca, and Frankie—being chosen by new parents.
As of November, BabyCenter reports that the most popular names for babies are consistent with previous trends, with boys’ favorites being Noah, Liam, Oliver, Elijah, and Mateo. For girls, Olivia, Amelia, Sophia, Emma, and Isabella remain at the top.
This report serves as a compelling glimpse into the future of baby naming, highlighting how cultural phenomena directly influence personal choices. As parents prepare for 2026, the entertainment landscape will undoubtedly continue to shape the names of the next generation, making it essential to stay informed about these emerging trends.
As we approach the new year, expect more updates on how pop culture influences naming trends—what names will rise, which will fall, and how parents will navigate these choices.
