While 2025 baby name trends leaned into “evergreen classics,” nature names, and soft, melodic choices, the baby name trends 2026 will usher in offer a fresh wave of creative escapism. According to Nameberry, today’s parents are gravitating toward names inspired by imagined worlds, romantic pasts, and bright futures—a clear response to uncertainty in the real world.

Here are the top 10 baby name trends for 2026 that Nameberry calls out—with popular name examples of how new parents are blending history, fantasy, and bold stylistic choices.

1. Ancient Civilizations
Parents are mining ancient history—from Mesoamerica to Greece and Rome—for names that feel weighty and timeless. Think names that evoke emperors, philosophers, or warriors (e.g., Marcella, Ramses, Olympia, Arath) as a way to anchor their children in a rich, storied past.

2. Showgirl Names
Glamour, sparkle, and a hint of grit: thanks to mega-influencer Taylor Swift and her album The Life of a Showgirl —“showgirl” names are staging a comeback. Names like Ophelia, Marilyn, and Roxie capture that theatrical femininity, mixing glitz with real-world strength.

3. Soulful Names
Not quite biblical, not just nature-inspired either—“soulful” names bring subtle spirituality. Think Rio, Alma, Selah, River, Dove, or Purpose—names that work beautifully for secular families and are open to interpretation, whether tied to nature or deeper meaning.

4. A-OK Boomer Names
Some parents are going retro—pulling names that were once iconic in the Baby Boomer generation. Rather than the standard sweet grandma name, they’re choosing slightly offbeat but charming names like Betsy, Bruce, Darla, and Wayne—a twist on vintage revival.

5. Romantasy Names
Probably the most “escapist” of the trends: romantasy names are drawn straight from fantasy novels, combining Celtic, Scandinavian, and invented roots. Names like Cassian, Oriane, Emrys, Lilivere, Thoren, and Leontel feel like they belong in another realm—perfect for parents who love epic stories.

6. Vowel Hiatus Names
Phonetically playful, these names lean into vowel-rich sounds. Rather than consonant-heavy names, 2026 parents are choosing names like Deia, Leonie, Koa, Aya, and Eziah, where adjacent vowels glide into each other—soft, lyrical, and modern.

7. Number Names
Lineage doesn’t always mean “Junior” anymore. Instead, some are turning to Number Names—names that reference a birth order, loved-one’s birth date, or more abstract number-related meaning. Examples: Una, Deuce, Primo, Cinco, Forty, or even more extreme ones like Million and Billion.

8. Straight Out of Utah
A surprising breakout: Utah-style names. Inspired by the unique local naming culture platformed by the likes of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and “Mom Tok” —the monikers range from vintage picks to inventive new coinages. Now names like Dottie, Elden, Valley, Zealand, Bodee, and Scotlyn are gaining traction beyond the state.

9. Anime Names
Anime-inspired names are no longer niche. Thanks to growing anime popularity and cultural crossover (hello, KPOP Demon Hunters!), Japanese names like Mira, Rumi, Jinu are rising—along with more globally accessible names with that same streamlined feel. Think Aura, Momo, Taro, Umi, Renji, Nami, Riyo, and more!

10. Brit Lit Names
Classic British literature is making a comeback in baby naming. With new 2026 TV/film adaptations of novels like Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, and Wuthering Heights, names like Estella, Briony, Darcy, Eyre, and author-inspired names like Bronte, Dolly, or Zadie are trending.

Be sure to review this past year’s 2025 Baby Name Trends and check out Nameberry’s full list of the aforementioned 2026 baby name trends, along with 200+ fresh names inspired by them.