URGENT UPDATE: BabyCenter has just revealed how pop culture moments from 2025 will dramatically influence baby names in 2026. As parents prepare to name their newborns, names from hit shows, music, and sports are surging in popularity, making this a pivotal time for expectant parents.
According to BabyCenter’s latest report, names associated with popular television series are already making waves. Fans of the Apple TV sensation “Severance” have propelled the name Helena to No. 313 on the list of trending girl names. Additionally, names from the HBO Max series “The Pitt”—Samira, Heather, and Cassie—are also gaining traction, with Cassie’s popularity having waned since the 1980s.
The report highlights that some names may be declining in favor due to ongoing cultural shifts. Names such as Blake and Justin are on the decline, alongside boy names ending in “y,” like Kody and Murphy. While BabyCenter did not provide specific reasons for these declines, they may correlate with recent controversies.
Names associated with popular media aren’t the only factors influencing choices. BabyCenter cites the impact of music, revealing that names of boy band members are trending upwards. Howie and Nick from the Backstreet Boys, as well as Lance and Joey from NSYNC, are capturing the attention of new parents. International icons like Jin of BTS and Jun from Seventeen also stand to leave their mark on the baby naming landscape.
The music scene is particularly influential, especially with the recent release of Beyoncé’s album “Cowboy Carter.” BabyCenter reports a surge in names like Rose and Jane, stemming from song titles and lyrics, alongside Miley and Willie.
Additionally, sports stars are making a significant impression. Following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA Finals victory, names like Jaylin, Dillon, and Jalen are climbing the charts. The WNBA’s All-Stars, including Courtney, Kelsey, and Natasha, are also becoming increasingly popular.
Literature is another source of inspiration for new parents, with names like Ernest, Ishmael, and Sylvia gaining attention. Furthermore, names reflecting the viral cottagecore aesthetic, such as Sienna and Eloise, are also on the rise.
In a surprising twist, BabyCenter has noted a resurgence in names connected to the recently deceased Pope Francis, with variations like Francis, Francesco, and Francesca seeing increased usage.
As of November, BabyCenter’s data indicates that the most popular names of 2025 remain consistent. For boys, the top five names include Noah, Liam, Oliver, Elijah, and Mateo. For girls, Olivia, Amelia, Sophia, Emma, and Isabella lead the way.
Expectant parents are urged to pay attention to these cultural trends as they prepare for the arrival of their little ones in 2026. With pop culture solidly shaping naming conventions, the names chosen today may reflect the zeitgeist of a generation.
Stay tuned for more updates on baby naming trends as they continue to evolve!
