Choosing a baby name is not an easy decision for any parent. Will people be able to pronounce it? How does it sound next to the surname? What will their nickname be at school?
To help mothers and fathers sift through the many options, experts have revealed what next year’s hottest naming trends are expected to be – and there are some unusual monikers in the mix.
Nameberry analysed social media trends to predict their top 30 baby names for 2025 – and classic names such as Charles and Dorothy are nowhere to be seen.
Instead, as Gen Z become parents, it seems they are looking to titles ‘so ugly, they’re beautiful’ and opting for more unique names such as Suede and Bash.
Predicting trends in next year’s names, Nameberry said: ‘If the past few years have emphasised “you’re naming an adult, not a baby“, 2025 will embrace the inverse. Some of the trendiest baby names are clearly meant for babies.’
Oh baby! Next year’s trendiest baby names have been revealed by Nameberry including unusual monikers such as Suede and Bash (Stock Image)
Lively is among the most popular baby names of next year. Blake Lively is pictured
Experts at Nameberry predicted that ‘elderly’ monikers will be replaced by ‘actual baby names’ – and that rhythm will play an important factor in naming the tots of tomorrow.
To achieve a sing-songy effect, Gen Z parents may opt for a first name paired with a single-syllable middle name such as Rio Rose, Aero Lore or Novie Nell (all of which are the real names of celebrity children).
Many of next year’s newborns will have names inspired by notable influencers who reach for ‘nouveau choices with a playful sensibility’ such as Nara Smith’s daughter Whimsy Lou.
As well as ‘actual baby names’, another growing trend is ‘fast fashion’ names.
These names take various trends of the moment and stitch them together to create a name that likely has never existed before but means something sentimental to the parents.
Experts at Nameberry gave the word Scotland as an example. This is not a ‘fast fashion’ name in and of itself but it would become one if you were to spell it as ‘Scottlynn’.Â
Nameberry said: ‘Want a gender-neutral surname-name with an international feel and a hint of Ancient Rome? No problem. Or a name that simultaneously honours your grandmother, your ethnic heritage, and your favourite animal? You can make that!
‘Part of the point of Fast Fashion names is varying the spelling, marrying elements from different names, and creating something totally unique that also perfectly captures the current name climate.’
Lilibet and Wednesday are among the predictions. Princess Lilibet is pictured left, Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams right
Other examples of ‘fast fashion’ names include Aella, Kollyns and Sevyn.
The name Wednesday is mentioned in Nameberry’s top 30 list – perhaps inspired by the hit series starring Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams. Its second season will air on Netflix next year.
Nameberry also predicted that parents will reach for names that evoke comfort and peace following years of ‘global conflict and political unrest’.
These so called ‘safe haven’ names include Arcadia, Eden and Oasis – although it looks as though the latter could be inspired by a certain reunion tour between the Gallagher brothers.
Astrological names, such as Aura and Cosmo, will be popular next year alongside monikers inspired by the overnight pop sensation Chappell Roan.
Name experts think that the Femininomenon singer will see elements of her stage name soaring up the charts for baby girls, as well as feminist names.
‘Femininomenal’ baby names inspired by pop sensation Chappell Roan (pictured performing in Austin, Texas) will be trendy in 2025
‘Femininomenal names amplify strength in femininity,’ Nameberry said. ‘They’re campy in their girliness, yet not cloyingly sweet. Many are drawn from myth, history, and other stories centered around female relationships and triumphs — themes Roan is drawn to in her music.
‘They’re names you could use for your drag persona, but just as easily belong on the presidential ballot.’Â
Prepare to hear the names Amaryllis, Circe and Salome echoing around the playground.
Additionally, names that are ‘so ugly, they’re beautiful’ will make a comeback including Hester, Sybil and Wilbur.
For millenials, X was the letter of choice but for Gen Z parents, Z is now the edgy consonant du jour.
Whether they are choosing more vintage names such as Hazel or Ozzy, religious names such as Zainab or Ezra, or even altering the spelling of existing names like Mazie or Izael, Gen Z cannot resist names with a Z in them.Â
Perhaps it’s nominative determinism — the idea that one’s name, or in this case, the name of one’s generation, determines one’s preferences and choices.
