Top trending baby names for 2026 set to be inspired by pop stars

Parents welcoming babies in 2026 can expect to be influenced by popstars like Lily Allen, Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo – as well as country music-inspired monikers.

According to new data from BabyCentre, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting hub, pop culture will dominate this year’s choices for those who are expecting, with social media trends that highlight the spiritual ‘aura’ of names also taking centre stage.

And elsewhere, we’ll be more likely to hear Alexanders, Nathaniels and Gabriels thrown around with ‘heroic’ boys’ names taking over ‘cheeky chappie’ ones.

‘Baby names are always a reflection of the cultural moment, and this year our data shows exactly what’s capturing parents’ imaginations,’ said Faye Mingo, the group’s Growth Officer, as it released its top 100 baby names of 2025.

‘This year has been one of the most expressive naming years yet, with choices driven by identity, intention and personal values.’

The predicted names set to soar in 2026 are also ruled by ‘aura points’, according to naming expert SJ Strum – a new social media trend.

‘Modern parents want a name with meaning: a name that reflects personality, values, and positive energy. Inspired by the viral social media Aura Points trend,’ she explained.  

‘This “rates” names on qualities like kindness, strength and joy, Aura Points names are rising fast. These characterful, meaning-rich names prove that what a name represents matters as much as how it sounds.

‘Aura Points isn’t just a trend, it’s a reflection of how parents are thinking about names today.

‘Parents want names with personality and values built in. Aura Points names carry meaning, character and positivity, and that’s exactly what modern families are drawn to.’ 

There appears to be no exact science for how to calculate said points, but examples, for girls, include Maeve, Myla, Gianna and Esme.

For boys, meanwhile, parents may go for Ahmad, Caleb, Asher, Jude and Ronnie. 

Elsewhere, names rich in symbolism about ‘light’ are also expected to be making waves. 

‘The Glow Up trend is transforming the name popularity lists and celebrates names that shine with meaning, beauty and brightness,’ the centre said. ‘These names are strong in symbolism and style and strike the balance between timeless charm and modern appeal.’

Among examples are Ayla (meaning ‘halo of light’), Clara (‘bright’), Nora (‘light’), Nur (‘illumination’) and Zahra (‘shine’).

Parents are also predicted to be looking to the pop charts for inspiration. 

‘Parents are picking names that celebrate strong, expressive female voices,’ SJ said. ‘These names feel bold, artistic and full of personality! Much like the women inspiring them.’

When it comes to boys’ names, parents appear to be taking inspiration from old Westerns and romantic tales alike.

‘With country music topping the charts, Yellowstone dominating screens and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter bringing boots-and-hat energy back into fashion, cowboy culture has also lassoed baby naming trends,’ experts said.

‘From leather looks on runways, to Barbie embracing Western glam, parents are falling for names that feel outdoorsy, grounded and full of adventure.’

Americana-inspired picks included Caleb, Austin, Luke, Jesse and Junior – the latter of which is new to the centre’s top 100 boy names list at 88.

Romantic heroes could also guide parents in future monikers, with classic traditional examples like Alexander, Nathaniel, Adriel, Ibrahim and Gabriel.

BabyCentre also revealed its top trending names for 2025 – the fastest climbers that experienced the biggest jump in popularity. 

For girls, this included: Anaya (which jumped from 86 of 100 in 2024 to 50 of 100 in 2025), Eliana (38 to 5), Ayla (45 to 18), Ruby (54 to 27), Maeve (52 to 26) and Raya (97 to 72). It followed by Lara, Emma, Chloe and Clara.

However, with boys Caleb was the highest leaper (in at 50 of 100 in 2024, but 17 of 100 in 2025), followed by Austin (91 to 62), Luke (73 to 45) and Jesse (66 to 42).

Ibrahim, Omar, Kai, Asher, Musa and Ali are also other examples that made the list.

Meanwhile, in its list of top 100 names of 2025, for girls it was Amelia, Olivia, Lily, Ivy, Eliana, Elsie, Freya, Poppy, Ava and Mia that reigned. 

For boys, it was Muhammad, Noah, Leo, Theo, Luca, Oliver, Ethan, Eli, Arthur and George.