We’re now officially more than a quarter through the 21st century, but it appears nostalgia and a fondness for the good old days is the inspiration behind this year’s baby names.
Expecting parents will be opting for retro monikers like Archie and Goldie – as well as ones evoking hearty farm life imagery from the days of yore – in 2026.
According to a new report from mother and baby boutique JoJo Maman Bébé, also trending are ‘granola names’ which are ‘nature inspired, with rustic and earthy feels’.
Naming expert Colleen Slagen has shared her insights into what’s on the horizon, with predictions about the names she believes are set to be on the minds of mothers and fathers over the coming months.
Among the contenders are throwback names which would have been popular during the 40s and 50s, such as Lettie (usually short for Letitia) and Minnie (typically Wilhelmina in full), as well as Romy and Cal.
Kit, Kitty and Louie could also spark inspiration, as well as Rocky and Ozzy, with the latter perhaps emerging in honour of the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away last year.
‘These names tap into parents’ desire for warmth and personality without feeling overly formal,’ Colleen explained.
‘Vintage nicknames feel unique but rooted. Today’s parents are not feeling beholden to “resume names” and are more keen to just name their child what they plan to call them.
‘There’s also a pop-culture influence here, where casual, cool nickname names feel modern and confident.’
But a yearning for the past is still marked by modern prerogatives, with the report predicting a penchant for gender neutral names like Frankie, Dylan and Scottie. Benny, Bennie and Drew were also contenders.
And amidst the scary tech and looming threats of AI, there appears to be desire to disconnect with the online world and tend to nature.
Branded ‘granola names’, these can range from the literal – like Coast, Fox, Dove and Stone – to the more romantic, like Sunny.
Using flora as inspiration, Juniper, Cherry, Oak and Fern were also highlighted as popular new picks
‘Nature names continue to rise as parents are more drawn to names that reflect their values and evoke vivid and appealing imagery,’ Colleen explained.
‘Many of them feel contemporary and unique, while still being phonetic and easy to spell and pronounce.’
Elsewhere, she said parents are ‘gravitating toward names that feel cosy and storybook-like,’ evoking farm-to-cradle and ‘cottage-core’ imagery.
‘These names are charming and wholesome and honestly irresistibly cute on a baby,’ she added.
For girls, these are Hattie, Elsie, Flora, Willa, and Edie – but for boys this includes Percy, Sonny, Augustin, Franklin and Winston.
