Football continues to shape baby name trends in England and Wales, with Jude and Harry leading the pack for 2025. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), analyzed by JoJo Maman Bébé, reveals that 2,153 newborns were named Jude last year, likely inspired by England star Jude Bellingham. Harry followed closely with 1,718 babies, a possible tribute to national team captain Harry Kane.
Top Football-Inspired Names of 2025
The top 15 list includes a mix of current squad members and football legends. James (Trafford) ranks third with 1,211 newborns, while Elliot (Anderson) sees 544. Ollie (Watkins) and Nico (O'Reilly) are also popular with 412 and 306 babies respectively. Other notable names include John (Stones) with 296, Anthony (Gordon) with 206, and Jordan (Pickford/Henderson) with 189.
Marcus (Rashford) counts 170 newborns, Ivan (Toney) 159, Morgan (Rogers) 128, Declan (Rice) 112, Reece (James) 60, and Dean (Henderson) 42. These figures highlight the enduring influence of football on naming choices.
Expert Insights on Naming Trends
Anne Varsanyi, head of buying at JoJo Maman Bébé, commented: "Choosing a baby's name is one of the first opportunities parents have to express something about their family, whether that's honouring tradition, celebrating heritage or simply choosing a name they love." She added: "What's particularly fascinating about this year's data is seeing how quickly tastes can change. Some names that once filled classrooms have become increasingly rare, while others that were barely heard a generation ago are now among the country's favourites."
Impact of England's World Cup Run
With England reaching the World Cup semi-final this year, experts anticipate a further surge in football-themed names. The current data already shows a strong preference for names linked to the national team, and the trend is expected to continue as the tournament progresses.
