Football continues to shape baby naming trends, with Jude Bellingham-inspired names leading the charts. According to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) analysed by JoJo Maman Bébé, 2,153 babies were named Jude in 2025, making it the most popular football-inspired name in England and Wales.
Top Football-Inspired Names for 2025
The data reveals that Harry, likely inspired by England captain Harry Kane, was given to 1,718 newborns. Other names linked to current England squad members include James (1,211, possibly after James Trafford), Elliot (544, after Elliot Anderson), and Ollie (412, after Ollie Watkins). The list also features Nico (306), John (296), Anthony (206), Jordan (189), Marcus (170), Ivan (159), Morgan (128), Declan (112), Reece (60), and Dean (42).
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. 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 the World Cup on Naming Trends
With England reaching the World Cup semi-final this year, experts anticipate a further surge in football-inspired baby names. The current squad's popularity is already reflected in the 2025 ONS data, showing how quickly sporting heroes can influence naming choices.
Classic Names Remain Strong
Alongside newer entries, classic football names like Harry and James continue to dominate. The data underscores the lasting influence of football on British culture, with parents drawing inspiration from both current stars and longstanding favourites.
