One sequel to inspire baby names this year following 30-year trend. Thousands of children already owe their names to the franchise.
Film-Inspired Names Will Be Big in 2026
Parents look set to choose film-inspired names this year if the trend continues for the fifth instalment of an iconic franchise. Ahead of the release of Toy Story 5, new research from Smyths Toys Superstores has found how deeply the beloved franchise has become part of British family life, with thousands of parents appearing to take baby name inspiration from Woody, Buzz, Rex and Jessie over the last 30 years.
Analysing UK baby naming trends since the original Toy Story first landed in cinemas in 1995, Smyths found Toy Story-inspired names rose by an average of 31% in the two years following each film release.
The research uncovered major spikes in names linked to some of Andy’s favourite toys, highlighting the lasting impact the films have had on generations of children and parents alike.
- Buzz saw the biggest boom of all, rocketing by 280% after Toy Story 4.
- Jessie surged by 91% following the release of Toy Story 3.
- Rex names jumped by 69% within two years of Toy Story 3.
- Woody names climbed by 36% following the release of Toy Story 3.
While Woody's popularity grew steadily, Buzz experienced a meteoric rise. Following the release of Toy Story 4, registrations surged by 280%, the biggest increase linked to any Toy Story character.
Jessie enjoyed her own post-film boom, with registrations rising 91% after Toy Story 3. Meanwhile, Rex emerged as the franchise's surprise success story, recording growth after every sequel and a 69% increase following Toy Story 3.
Free Toy Story 5 Action Figures for Eligible Children
To celebrate the franchise’s lasting popularity, and the 9000 children's names inspired by its characters, Smyths is giving away free Toy Story 5 Action Figures to children named Woody, Buzz, Rex or Jessie at selected stores across the UK.
Children with qualifying names can visit participating Smyths locations Saturday, June 20, and receive a free Toy Story toy (subject to availability) presenting a valid ID.
Sinead Byrne, European Marketing Director at Smyths Toys Superstores said: “Disney Pixar Toy Story has captured the hearts of families for decades, so it’s incredible to see the long-lasting influence these characters have had on parents across the UK. We wanted to celebrate the children named Woody, Buzz, Rex, and Jessie who are part of that story in real life too.”
