For expectant parents, selecting the perfect name can be a daunting task. Now, a leading authority has released its forecast for the baby names predicted to dominate in 2026, offering a glimpse into the future of naming. Nameberry, the world's largest expert-run baby name website, has unveiled its top trend predictions, revealing a strong shift towards historical and thematic choices.
Ancient Worlds and Thematic Inspirations
The most prominent trend identified by Nameberry's specialists is a surge in names inspired by ancient civilisations. According to their analysis, parents are increasingly looking to the past for meaningful and distinctive monikers. For girls, rising favourites include Olympia, Adhara, and Marcella. For boys, names like Ramses, Isidore, and Linus are expected to climb the popularity charts.
Sophie Kihm, a naming expert at Nameberry, explained the motivation behind this trend. 'Parents who choose ancient-civilisation names are often seeking to connect their children to history,' she said. 'For some, that means honouring their own heritage with Mesoamerican or ancient Asian names. For others, these names offer a way to cope with an uncertain future by rewinding to a romanticised past, especially through ancient Greek and Roman choices.'
Beyond antiquity, other thematic trends are gaining momentum. These include:
- 'Showgirl' names such as Marilyn, Roxie, and Ophelia.
- 'Soulful' picks like Cypress, Jubilee, Creed, and Shiloh.
- 'Romantasy' names inspired by romantic fantasy literature, with Calista, Cordelia, and Alistair tipped for popularity.
- Vowel-hiatus names containing more vowels than consonants, such as Anaia and Eirian.
- Number names including Eleven, Four, and even Amillion.
Boomer Comebacks and Cultural Influences
Despite millennials and Generation Z constituting the majority of new parents, Nameberry predicts a surprising revival of classic boomer-era names. For girls, Betsy, Nancy, and Judith are set for a comeback, while for boys, Bruce, Monty, and Wes are expected to return to favour.
Cultural phenomena are also shaping naming trends. The so-called 'Utah baby names', once mocked online, are now gaining respect and imitation, driven by popular media focused on the American state. Names like Brighton, Fern, Aven, and Covey are highlighted in this category.
Furthermore, a surge in travel to Japan and the widespread availability of anime on streaming platforms is fuelling interest in anime-inspired names. Anya, Riyo, Jinu, and Kiro are among the selections forecast to rise in 2026.
Literary Legacy and Final Forecasts
The final key trend for 2026 centres on British literature. A renewed fascination with quintessentially English stories is sparking a fervour for names from classic and contemporary works. For girls, Tess, Darcy, and Virginia are predicted to be popular, while Bram, Edmund, and Winston stand out for boys.
'New parents in 2026 will also look to the authors themselves,' added Sophie Kihm. 'Brontë, already on the rise in the UK, will cross the pond, along with contemporary British author names.'
With these ten distinct trends, from ancient history to modern pop culture, Nameberry's 2026 forecast provides a comprehensive roadmap for parents navigating the significant decision of what to call their child.
