Social researcher Mark McCrindle of McCrindle Research has analysed baby name trends in Australia, predicting that classic names will dominate in the coming years. According to McCrindle, traditional names such as Oliver, William, Jack, Charlotte, and Olivia are experiencing a resurgence, reflecting a shift away from creative or faddish names popular a decade ago.
McCrindle attributes this trend to parents seeking names with substance and history. 'More and more, parents are choosing names that have some substance and history,' he said. 'They're turning back towards traditional spellings and the names of our grandparents, and away from the creative names which were big ten years ago.' He noted that the era of names like Sarah, Rebecca, and Michelle appears to be over.
Looking ahead to 2026, McCrindle expects parents to continue drawing inspiration from the past, but with a twist. He predicts the rise of 'elite inventive names' such as Xavier, Lincoln, Franklin, and Tobias, which he describes as having an 'Ivy League feeling.' Variations of classic names, like Evie and Eve for Evelyn, are also expected to remain popular.
The Royal family remains a key influence, with names like William, Charlotte, Olivia, and Oliver featuring prominently. 'Nowadays, the names that we give our kids have to stand up to history,' McCrindle said. 'If someone would have told you ten years ago that Florence would be big in Australia, you wouldn't believe it. But it passes the test of time. It is solid and lasting.'
