Nostalgia is set to shape the nurseries of 2026, with classic names making a major comeback for the UK's newest arrivals. Leading maternity retailer JoJo Maman Bébé has partnered with naming expert Colleen Slagen (@namingbebe) to reveal their predictions for the top baby name trends in the coming year.
The Vintage Revival with a Casual Twist
The central forecast is a strong resurgence of vintage names, but with a key modern update. Parents are expected to favour the more relaxed, abbreviated forms of traditional names over their formal versions. For example, the prediction suggests Kitty will be preferred over Katherine, and Lettie over Letitia. This trend points towards a desire for heritage with a friendly, approachable feel.
The full list of predicted vintage names for 2026 includes:
- Romy
- Goldie
- Lettie
- Kitty
- Rocky
- Cal
- Louie
- Archie
Nature and Cottage-Core Inspirations
Alongside the vintage wave, two other thematic trends are highlighted. The so-called 'granola baby' trend draws directly from the natural world, offering names that feel rustic and earthy. Predicted examples include Coast, Juniper, Fox, Oak, Cherry, Dove, and Fern.
Furthermore, the dreamy cottage-core aesthetic, which idealises rural simplicity and harmony, is also influencing choices. Names tipped to be popular from this theme include Edie, Willa, Florea, Hattie, Percy, Sonny, Franklin, and Augustine.
Why Nostalgia Drives Naming Trends
The report, covered by the Express, links this shift towards vintage and nature-inspired names to a broader cultural moment. With social media users dubbing 2026 the "new" 2016, a wave of nostalgia is encouraging parents to look further back for inspiration. This move represents a search for warmth, familiarity, and connection in an increasingly digital age.
JoJo Maman Bébé announced the collaboration and its findings on Instagram in January 2026, stating the predictions cover names set to "emerge (or make a comeback)" for the year's newest arrivals. For expectant parents across the UK, these insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the naming landscape of the near future.
