Choosing a name for the baby is not an easy decision for any parent. Will people be able to pronounce it? How does it sound next to the last name? What will your nickname be at school?
To help moms and dads sift through the many options, experts have revealed what next year’s hottest name trends are expected to be – and there are some unusual nicknames in the mix.
Nameberry analyzed social media trends to predict its top 30 baby names for 2025, and classic names like Charles and Dorothy are nowhere to be seen.
Instead, as Generation Z becomes parents, they seem to be looking for “so ugly they’re beautiful” titles and opting for more unique names like Suede and Bash.
Predicting next year’s naming trends, Nameberry said: “If recent years have emphasized ‘you’re baptizing an adult, not a baby,’ 2025 will embrace the opposite. Some of the trendiest baby names are clearly intended to babies.
Oh darling! Nameberry has revealed next year’s trendiest baby names, including unusual nicknames like Suede and Bash (file image)
Lively is among the most popular baby names of the coming year. Blake Lively in the photo
Nameberry experts predict that “old man” nicknames will be replaced by “real baby names” and that rhythm will play a big factor in naming tomorrow’s little ones.
For a sing-song effect, Gen Z parents can opt for a first name combined with a single-syllable middle name, such as Rio Rose, Aero Lore, or Novie Nell (all of which are real names of famous children).
Many of next year’s newborns will have names inspired by notable influencers seeking ‘nouveau options with a playful sensibility,’ like Nara Smith’s daughter Whimsy Lou.
In addition to “real baby names,” another growing trend is “fast fashion” names.
These names take several trends of the moment and put them together to create a name that has probably never existed before but means something sentimental to parents.
Nameberry experts gave the word Scotland as an example. This isn’t a “fast fashion” name in and of itself, but it would be if you spelled it as “Scottlynn.”
Nameberry said: ‘Do you want a gender-neutral surname with an international twist and a touch of Ancient Rome? No problem. Or a name that simultaneously honors your grandmother, your ethnic heritage, and your favorite animal? You can do that!
“Part of the goal of Fast Fashion names is to vary the spellings, bring together elements of different names, and create something totally unique that also perfectly captures the current naming climate.”
Lilibet and Wednesday are among the predictions. Princess Lilibet appears on the left, Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams on the right
Other examples of ‘fast fashion’ names include Aella, Kollyns and Sevyn.
The name Wednesday is mentioned in Nameberry’s top 30 list, perhaps inspired by the hit series starring Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams. Its second season will air on Netflix next year.
Nameberry also predicted that parents will look for names that evoke comfort and peace after years of “global conflict and political unrest.”
These so-called “safe havens” names include Arcadia, Eden and Oasis, although it seems the latter could be inspired by a certain reunion tour between the Gallagher brothers.
Astrological names, such as Aura and Cosmo, will be popular next year along with nicknames inspired by overnight pop sensation Chappell Roan.
Naming experts believe the Femininomenon singer will see elements of her stage name rising on the girls’ charts, as well as feminist names.
‘Female’ baby names inspired by pop sensation Chappell Roan (pictured performing in Austin, Texas) will be all the rage in 2025
“Feminine names amplify the strength of femininity,” Nameberry said. ‘They are corny in their femininity, but not cloyingly sweet. Many come from myth, history, and other stories centered on relationships and female triumphs, themes that appeal to Roan in her music.
“They’re names you could use for your drag character, but they also easily belong on the presidential ticket.”
Get ready to hear the names of Amaryllis, Circe and Salome echoing across the playground.
Additionally, names that are “so ugly they’re beautiful” will return, including Hester, Sybil and Wilbur.
For millennials, X was the letter of choice, but for Gen Z parents, Z is now the edgy consonant du jour.
Whether they choose older names like Hazel or Ozzy, religious names like Zainab or Ezra, or even alter the spelling of existing names like Mazie or Izael, Generation Z can’t resist names with a Z.
Perhaps it is nominative determinism: the idea that one’s name, or in this case, the name of the generation, determines our preferences and choices.
