10 Emerging Baby Name Trends for 2025, as Revealed by Nameberry

Names come and go with the times. A century ago in the United States, it was almost impossible to avoid meeting a Mary. Yet by 2023, this once-dominant name didn't even rank in the top 100.

With 2025 just ahead, the team at Nameberry, the popular baby-naming website, has delved into the trends influencing parents' choices in the 2020s and compiled them into a fascinating new analysis. Nameberry identified 10 fresh naming trends—here's what you should know about them.

Trendy Names

The analysis starts with what's known as 'Fast Fashion' names. These names are very much of the moment—much like the fast-changing trends in fashion. They’re based on familiar names but given a fresh, contemporary spin. This could involve altering spellings, mixing names from different cultures, or blending several names into one to form something completely original. These names, while unique, are unlikely to be used again. Here’s a glimpse of some Fast Fashion names identified by Nameberry:

Global America

'Global Americana' names embody the multicultural fabric of America, reflecting names that are deeply connected to specific cultures. Examples include Ewan from Scotland, Ivo from Wales, and Xochitl from Nahuatl. Other choices in this category include Chiara, Hassan, Luca, and Soren.

Baby Names, Quite Literally

A third trend is inspired by the rise of online influencer culture, particularly by viral TikTok star Nara Smith’s three children, who bear the names Rumble Honey, Slim Easy, and Whimsy Lou. These names fall into the category of 'Baby Names, Literally,' according to Nameberry—names that carry a charm and playful simplicity, making them 'clearly meant for babies.' Names like Aqua, Blossom, Cub, Suede, and Wednesday belong in this category.

Country Rebrand

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Nameberry noticed a trend called the 'Country Rebrand,' which marks a return to traditional country names. In this group, you’ll find names like:

• Abilene
• Abner
• Loretta
• Susannah
• Truett

Safe Haven

In contrast to the early 2020s trend of weapon-inspired names and names linked to conflict—such as Cannon, Cutter, Danger, and even Arson—the year 2025 seems poised to usher in the era of 'Safe Haven' names. These include names like Avalon, Bliss, Concord, Oasi, and Solace.

Femininomenal

Building on what Nameberry dubbed the 'Feminine Feminist' trend from last year (inspired by 2023’s *Barbie*), 2025 appears to be embracing 'Femininomenal' names (inspired by Chappell Roan). These names not only carry a message of female strength and empowerment but also bring an added layer of drama and flair. Here’s a glimpse of some of them:

• Circe
• Guinevere
• Isolde
• Ophelia
• Salome

Otherworldly

The Femininomenal names blend perfectly with another category, 'Otherworldly' names, which draw inspiration from mythology, legend, science fiction, and fantasy. Names in this category include Aslan, Atreyu, Merlin, Rune, and even Valkyrie.

Landscape

So-called 'Landscape' names—such as Branch, Canyon, Cloud, Field, and Prairie—are expected to make their mark in 2025.

Croc Names

Not all modern names are brand-new, of course. It’s not unusual for classic names to make a comeback, as seen with Abigail, Ava, Eleanor, and Evelyn, all of which were in the top 15 in the 2010s. Nameberry has labeled this next trend 'Croc' Names, inspired by the much-maligned but soon-to-be-cool Crocs shoes. These names, once considered outdated, are now gaining traction for their quirky charm. Parents are choosing them in hopes of being ahead of the curve for the next revival, with names like Clarence, Enid, Joan, Millicent, and Vernon leading the charge. Here are a few more examples:

Z Names

While Millennials were drawn to names with an 'x,' the next generation of parents—Gen Z—seems to be making 'z' names the latest trend. Jaxon and Xavier are fading out, but names like Boaz, Ezra, Enzo, Zainab, and Zuri are coming to the forefront.

For more insights into these naming trends and additional examples, check out the Nameberry blog.