Are you searching for a baby name that strikes a balance between being unique yet classic and timeless?
You’re not alone.
Couples seeking the perfect baby name have many resources at their disposal, from blogs and databases to the Social Security Administration. However, many parents-to-be are drawn to the same types of names, as noted by professional baby name consultants who spoke with Nexstar.
According to these consultants, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are more names to study and suggest nowadays, even within popular categories. However, parents should be aware that some names might become quite common in the future, given the cyclical nature of naming trends.
Everything Old is New Again
“There’s something called the 100-year rule,” says Colleen Slagen, a baby name consultant at NamingBebe.com. “Names from 100 years ago are making a comeback.”
For instance, names like Millie and Hazel, which were popular in the 1920s, are rising in popularity again. Millie was the 102nd most popular name for girls in 2023, and Hazel was 19th.
Jessie Paquette, a consultant on TikTok @DreamBabyNames, supports this trend. “Theodores, Eleanors, Silases, Henrys. They remind me of old accountants, and I love it,” she says.
Surnames as First Names
Paquette notes that using surnames as first names is a growing trend. Names like Rhodes, Palmer, Miller, Foster, Fletcher, and Baker have jumped significantly in popularity according to the Social Security Administration rankings from 2022 to 2023.
Celtic or Scottish surnames are also on the rise. Names like Callahan, Collins, and Murphy are becoming popular choices for boys and girls alike.
“They’re the new-age versions of Peyton,” says Slagen.
Gender-Neutral Names
Giving traditionally male names to female babies is another trend on the rise. “Boy names for girls are booming,” says Paquette. Names like Scottie are becoming popular for girls. In 2023, there were more female Scotties born than male Scotts.
This trend is growing, with Names.org estimating that 17% of babies born in 2023 were given gender-neutral names. Even celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively (with their daughter James) and Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis (with their daughter Wyatt) have embraced this trend.
“People love gender-neutral names,” says Slagen. “They want names like Logan, Noah, or Dylan for their daughters.”
Cowboy Names and Nicknames
Some parents are drawn to “cowboy” names like Maverick or Rhett, inspired by shows like “Yellowstone.” Using nicknames as given names, such as Charlie or Leo, is also a trend.
Conversely, some parents prefer names that can’t be shortened. “Clients often tell me, ‘I want a name that can’t be nicknamed,'” says Paquette.
Consultants’ Role
Consultants aim to suggest names that suit their clients’ tastes without just repeating the top-ranking names in any category. They may search for less-common cowboy names or find alternatives to a favorite name that a client can’t use.
Sometimes, parents want a name that pays homage to their family tree without directly naming the child after a relative. For instance, if a grandmother is named Susan, Slagen might suggest Lily or Lillian, since Susan means “lily of the valley.”
Consultants also mediate when parents can’t agree on a name, weighing the pros and cons of each option or discussing their meanings to help clients make a decision.
“Some people don’t care if a name is trendy,” says Paquette. She rarely dismisses her clients’ top choices if they are set on a particular trend. “If you love a name, use it,” she says.
