Top 5 baby name predictions for 2026

November 12, 2025 3,890

Expectant parents are likely to turn to their hobbies when searching for baby names in 2026. Baby naming experts have predicted that 2025’s best-selling fantasy novels will have the biggest influence in the new year, with parents-to-be taking inspiration from their favourite fictional characters.

Alongside fantasy books, experts are predicting that music, film, television, and sports will also have an influence on baby name choices. Lars B Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com, comments: “We’ve been tracking name trends for over 20 years and see how time and again parents’ choices are influenced by the media and pop culture. 2025 has been the year of escaping reality and leaning into the whimsical and otherworldly.

“Fiction has always been a strong indicator of baby name trends, but with younger parents more active on social media than ever before, BookTok’s obsession over fantasy novels has taken it to new heights.”

Fantasy fiction

The experts are predicting a sharp rise in the name Violet, inspired by the main character of the highest-selling book of 2025, Onyx Storm, by Rebecca Yarros. This name was already ranking in the top 50, but with over 2.7million copies of Onyx Storm selling this year, it’s anticipated to make it into the top 30 for 2026.

While for boys, the name Rhys is expected to rise in popularity, thanks to the character Rhysand in the popular romantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.

Another fantasy-inspired name that could make its way up the popularity ranking is Maysilee, after the character in Sunrise on the Reaping, one of the best-selling books of 2025. With a film adaptation of the book set to release in 2026, this name could continue to rise in popularity in 2027 as well.

Music

Musicians are predicted to be another influence on baby names. One name set to see a rise in popularity in 2026 is Ophelia, inspired by Taylor Swift’s single from her recently released album, The Life Of A Showgirl.

Alex is also set to see an increase in popularity thanks to the viral singer, Alex Warren. As is the name Liam, following the buzz of the Oasis reunion tour, having previously peaked in the top 10 following the release of the band’s best-selling album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? in 1995.

Film and TV

With Disney’s live adaptation of Lilo & Stitch being one of the highest-grossing films of 2025, the name Lilo could prove popular among those looking for something outside of the box. For boy names, Conrad is also expected to rise in popularity after Conrad Fisher from The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Sports

Sports star and Lioness, Chloe Kelly, is expected to impact baby name trends in 2026, after she scored the England team’s winning penalty against Spain in the UEFA European Women’s Championship 2025. Similarly, golf fans are set to take inspiration from Rory McIlroy, after he won the Masters back in April.