Choosing a baby name is no small task, and parents often find inspiration in unexpected places—from pop culture moments to global events. As we move into 2025, baby name trends are being heavily influenced by a variety of factors, from the Paris Olympics and pop stars to celestial events and the latest TV shows. Let’s take a look at the biggest baby name trends that will define the year ahead.
1. Olympic Inspiration: French Names Are On the Rise
As the Paris Olympics continue to capture global attention, French names are experiencing a surge in popularity. Names like Raphael, Louis, and Louise are making their way onto baby name lists, reflecting a growing love for French culture. Raphael, in particular, is up 121 spots in the U.S., and Louis is gaining ground as well. Other French-inspired names like Beaux, Remi, and Elodie are also climbing in popularity. For parents looking for something chic and timeless, expect to see more French names take center stage in 2025.
2. Rising Stars in Rap: Kendrick and Drake Battle It Out
Celebrity influence plays a huge role in baby name trends, and the ongoing rap battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is shaping name choices in unexpected ways. While Drake's name is falling out of favor, Kendrick is on the rise, moving up 32 spots to No. 402. It seems BabyCenter parents are aligning with Lamar in this heated feud, with the name Kendrick gaining popularity. Expect more rap-inspired names to influence the charts in 2025 as fans continue to support their favorite artists through their baby names.
3. Women’s Basketball: WNBA Stars Lead the Way
The women’s NCAA basketball tournament and the growing popularity of the WNBA are having a noticeable impact on baby names. Caitlin Clark, the star point guard for the University of Iowa, has seen her name climb over 2,000 spots for girls. Likewise, Kamilla Cardoso, a rising star in the WNBA, is inspiring parents with her name, which has jumped 53 spots. Names of other standout athletes like A'ja Wilson are also gaining ground. As women’s sports continue to thrive, names tied to female athletes will be popular choices for parents in 2025.
4. Super Bowl Stars Influence Baby Name Rankings
The Super Bowl is not only a showcase of athletic talent but also a major event that can influence pop culture—and baby names. After the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LVIII, names like Creed (inspired by Chiefs player Creed Humphrey) and Travis (inspired by Chiefs star Travis Kelce) saw a significant increase in popularity. On the flip side, names associated with the losing San Francisco 49ers, like Brock (Purdy) and Trent (Williams), dropped in popularity. If the Chiefs continue to win, expect to see names like Patrick (Mahomes) reclaim their spots on top.
5. Hit Songs and Rising Music Stars
The influence of music continues to shape baby name trends. This year, names tied to popular female musicians like Sabrina (Sabrina Carpenter), Billie (Billie Eilish), and Apple (inspired by Charli XCX's song “Apple”) are on the rise. The name Apple, in particular, has seen a notable resurgence, rising 900 spots as a girl name. Whether it's the hit songs dominating the charts or the artists behind them, music is bound to inspire parents looking for trendy names in 2025.
6. Celestial Names: Inspired by Solar Eclipses and Stars
Parents are looking to the skies for baby name inspiration in 2025. The recent solar eclipse has sparked a rise in the name Sol, meaning "sun" in Spanish, which is up 334 spots for girls. Similarly, the name Eclipse has made a big jump, with more parents using this celestial name to mark a special moment. Expect other sky-related names like Luna, Aurora, and Orion to continue their popularity. A lunar eclipse in 2025 may further fuel the interest in celestial-themed baby names.
7. The Fall of the Stanley Cup Craze
In 2024, the Stanley Cup trend peaked on social media, with fans showing off their oversized travel mugs. However, as TikTok trends come and go, Stanley is seeing a notable decline in popularity, falling over 400 spots in the rankings. This demonstrates how quickly internet trends can influence name popularity. As the Stanley Cup craze fades, the name Stanley is likely to continue its downward trajectory in 2025.
8. Main Character Energy: TV and Movie Names Dominate
TikTok’s "main character energy" is influencing baby names as parents draw inspiration from the leading characters of popular TV shows and movies. Names like Riley (from Inside Out 2) and Ripley (from Ripley) are gaining ground, as parents aim to imbue their babies with that special "main character" energy. Expect names like Carmen (from The Bear) and Deborah (from Hacks) to rise in popularity as well. As TV shows continue to impact cultural trends, expect more names from the small and big screens to top the charts in 2025.
9. “E” Names for Boys: The Latest Trend
One letter is stealing the spotlight in 2025: E. BabyCenter parents are gravitating toward names that start with the letter E for boys. Emrys, a unique name, has surged by 839 spots to No. 954, while names like Enrique, Emir, and Eliel are also climbing the charts. With names like Elijah and Ezra already in the top 10, it’s clear that “E” names are a big trend for boys heading into 2025.
10. Names with -lyn and -lee Endings: Timeless and Modern
Names ending in -lyn and -lee have become a staple for baby girls, and in 2025, these names will continue to dominate. Avalynn and Wrenlee are two rising stars, reflecting the growing trend of creating unique yet familiar names with these popular suffixes. Other names like Maelynn, Lakelyn, and Rosalee are all gaining attention as parents continue to embrace these timeless yet modern name endings.
As we approach 2025, baby name trends are being shaped by global events, pop culture, and changing social movements. Whether inspired by athletes, celebrities, or celestial events, these trends offer a glimpse into the names that will dominate the next generation. Whether you're expecting or just curious, keep an eye on these trends as they evolve in the year to come.
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