PARENTS-TO-BE may want to take a glance at the baby names tipped to be the top picks for the upcoming year.
From Taylor Swift songs to The Hunger Games, inspiration is expected to strike from a variety of areas.
Expectant parents in 2026 are predicted to draw inspiration from their hobbies when choosing baby names.
According to baby naming experts, everything from sports to the best-selling fantasy novels of 2025 will have a significant influence on name choices in the new year.
As well as taking cues from their favourite fictional characters and sports heroes, parents-to-be are anticipated to find inspiration from music.
Most aspects of 2025 pop culture are expected to play a role in shaping baby name trends.
Lars B Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com, spoke about the current name trends.
“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,” the pro said.
The expert added that “2025 has been the year of escaping reality and leaning into the whimsical and otherworldly”.
One of the main influences on baby name trends is popular works of fiction.
“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,” the pro said.
Fiction
According to experts, there will be a surge in popularity for the name Violet, inspired by the protagonist of 2025’s highest-selling book, Onyx Storm, from author Rebecca Yarros.
While the name is already in the top 50, the over 2.7 million copies sold this year hint Violet may crack the top 30 for 2026.
And for boys, the name Rhys is tipped to become more popular, as a result of the character Rhysand in the popular romantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
Another popular fantasy novel of 2025 was the latest instalment in The Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping.
One of the main characters in the prequel, which is set to hit the big screen in November, 2026, was Maysilee Donner.
This leads experts to predict a surge in the unique name’s popularity in both 2026 and 2027.
Top baby girl name predictions for 2026:
- Violet
- Ophelia
- Maysilee
- Lilo
- Chloe
Top baby boy name predictions for 2026:
- Rhys
- Conrad
- Alex
- Liam
- Rory
Music
And musicians are also tipped to be a major influence on baby name trends.
With the release of Taylor Swift’s highly-anticipated 12th studio album, one song is predicted to have a significant effect on girl’s names.
The name Ophelia, inspired by The Fate of Ophelia from The Life Of A Showgirl, is predicted to gain traction in 2026.
Alex is also expected to rise in popularity, Alex Warren, who went viral with his hit song Ordinary.
Similarly, the name Liam could see yet another resurgence following the iconic Oasis reunion tour.
The name previously peaked in the top 10 after the release of the band’s chart-topping album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? in 1995.
Film and TV
And with Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch being one of 2025’s biggest box office hits, the name Lilo could also prove popular.
Meanwhile for boys’ names, Conrad is anticipated to gain popularity, inspired by leading man Conrad Fisher from romance series The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Sports
Brits are also expected to honour Chloe Kelly by giving their little one after the Lioness star, who famously netted England’s winning penalty against Spain in the UEFA European Women’s Championship 2025.
Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts might take inspiration from Rory McIlroy, following his iconic Masters victory in April.
