Experts predict the unusual baby names that will take over this year and they might surprise you
A new year brings a new batch of baby names, and if these experts are to be believed, 2026 will throw up a few surprises.
The naming experts over at Nameberry have come up with a list of trends for the new year, explaining that, amidst much of the doom and gloom in the headlines, parents-to-be are looking for names filled with fantasy or inspired by their favourite books or reality TV shows.
The experts have categorised the names into different themes, with mystical monikers such as Marcella, Evara, Palmer, Robin and Oriane.
Let's get into it.
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Ancient history
Nameberry explain that parents looking for historical names are keen to connect their children to their family's ancient past, while others could be inspired by Roman monikers.
These types of names include Adhara, Cassander, Isidore, Linus, Olympia and Tihui.
Showgirl-inspired
Thanks to the success of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour last year and her latest album, 'The Life of a Showgirl', parents are expected to opt for whimsical and glamorous names such as Ophelia, Cecily, Elodie, Emiliana, Lielle, Nomi and Vivienne.
Soulful
Soulful and spiritual names such as Alma, Dove, Cedar, Creed, Vera and River are set to be huge for 2026, while other, similar monikers may have more biblical references.
Stylish boomers
Nameberry explain that baby names often come back into style every century, which is why peak boomer names could be making a comeback this year.
We're talking the likes of Betsy, Beverly, Bruce, Gloria, Joni, Nancy and Richie.
Romantasy
Romantasy names with a European influence could be hugely popular in 2026, with Nameberry anticipating that inspiration from fantasy novelists such as J.R.R. Tolkien could be a huge inspiration for parents.
Names such as Calista, Cordelia, Elspeth, Leontel, Magnus and Soraya could all be entering the charts soon.
'Vowel hiatus'
Nameberry add that the trendiest names for 2026 will be the 'vowel hiatus' options, which are essentially names with the 'enunciation of two distinct adjoining vowels'.
They explain that names such as Deia, Leonie, and Eziah are rising fast on the charts, while this category is also being used by celebrities, making it even more likely to flourish in 2026.
Names with numbers
Inspired by Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's son, Rocky Thirteen, parents are increasingly opting to write numbers on their kids' birth certificates, rather than the traditional Roman numerals seen on some names.
Meanwhile, names inspired by numbers themselves, such as Billion, Eleven and Octavia could also be on the rise this year.
Utah-inspired
Thanks to the success of shows like Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Utah-inspired names such as Dottie, Covey, Radley, Rockwell, Bodee and Aven could gain momentum in 2026.
Anime
The experts predict that 2026 will see anime names 'breaking into the mainstream' with the likes of Anya, Jinu, Kaito, Kota, Rin and Yumi rising in the charts.
The popularity of anime shows on Netflix, as well as celebrities opting for anime names, is said to be partly responsible for the growing interest.
British Literature
A renewed interest in some of the biggest novels in British literature is said to be fuelling a rise in quintessentially English names.
With the likes of Wuthering Heights, Sense & Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, names including Bram, Bronte, Celia, Darcy, Eyre, Fielding and Tess are likely to be inspiration for parents this year.
Lucy Devine