Shakespeare famously declared, via Juliet, that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but I suspect even the Bard himself would have been taken aback by baby naming trends in 2024 as millennial and Gen Z parents, in particular, are driven by a desire to find the perfect baby name. Specifically, one that isn’t ‘popular’, so that their little one can stand out from the crowd.

What drives this compulsion, though? Well, according to a study by the University of Michigan’s Dr Mitchel Newberry, today’s naming trends are proof of our refusal to conform. “Think of how we use millions of different names to refer to people but we almost always use the same word to refer to baseball,” he says in Nature Human Behaviour. “For words, there’s pressure to conform, but my work shows that the diversity of names results from pressures against conformity.”

This desire for uniqueness is something that baby naming expert Michelle Casey, founder of Grow Little Wildflower, has seen crop up repeatedly in her own work, although she suspects social media is largely to blame. 

“The pressure for parents to find a unique name that also isn’t too ‘out there’ yet still sounds familiar is huge,” she tells me. “With the rise of social media showcasing endless names and naming styles, parents are seeing more ‘wow’ names than ever. This can then lead to parents think that they, too, need to have a ‘wow’ name, a name that stands out from the crowd and that feels fresh or one of a kind.”

SJ Strum, who helms the chart-topping podcast Baby Name Envy, agrees with this wholeheartedly. “I think digital, in general, has changed how we pick names,” she says. “Before, parents would pick a sensible baby name that would be ‘taken seriously on a CV’ to set their child up for success. Now, your Instagram is your business card, and being discoverable with a memorable name is the new way of setting them up to succeed in a digital world.”

That being said, she believes that some parents are choosing names as a means of connecting themselves to their children on a deeper level. “Yes, a lot of us grew up being one Sophie or Harry in a class of two or three kids with the same name, and we don’t want the same for our children,” says Strum. “However, a unique name isn’t just about trying to stand out, although that’s a perk – it’s about this next generation of parents really celebrating their child’s individuality and gifting them a name that has their style. A couple who love travel might seek an adventurous name. People who value a return to simple living in a tech-heavy world will reflect that with a nature-inspired name.”

Noting that names were traditionally inspired by religious or historical figures, Strum adds: “Culturally, passing names down through the family has become less popular as families become more blended. Plus, we have a lot more inspiration from all around the world… and there’s also a real change in attitude to being unique. Parents used to worry kids would be bullied if they stood out, but the huge shift in celebrating our differences and what makes us individuals has shrugged off that old fear.”

It’s little wonder, then, that baby names have become a booming business, with naming consultants like Strum and Casey boasting well over 200,000 followers between them on Instagram alone.

“A baby name consultant is most often considered to help remove the overwhelm and provide clarity, creativity and confidence in the parents that they absolutely will choose the right name for their family,” explains Casey of her role in the baby naming process, noting that “a personal touch from someone outside of your inner circle can really help to make the naming journey an enjoyable one and provide a happy medium when parents are stuck between styles”.

“From personalised guidance, fresh ideas you may not have ever considered, navigating trends and looking into name flow, nicknames and unintentional initials, there is a huge amount of insight parents can gain from investing in a name consultant,” she adds.

A consultant can also help parents to steer clear of a common side-effect of seeking out a unique name – falling foul of a cycle that sees the more unusual names pounced upon by parents, resulting in them becoming popular themselves and falling back out of favour once again.

“This is really a case study showing how boom-bust cycles by themselves can disfavour common types and promote diversity,” says Newberry. “If people are always thirsting for the newest thing, then it’s going to create a lot of new things. Every time a new thing is created, it’s promoted, and so more rare things rise to higher frequency and you have more diversity in the population.”

With that caveat in place, what are some things to consider when looking for the perfect name?

“Firstly, each family will have its own criteria and ‘perfect’ name – there is no one size fits all. And it is important to remember that because a name high on my list may not even make it to your list,” notes Casey. “Every name tells a story, a very personal one, and so each family will have their own considerations. From the meaning and personal connection to a name (does it need to honour a loved one?) to sound and flow – because a name might sound great on its own but, when paired with a surname, it may feel off.”

Strum agrees, stressing that sibling names should also be brought into consideration. “I also love linking sibling names through meaning so have a look at what your own names mean and any siblings. I work with a lot of first-time parents, but even more who are on their second or third baby. That’s when they really get stuck, and it’s a fun place to explore.”

Casey adds that it’s also worth future-proofing a name. “Will it grow with them from baby, to toddler, to teen and into adult life? Are there any name associations – good or bad? Any spelling or pronunciation challenges? Some parents are happy to embrace the unique options while others find this too challenging and prefer the traditional spellings to keep it easier at school and beyond.

“Ultimately, even with all the criteria a parent might have, I try to encourage parents to choose a name that feels right, trusting in their intuition and following their heart to avoid the second-guessing and overthinking of a name.”

The big baby name trends of 2025

Nomad names

Strum says that “names inspired by travel and the outdoors” are going to be big in the year ahead.

“There’s a huge return to rewilding childhood in the digital age, and with more and more people working as digital nomads, names inspired by the outdoors are booming.”

Casey agrees, noting that “these names are also getting a little edgier and on the nose”, citing names such as Sky, Willow, River, Bodhi, Ocean, Cove and Coast.

Sun and moon rising

“Celestial names are also booming as we look to the skies for inspiration,” says Strum.

Names include the likes of Astra, Luna, Nova, Leo and Sol.

Vintage twists

Casey says she is “still leaning into [her] vintage name era, but adding a slight twist using a nickname-style name that honours a loved one with a unique edge”.

“For example, Millicent but choosing Millie; Walter but going with the strong one-syllable Walt; Oliver but going with Ollie as the given name; or Dorothy but choosing Dottie or Dot,” she explains, offering up a few other examples in the form of Theodore/Teddy, Albert/Alby, Arthur/Artie, Beatrice/Bea, Margaret/Maggie, Harriet/Hattie.

“Parents are creative and are open to changing up a name to suit their family, and I love that we can honour a family member in so many ways.”

Playful names

Casey says names like Sunny, Pippa, Ivy, Minnie, Lottie, Halle and Gigi will be loved for girls, alongside strong gender-neutral names like Noah, Lennox, Blake, Miller and Remy.

Colours and flowers, too, will be big for girls’ names. “Indigo, Sage, Lavender, Flora, Primrose, Daisy and Violet continue to be loved,” she says.

For the boys, think more “strong, stylish and classic like Arlo, Oscar, Hugo, James, August, Asher, Finley, Henry, Theodore, Leo and George”.

Of course, everyone’s baby-naming journey will be very different. This author, for example, has two daughters named after fictional teenage witches (or old movies, depending on who you ask), but the important thing is to choose the one that feels right for you and your family. And, above all else, have fun with it.

“There is a special kind of magic in baby naming, something so universally appealing about it that links deeply to storytelling, culture and creative expression – the limitless canvas of names makes it so fun,” says Casey.

“Naming discussions and communities like mine are such a beautiful way to connect, bond and share in the excitement of new life… what’s not to love about dreaming up baby names?”

Images: Getty