Boomers, anime and showgirls: These are some of the baby name trends that are going to be big in 2026

There's a reason baby name trends are constantly evolving, and that's because inspiration really is everywhere when it comes to names. 

But when it comes to the biggest trends in naming, in 2026 there are 10 new ones that are predicted to be big and a lot of them are propelled by escapism. 

Think names that are worlds away from the grim, heavy news that's been dominating headlines, and instead leaning into pop culture and entertainment. 

Romantasy names inspired by the novels, to anime and reality TV and even 'Boomer' names that are making a comeback, these are the big trends for next year according to Nameberry. 

Nameberry has narrowed down some of the big trends parents are expected to embrace with names, revealing 10 trends for 2026. 

We've taken a closer look at six of them, and there's plenty of inspo here for mums and dads to be. 

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Showgirl Names

You've been living under a rock if you haven't noticed that Taylor Swift is everywhere right now, and let's be real, it's been going on for years now. 

She's also been a source of baby name inspiration for a long time now, but she's given parents a whole new album of ideas, thanks to The Life Of A Showgirl. 

Surely names like Ophelia and Honey will get a boost from Swift's latest album, and it also might open the door for baby girls called Opalite?

Name ideas: Elodie, Marilyn, Ophelia, Roxie, Solana. 

Boomer Names

Grandpa names are so 2025 – the new 'old is new' name trend that's going to be big is Boomer names. 

Now, there's a lot to be said about the boomer generation but turns out they've got plenty of name potential there. 

It also goes back to the 100 year rule, where names that were huge 100 years ago can come back into fashion, with some of the most popular names emerging around 30 years ahead of schedule. 

Name ideas: Bruce, Beverly, Gwen, Lenny, Nancy, Rex, Ronald. 

Romantasy Names

Calling all booktok mums-to-be, this is for you. 

There's no denying that reading has had a resurgence and the romantasy genre (romance and fantasy) has become very popular, thanks to popular series like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing. 

But according to Nameberry this trend is less about the characters and primarily driven by names that sound like they could be the hero or heroine of a romantic fantasy novel.

Name ideas: Calistia, Carys, Cassian, Emrys, Rafe, Sabine, Thoren. 

Number Names

While numbers are not new when it comes to names, modern parents are embracing the trend in a more unique way. 

Numbers are a fresh way to add a nod to family lineage, like Kourtney Kardashian and Tarvis Barker did with their son Rocky Thirteen, referencing the fact that he is the 13th grandchild in the family and also their love for the number. 

But even without connections to birth order, or family ties, number names are trending with Nameberry revealing Million and Billion have joined the charts in terms of names in recent years. 

Name ideas: Cinco, Deuce, Eleven, Otoo, Quade, Sevyn. 

Straight Out of Utah Names

Now, names that once dominated forums due to their unique spelling and often tragic formulation, these names are starting to command respect. 

The surge in popularity comes with the sudden fascination of all things Utah thanks to MomTok, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. 

Turns out Utah parents are at the forefront of name trends, the first to revive forgotten names like Elden, adopting place names like Valley and also known for innovative new names, like Scotlyn and Bodee. 

Name ideas: Brighton, Covey, Dottie, Oaks, Quincey, Rockwell, Zealand. 

Anime Names

Once a micro-trend now starting to gain more popularity is anime-inspired names. 

The names have always been a source of inspiration for some parents, but the names are breaking into mainstream thanks to a surge in television shows and of course travel to Japan. 

Breakout hits like KPOP Demon Hunters, are also helping these names shoot up the ranks.

Name ideas: Aura, Kaya, Kiro, Mira, Nami, Juni, Rumi.

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