URGENT UPDATE: Baby names for 2026 are set to be heavily influenced by pop culture, according to new insights from BabyCenter. The trends emerging from this year’s hit shows, music, and sports are already shaping the names parents are considering for their newborns.
As of now, names inspired by popular television series, music icons, and even sports legends are climbing the charts. This development signals a significant shift in naming patterns that could redefine the landscape of baby names in the coming year.
New reports indicate that names from the Apple TV hit series “Severance” are gaining traction, with Helena rising to No. 313 among baby girl names. Notably, names like Cassie and Samira from HBO Max’s “The Pitt” are also showing increased popularity, despite Cassie’s long absence from the top 1,000 names since 2009.
BabyCenter’s analysis reveals that while some names are surging, others are facing decline. Names like Blake and Justin, along with boy names ending in “y” such as Kody and Murphy, are losing favor, potentially linked to ongoing controversies surrounding their namesakes.
In the music realm, names from iconic boy bands are trending upward. Members like Howie and Nick from the Backstreet Boys, as well as K-pop stars like Jin from BTS, are influencing parents’ choices. Additionally, names inspired by Beyoncé‘s album “Cowboy Carter“—including Rose and Jane—are becoming more popular, reflecting the powerful impact of contemporary artists.
Athletic achievements are also making waves in baby naming. Following the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s NBA Finals victory, names like Jaylin, Dillon, and Isaiah are climbing the BabyCenter charts. WNBA stars are contributing to this trend as well, with names like Kelsey and Courtney gaining popularity.
Literature is another area influencing baby names, with classic names like Ernest and Octavia seeing a revival. Furthermore, names reflecting the viral cottagecore aesthetic, such as Sienna and Juniper, are also expected to trend in 2026.
Following the passing of Pope Francis in April, BabyCenter reports a noticeable increase in parents naming their children variations of his name, including Francis and Francesca. This reflects a deep cultural resonance and an emotional connection to significant figures.
As for the current top names in 2025, BabyCenter shows little change in popularity. For boys, the leading names remain Noah, Liam, and Oliver. Girls’ favorites include Olivia, Amelia, and Sophia.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: As we approach 2026, keep an eye on how these pop culture influences continue to evolve. With parents increasingly looking to the entertainment industry for inspiration, the next wave of baby names could reflect a diverse array of cultural phenomena.
Stay tuned for more updates as BabyCenter and other sources continue to track these trends, shaping the future of baby names and reflecting the cultural zeitgeist of our times.
