Choosing a name for a child can be a challenging task for new parents. As trends in pop culture evolve, they increasingly influence baby names. According to a report by BabyCenter, the names chosen by parents in 2026 may reflect key moments from 2025, including popular television shows, music hits, and notable sports achievements.
Television and Literature Drive Name Trends
The impact of television on baby naming is evident in the rise of names featured in hit series. For instance, the Apple TV show “Severance” has propelled the name Helena to No. 313 on the list of popular baby names for girls, according to BabyCenter’s latest analysis. Similarly, characters from the HBO Max series “The Pitt” are influencing choices, with names such as Samira, Heather, and Cassie gaining traction. Notably, Cassie has not appeared in the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the United States since 2009, based on Social Security data.
In addition to television, literature is also playing a role. Names like Ernest, Ishmael, Sylvia, and Octavia are becoming more popular, alongside literary characters such as Jay, Daisy, and Finn. The viral cottagecore aesthetic is also expected to boost names like Sienna, Eloise, and Juniper.
Musical Influences and Sports Stars
The music industry is another significant source of inspiration for new parents. Names of notable boy band members are on the rise, including Howie and Nick from the Backstreet Boys, and Lance and Joey from NSYNC. K-pop stars such as Jin from BTS and Jun from Seventeen are also likely to impact naming trends.
Additionally, names associated with Beyoncé’s album “Cowboy Carter” have seen increased popularity. The names Rose and Jane, derived from a song title and lyric, respectively, are gaining traction, alongside Miley, influenced by Miley Cyrus‘s appearance on the album.
Sports figures are leaving their mark on baby names as well. Following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success in the NBA Finals, names like Jaylin, Dillon, and Isaiah have become popular among parents. WNBA All-Stars such as Courtney and Kelsey are also climbing the charts, reflecting a growing trend of naming children after athletes.
Names associated with the recent passing of Pope Francis have also seen a rise, with variations such as Francis, Francesco, and Francesca gaining attention. This shift highlights how significant events can influence personal choices in naming.
As of November 2023, the most popular names in the United States remain consistent with previous years. For boys, the top five names are Noah, Liam, Oliver, Elijah, and Mateo. For girls, Olivia, Amelia, Sophia, Emma, and Isabella continue to dominate the charts.
As parents navigate the complexities of naming their children, it is clear that pop culture plays a pivotal role in shaping their choices. The influences of television, music, literature, and significant events all contribute to a dynamic landscape of baby names, reflecting a blend of tradition and contemporary culture.
