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According to BabyCenter, a leading digital parenting resource, the top baby names of 2024 show that parents continue to favor timeless choices for their children. For boys, Noah, Liam, and Oliver held steady at the top, while for girls, Olivia, Amelia, and Emma mirrored last year’s trends, once again claiming the top three spots.
BabyCenter’s data, drawn from over 500,000 babies born to parents registered on their platform, offers a comprehensive look at naming trends. And while the classics remain beloved, this year saw several fascinating shifts inspired by pop culture, global events, and the search for unique, meaningful names.
French Influence and Athletic Inspiration
The Paris Olympics in 2024 left a notable mark, with French-inspired names trending upward. Names like Paris, Élodie, Camille, Jules, and Louis gained traction, reflecting a renewed appreciation for Parisian elegance. High-profile athletes, particularly those from the WNBA and Super Bowl, also influenced naming choices.
Names like Kendrick, Beckham, and Tate surged in popularity for boys, reflecting admiration for sports stars making headlines this year.
Rising and Falling Stars
A surprising shift saw Sarah fall out of the top 100 baby girl names for the first time in 60 years, signaling a waning preference for traditional biblical names. For boys, Drake also saw a decline, possibly allowing Kendrick to rise in popularity.
Meanwhile, short, punchy names like Ellie, which jumped into the top 10, and names ending in “-lyn” and “-lee” — such as Evelyn, Brooklyn, Madelyn, Adalee, and Rosealee — gained favor among parents looking for modern yet elegant options for girls. For boys, names beginning with “E,” such as Easton and Everett, experienced a significant rise, highlighting a trend toward soft yet strong choices.
The Era of Short, Gender-Neutral, and Vintage Names
U.S.-based baby name consultant Colleen Slagen attributes the growing popularity of short names to their effortless style and practicality. “Short names typically exist in their full form and are less likely to get nicknamed,” she explains to Parents magazine. Gender-neutral names also continue to rise in popularity. “Pop culture has definitely impacted the rise in gender-neutral names,” Slagen adds.
Names like Hollis, Casey, Scottie, and Billie are increasingly favored for their versatility and modern edge. At the same time, vintage names are returning, offering parents a way to blend timeless charm with uniqueness. Slagen notes that names like Margot, Louise, Teddy, and Lottie feel fresh yet rooted in history.
The Pressure of Choosing the Perfect Name
A survey of U.K. parents conducted by baby product brand JoJo Maman Bébé found that over 26% of respondents worried they’d regret their child’s name. Slagen points to the role of social media in amplifying this pressure, as parents often feel the need to establish a “family brand” through their name choices.
Trending Names for 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, experts predict continued interest in bold, distinctive names such as Cal, Rocky, Boden, Goldie, Crew, and Hallie.