Choosing a baby name can be a daunting task for new parents, particularly when considering the myriad influences that shape trends. A recent report from BabyCenter highlights how pop culture moments from 2025 are expected to significantly influence baby names in 2026. Whether drawn from television shows, music, sports, or literature, these trends reflect a blend of nostalgia and current popularity.
Television and Streaming Trends
Several names have already begun to rise on the baby name charts, driven by popular television series. The Apple TV series Severance has propelled the name Helena to No. 313 among girls’ names. Additionally, the HBO Max series The Pitt has sparked interest in names like Samira, Heather, and Cassie. Notably, Cassie has not appeared in the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the U.S. since 2009, indicating a potential revival.
Names from other popular shows are also gaining traction. For instance, viewers of White Lotus might find themselves drawn to names such as Belinda and Chelsea for girls, while boys could see a rise in Valentin and Fabian. According to BabyCenter, Isabel and Susannah have experienced popularity surges linked to the series The Summer I Turned Pretty. Belinda, in particular, has not been in the top 1,000 names since 2013, signaling a potential comeback.
Music and Athletic Influences
The music industry is another significant source of inspiration for new parents. BabyCenter notes that names from boy band members, such as Howie and Nick from the Backstreet Boys, are trending. Similarly, names like Lance and Joey, associated with NSYNC, are also making a resurgence. K-pop stars, including Jin from BTS and Jun from Seventeen, could further influence naming choices in 2026.
The impact of popular music extends beyond boy bands. Following the release of Beyoncé‘s album Cowboy Carter, names like Rose and Jane have surged in popularity, alongside Miley, inspired by Miley Cyrus’s contribution to a track on the album. The names Willie, linked to both Willie Nelson and Willie Jones, have also seen increased interest.
Basketball has also become a significant influence on naming trends. Names of players from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who recently won the NBA Finals, are becoming more popular. Names like Jaylin, Dillon, and Jalen are on the rise, with Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles also contributing to this trend. Meanwhile, WNBA All-Stars such as Courtney, Kelsey, and Natasha are gaining popularity among new parents.
Literary and Cultural References
Literature is another source shaping baby names, with authors like Ernest, Ishmael, Sylvia, and Octavia rising in favor. Names inspired by literary characters, such as Sawyer, Finn, and Daisy, are also gaining traction. The aesthetic movement known as cottagecore is likely to bolster names like Sienna, Eloise, and Flora, according to BabyCenter.
In a more somber cultural shift, following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025, variations of his name—such as Francis, Francesco, and Francesca—are being adopted by new parents. This reflects a broader trend of honoring cultural figures through naming.
As the year draws to a close, BabyCenter has compiled the most popular names for 2025, which include Noah, Liam, Oliver, Elijah, and Mateo for boys, while girls’ names feature Olivia, Amelia, Sophia, Emma, and Isabella. These names show a continuity of preference among parents, indicating that trends may evolve but not abandon the familiar.
In summary, as parents prepare for 2026, the influence of pop culture—from television and music to literature and sports—will play a crucial role in shaping the names of the next generation. This blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance continues to reflect the dynamic nature of naming conventions.
