For many parents, choosing a name for their child is the first big decision they will make and can be an overwhelming experience.
Selecting a name for a child can be a daunting task for many parents, as over a quarter (26 percent) of UK parents admit they worry about regretting their choice, while 24 percent reveal they have difficulty reaching a consensus on a name.
Nearly two in five have opted for a name that others would find easy to pronounce and spell, while 36 percent changed their child’s name after meeting them for the first time.
To provide parents with naming inspiration, the mother and baby retailer JoJo Maman Bébé has partnered with baby name consultant Colleen Slagen, sharing their predictions for 2025 annd examine the most popular names for 2024 to identify which names are at risk of becoming extinct.
Colleen explained that shorter names will be trending in 2025 due to their effortless charm, explaining: “A few of the trends I’m seeing right now that I expect to see more of in 2025 are short and effortless names for both boys and girls. For example, 1-2 syllables and 3-4 letter names like Cal, Mack, Vann and Case for boys and Navy, Indy, Drew, and Reya for girls.
“As much as I get requests for longer names with great nicknames, I get just as many requests for effortless names that don’t require a nickname (and may feel like a nickname). Names ending in ‘o’ are big for boys and names ending in ‘a’ are big for girls.
“Short names can feel brisk, but an ending vowel softens them which appeals to many people. Milo and Hugo sound like sweet, gentle kids as opposed to Banks or Knox which have a cool-guy feel.”
She also predicts that gender-neutral names will be on the rise saying: “People are also leaning more toward gender-neutral names for boys. The names I’m currently hearing are Darcy and Kit (more for girls but for both genders).”
Colleen has also shared the top 20 baby names that gained traction in 2024.
The most popular baby names for boys and girls in 2024
Girls
- Margot
- Georgia
- Miller
- Scottie
- Andie
- Billie
- Lottie
- Goldie
- Louise
- Hallie
Boys
- George
- Cal
- Beckham
- Tate
- Rocky
- Hollis
- Teddy
- Boden
- Casey
- Crew
Whilst surnames as first names will be extremely popular, as she mentions: “I think we’ll start seeing more traditional male names being chosen for girls such as Drew, Noah and Dylan.”
Cottage-core, virtue, and nature names will keep gaining popularity, but some will choose more unique options within these categories.
As Colleen notes, “people will lean more into these trends rather than just picking from the popular favourites”.
Nature names like Robin, Meadow, Lake, and Cove will increase in use, while cottage-core names such as Cordelia, Percival, and Archibald are also trending. Additionally, virtue names like Haven, Promise, Chosen, Poet, and Story will continue to rise.
Vintage names, once considered outdated, are making a comeback. Colleen states: “Vintage names are huge, and people are digging to find less common ones, not afraid to resurrect something others may call outdated.”
Rising names for girls include Louise, Dorothy, Mabel, and Maisie, while boys’ names like Arthur, Archie, and Howard are also gaining popularity, along with Judith and Reggie.
While nearly three in ten (28%) UK parents ruled out names for being too common, 18% rejected those deemed too unusual, and almost one in six (14%) avoided names due to potential teasing.
Colleen reckons that Gen Z will lean more into the unique trends and go bolder with their choices, suggesting that the generation will take inspiration from pop culture.
“TV shows can have a huge impact on names. Yellowstone led the way in the rise of cowboy names like Kayce, Tate and Dutton and Bridgeton has increased the posh and regal-sounding names such as Daphne and Florence. Books like ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) have also contributed to the rise in the name Rhys,” she notes.
Names often associated with boomers and millennials may be at risk of fading away. Colleen notes that names such as “Linda, Kathy, Karen, Gary, and Bob are seeing less usage” whilst millennial names like “Tiffany, Caitlin, Courtney, Greg, and Jeff” are being used less as the years go by.
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