What's in a Name?

Baby name trends change over time. While Jennifer was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, it doesn’t even make the top thousand baby names today. Those Jennifers’ mothers were probably Lisas, Marys or Lindas – which are basically unheard-of baby names today.

In 2024, parents are incredibly choosy about baby names. If there’s an overarching theme to today’s baby names, it seems to be ensuring that each child has a unique name that gives an immediate, lasting impression. Here are some of the baby name trends that have shown up so far this year.

Unisex Names

Some parents are choosing to keep their baby name options open by looking to what inspires them; not limiting their name choices to any particular gender. This means more parents are reaching for unisex or feminine-leaning names for boys, which is a big switch up from previous years. Names like Harlow, Blair, Jade, Lark, Wren, Carmen, Rue and Izzy are trending for boys.

Very Mature Names

In 2023, a common theme among prospective parents and baby name experts on TikTok was this: “You’re naming an adult, not a baby.” Many baby names from prior years felt a little too “cutesy” for many, feeling more appropriate as baby nicknames than given first names.

So what makes a name feel mature? They’re generally the longer version of names that are commonly shortened – think Matthew, Katherine or Georgina. We can also look to vintage names for very “adult” baby names, like Agnes, Dolores, Harold, Lorelai and Winslow.

Vibes and Atmosphere

Many parents are leaning towards stylish names that evoke strong feelings, often with a connection to nature or the heavens. Names like Storm, Aurora, Icelynn, Luna, Lumen, Aire, Skylar, Soleil, Sunny and Cielo are moody and ethereal.

Epic Names

Names from mythology, legends and religion have always been an inspiration for parents, but more and more are reaching to ancient history for baby names. Lyra, Freya, Gaia, Azriel, Athena, Persephone, Leonidas and Avalon are all trending.

Gentle Names

This generation's parents, by and large, subscribe to the “gentle parenting” philosophy, believing in an empathetic, calm style of child-rearing. Interestingly, that trend has resulted in many shorter baby names with soft, calming sounds. Ines, Faye, Alfie, Casper, Willa, Ione, Selah and Rhys all fit this bill.

The Power of “I”

Names that begin or end with i have been on trend for a while and don’t show any sign of slowing down. Isabella, Isaiah, Eli, Ian, Ari, Kai, Joni, Izzy and Caprio are on-trend.

Bridgerton Effect

Names from popular culture have always made their way onto baby name lists. The Bridgerton series has made its mark in the past couple of years, with both characters’ and actors’ names appearing in trending lists. These names include Daphne, Penelope, Phoebe, Violet, Simon, Ruby, Eloise and Charlotte.

Naming Rules

For some prospective parents, “all’s fair in love and baby names.” But for most of us, there are unspoken rules regarding what’s acceptable when naming your baby

Don’t Steal

Prospective parents can be pretty territorial about their baby’s names – well before they’re even born. There’s possibly no greater offense than “stealing” a baby name, even unwittingly. If you’ve ever heard a friend or family member mention a potential baby name, it’s probably best if you consider that name a no-go. While no one “owns” a name, it’s best not to dive into this uncomfortable territory if you can avoid it.

Initially

Check your baby’s initials – including their potential monograms – before deciding on a name. Anthony Simon Smith is a lovely name, but his initials will look unfortunate when embroidered on their onesies.

The Starbucks Test

Gut-check how practical your kid’s name is. Once your kid grows up, are they going to be able to tell their barista their name and get something even remotely close written on the cup? Remember: unique is good, but going too far with quirky spellings or kooky names will only be an uphill struggle for your child. (I also call this the kindergarten test: is your kindergartener going to struggle to spell their own name? If so, throw it out.)

Check the Flow

You may love certain names for your future baby, but putting the whole name together might be a little awkward. One way to achieve this is by ensuring that the number of syllables and letters in the first, middle and last names are varied. Another is to look out for vowel or consonant sounds that may blend into one another, like David Daniel Leonard.

Nothing's Permanent

Seven percent of parents express regret or doubt about their baby name choice and three percent end up changing it legally. Many more end up relying so much on a nickname that the child’s given name is almost an afterthought. You’re allowed to change your mind! Experts agree that babies generally don’t start responding to their name before about 7 months old. In Kentucky, so long as both parents give consent to the change, it’s a fairly simple process.

FUN FACT:

Did you know that Kentucky is one of the few states that doesn’t have any laws governing baby names?

Trending Names:

GIRLS

Emma, Olivia. Isabella, Ava, Sophia, Emily, Madison, Mia, Hannah, Abigail

BOYS

Noah, Ethan, Jacob, Liam, Logan, Michael, Matthew, Jack, Ryan, Mason