In the first half of 2024, significant trends have emerged in the world of baby names. These trends are often influenced by pop culture moments and events that capture the public’s attention. BabyCenter, a popular online resource for expectant parents based in San Francisco, California, has been tracking these trends and recently released a report detailing some of the most notable influences on baby naming choices.
One of the major trends identified by BabyCenter is the resurgence of fantasy epics in popular culture. Both film and television have seen a wave of fantasy-inspired content that has resonated with new parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their children. For example, the film “Dune: Part Two” has led to a surge in names inspired by characters from the desert world of Arrakis. Names like Chani and Sihaya have seen significant increases in popularity, reflecting the influence of this epic film on baby naming trends.
In addition to fantasy epics, celestial names have also been on the rise in 2024. The solar eclipse that captivated audiences earlier in the year served as inspiration for many parents looking to give their children names with celestial significance. Names like Sol, meaning “sun” in Spanish, and Stella, meaning “star” in Greek, have experienced a boost in popularity. Aurora, meaning “dawn” in Latin, has also seen a steady increase in popularity over the past few years, reflecting a broader trend towards celestial-inspired names.
Women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark has also made a significant impact on baby naming trends in 2024. Her record-breaking performances on the court have inspired parents to choose the name Caitlin for their daughters. The name, which originates from Ireland and means “pure,” has seen a sharp increase in popularity, jumping over 1,400 spots on the list of most popular girls’ names. Clark, Caitlin’s surname, has also gained popularity as a boys’ name, reflecting the broader influence of sports figures on baby naming choices.
Historical TV dramas have also played a role in shaping baby naming trends in 2024. Shows like “Bridgerton” have introduced audiences to characters with classic and timeless names that have captured the imagination of parents. Names like Penelope and Charlotte, inspired by characters from the show, have seen increases in popularity. Additionally, sibling names like Anthony, Eloise, Francesca, and Gregory, have remained popular choices for parents seeking traditional and elegant names for their children.
The influence of the tech world on baby naming trends is another notable trend identified by BabyCenter in their report. Names of prominent tech CEOs, like Satya Nadella of Microsoft, have seen increases in popularity, reflecting the influence of these high-profile figures on popular culture. However, names like Jeff Bezos and Sundar Pichai have experienced declines in popularity, possibly due to negative associations with their companies or personal brands.
Overall, the first half of 2024 has seen a diverse range of influences on baby naming trends, from fantasy epics to historical dramas to tech CEOs. These trends reflect the ever-evolving landscape of popular culture and the many factors that can influence parents’ choices when naming their children. With the year only halfway through, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to develop and shape the landscape of baby names in the months to come.
