We’ve been tracking baby name trends for over twenty years and one trend we see time and again is expectant parents’ choices being influenced by the media and pop culture.
Fiction has always been a strong indicator, but this year we have seen signs of a rise in names influenced by popular fantasy novels, as parents look for more unique monikers.
Whether you are a book or film lover, are into sports, or like to keep up with the official music charts, we’ve shared some baby name ideas for 2026 below:
Fantasy fiction:
- Violet – After the main character of the highest selling book of 2025, Onyx Storm, by Rebecca Yarros.
- Maysilee – The character in the Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping.
- Rhys – Inspired by Rhysand, a character in romantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, by Sarah J. Maas.
- Brannon – Shared by two characters of the same name in epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin, and more recently, Throne of Glass, by Sarah J. Maas.
Music:
- Ophelia – Sparked by the single from Taylor Swift’s recently released album, The Life of a Showgirl.
- Lola – Paying homage to Lola Young, who broke records with her hit single, Messy, in 2024.
- Alex – Inspired by Alex Warren, who released one of the UK’s most popular albums of 2025,You’ll Be Alright Kid (Chapter 1).
- Liam – A nod to the Gallagher brother, following the success of the Oasis reunion tour.
- Joe – Influenced by singer and actor Joe Keery (who performs under the stage name Djo), best known for Stranger Things, which returns for its fifth season on 26th November.
TV and film:
- Lilo – Inspired by the highest grossing film of 2025, Disney’s live adaptation of Lilo & Stitch.
- Bridget – A tribute to Bridget Jones, the “everywoman” icon, seen recently in the newest Bridget Jones film, Mad About the Boy.
- Astrid – Inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon character, whose popularity has risen with the live-action remake and Universal Epic Universe’s new ‘Isle of Berk’ attraction.
- Conrad – Back in fashion as a result of fan favourite, Conrad Fisher, from drama series, The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Sports:
- Chloe – Channelling Lioness Chloe Kelly, who scored the England Women’s team’s winning penalty against Spain in the Euros 2025.
- Rory – Influenced by the winner of the Masters 2025 and the sixth golfer to achieve a career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy.
- Chris – Back on the list thanks to cricketer Chris Woakes, who was celebrated after going out to bat for England with a dislocated shoulder.
- Luke – Reflecting rising darts star, Luke Littler.
For more baby name inspiration, uncover the names that never go out of fashion.
