Pop Culture Shapes Baby Names for 2026, Experts Predict Trends

The names of newborns in 2026 are likely to be heavily influenced by pop culture phenomena from the previous year, according to a report from BabyCenter, a leading parenting website. As parents navigate the challenging task of selecting names for their children, cultural touchpoints from television, music, sports, and literature are expected to play a significant role in their choices.

Television Shows and Rising Names

BabyCenter indicates that several names from popular television shows are already gaining traction. For example, the name Helena from the Apple TV series Severance has risen to No. 313 on the list of baby girl names. Additionally, names from the HBO Max series The Pitt, such as Samira, Heather, and Cassie, are becoming increasingly popular. Notably, Cassie has not been among the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the United States since 2009, according to Social Security Administration data.

Other names anticipated to trend upwards include Belinda and Chelsea from the series White Lotus, alongside Valentin and Fabian for boys. The name Belinda, for instance, has not appeared among the 1,000 most common baby names in the U.S. since 2013.

Music Influences on Naming Trends

Music is another significant factor in the evolution of baby names. BabyCenter reports that names associated with popular boy band members are on the rise. Notable examples include Howie and Nick from the Backstreet Boys, as well as Lance and Joey from NSYNC. K-pop artists such as Jin from BTS and Jun from Seventeen could also influence parental choices.

The impact of music extends to the recent album by Beyoncé, titled Cowboy Carter. Names such as Rose and Jane, which are tied to songs from the album, have seen a surge in popularity. Additionally, names connected with Miley Cyrus and Willie Nelson, who featured on the album, have also gained traction.

Sports names are also entering the mix, particularly from the NBA. Players from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who clinched the NBA Finals earlier this year, are inspiring names like Jaylin, Dillon, and Isaiah. Names like Jalen have also gained popularity, partly due to Jalen Hurts‘ impactful performance with the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.

Literature, Lifestyle, and Cultural Shifts

Literary references have become a rich source for potential baby names. According to BabyCenter, names like Ernest, Ishmael, Sylvia, and Octavia are gaining popularity, alongside character names such as Sawyer, Finn, and Daisy.

The rise of the cottagecore aesthetic is simultaneously influencing names like Sienna, Eloise, and Juniper. These names reflect a trend toward nature-inspired choices, appealing to parents attracted to this lifestyle.

The recent passing of Pope Francis in April has also led to an increase in the usage of his name and its variations, such as Francis, Francesco, and Francesca, among newborns.

As the year 2025 draws to a close, BabyCenter’s data indicates that the most popular names remain consistent with previous years. For boys, the top five names are Noah, Liam, Oliver, Elijah, and Mateo. Meanwhile, the most popular choices for girls include Olivia, Amelia, Sophia, Emma, and Isabella.

With the influence of pop culture continuing to evolve, it is clear that parents are increasingly looking to the entertainment landscape for inspiration when naming their children. The intersection of media, sports, and cultural shifts will undoubtedly shape the baby names of 2026, reflecting the times in which these children are born.