Disney-Inspired Baby Names Facing Extinction in 2026
Parents have long turned to beloved Disney characters for baby name inspiration, but new research suggests this magical tradition is evolving rapidly. While some Disney-derived names are soaring in popularity, others are on the verge of disappearing entirely from birth certificates in 2026.
According to a comprehensive analysis by AttractionTickets.com, Europe's largest theme park specialist, the landscape of Disney-inspired naming is undergoing significant transformation. The company examined BabyCenter's US baby name data from 2023 to 2025 to project trends for the coming year, revealing surprising shifts in what parents consider enchanting monikers for their children.
The Rising Stars: Disney Names Gaining Popularity
For baby girls, several Disney-connected names show remarkable upward momentum:
- Aurora: The Sleeping Beauty princess name has climbed from 14th place in 2023 to 9th in 2025, with projections suggesting it will maintain or improve this position in 2026.
- Violet: Inspired by The Incredibles character, this name has moved from 24th to 15th position between 2023 and 2025. Experts note its dual appeal as both Disney-inspired and floral, predicting potential top 10 status within years.
- Riley: The spirited Inside Out protagonist has surged onto lists, reaching 38th place in 2024 and climbing to 37th in 2025. The 2025 release of Inside Out 2 is expected to further boost this name's popularity as the films become classics for new generations.
- Daisy: Daisy Duck's charming personality has elevated this name from 99th in 2023 to 70th in 2025, with continued growth expected thanks to its connection to Disney's classic universe and fresh floral connotations.
For baby boys, Disney-inspired names are also making waves:
- Hudson: Known from Cars as the Hudson Hornet, this name has accelerated from 17th in 2023 to 14th in both 2024 and 2025. Its blend of modern appeal and adventurous spirit attracts parents seeking Disney charm without traditional constraints.
- David: Inspired by David Kawena from Lilo & Stitch, this classic biblical name has shown remarkable consistency, holding positions between 36th and 37th from 2023 through 2025. Experts predict continued popularity for parents wanting subtle Disney roots.
- Arthur: Taking inspiration from King Arthur in The Sword in the Stone, this name made a notable return to the top 100 at 95th place in 2025 after previous absence. The sudden rise reflects growing appetite for vintage, regal boys' names paired with renewed interest in classic Disney storytelling.
The Endangered Names: Disney Monikers Fading Away
Despite the enduring popularity of Disney naming traditions, several once-beloved names now face potential extinction in 2026 according to the analysis.
For girls, two prominent names are at serious risk:
- Jasmine: Despite Aladdin's enduring popularity and the 2019 live-action movie release, this name has seen steady decline, dropping from 82nd in 2023 to completely disappearing from top 100 lists in 2024 and 2025.
- Anna: Surprisingly, despite Frozen's continued global phenomenon status, this name appears to be losing momentum. After ranking 94th in 2024, Anna dropped out of the top 100 entirely in both 2023 and 2025, placing it firmly on the extinction watchlist.
For boys, two classic Disney-associated names are struggling:
- Christopher: Once closely associated with Winnie the Pooh's Christopher Robin, this name has experienced steady decline from 83rd in 2023 to 94th in 2025, placing it at serious risk of dropping out of the top 100 entirely.
- Max: Despite strong Disney connections through characters like Maximus in Tangled and Max Goof from A Goofy Movie, this name has continued to wane. After sitting at 100th in 2023 and 99th in 2024, it disappeared from the top 100 altogether in 2025, with experts predicting no imminent recovery.
Understanding the Shifting Trends
The analysis reveals fascinating patterns in how parents approach Disney-inspired naming. While classic princess names like Aurora maintain popularity, others like Jasmine are fading despite their characters' enduring appeal. Similarly, newer film characters are influencing naming trends more significantly than some might expect, with Inside Out's Riley showing particular strength.
Experts suggest several factors may be driving these changes, including the cyclical nature of name popularity, shifting cultural preferences toward certain sounds and styles, and the impact of new Disney releases versus established classics. The data indicates that while Disney remains a powerful influence on baby naming, the specific names that capture parents' imaginations are evolving with each generation.
As 2026 approaches, these trends offer valuable insight for parents considering Disney-inspired names, highlighting which magical monikers are gaining enchantment and which may soon disappear into the fairy tale archives.
