The nation's favourite baby names for 2025 have been unveiled, charting a dramatic shift in parental tastes that sees forgotten 'dad names' from the Eighties storming back into fashion, while pop culture icons like Taylor Swift are set to define the choices of 2026.
The Nostalgic Resurgence of 'Dad Names'
In a surprising twist, the latest data from BabyCentre's annual survey shows a powerful revival of classic, steady names once considered too dated for modern use. This 'normcore' revival is bringing a wave of nostalgic familiarity to the nursery.
Names like Jason, Samuel, Luke, Alexander, David, Daniel, Nathan, and Adam are enjoying an unexpected renaissance. Experts attribute this trend to a desire for simplicity and a retro vibe, possibly influenced by the enduring popularity of shows like Stranger Things which romanticises the era.
BabyCentre's naming expert SJ Strum explained the counter-trend: "Among all the modern, quirkier choices, 'normcore' is having a quiet revival, speeding up the re-popularity of the 'dad name' in the charts. These names are now being chosen by a new generation of parents who are favouring familiarity, simplicity and nostalgia over ultra-modern styles."
The Powerful 'Taylor Swift Effect' on 2026 Predictions
While the Shakespearean name Ophelia did not make the 2025 Top 100, experts are forecasting a major comeback next year, driven directly by the songwriting of global superstar Taylor Swift. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Taylor Swift effect', highlights how quickly cultural moments can reshape naming trends.
"Ophelia is fascinating," said Strum. "Pop culture is so influential that Swift's cultural moment will almost certainly give it a bounce back next year. It's a beautiful, lyrical name with a long literary history... We're now seeing names go in and out of fashion at an unprecedented speed."
Beyond music, television continues to be a major inspiration. Characters from the final season of Stranger Things, such as Max, El, and Lucas, have provided clear muses for contemporary parents, demonstrating the direct link between screen time and naming decisions.
Fast Fashion Names and New Entries
The 2025 list also underscores the concept of 'fast-fashion baby names' – choices that peak rapidly but can quickly feel overused. However, some initially trendy names successfully transition to become timeless classics. A prime example is Harper, which, after being chosen by David and Victoria Beckham in 2011, now feels firmly established as a modern classic rather than a passing fad.
The rankings reveal significant climbers and dramatic falls. For girls, Eliana soared by 33 places, while Amara and Elodie plummeted by 57 and 64 places respectively. Notable new entries for girls include Dua, Hana, Anna, Eloise, Nana, Bump, and Bean.
In the boys' list, Caleb jumped 33 places, and Alexander, Jason, and Leon reappeared as brand new entries in the Top 100, cementing the retro revival. Meanwhile, names like Aiden fell 49 places and Thomas dropped 39.
Faye Mingo, Chief Growth Officer at BabyCentre, summarised the dynamic landscape: "Our 2025 data shows just how quickly naming styles are evolving. Parents today are drawing inspiration from everywhere... Whether families are reviving familiar favourites or experimenting with bold new choices, what’s clear is that baby names have never been more expressive, or more reflective of the moment we’re living in."
The Top 10 Girls' Names of 2025:
- Amelia (+1)
- Olivia (-1)
- Lily (0)
- Ivy (+5)
- Eliana (+33)
- Elsie (+8)
- Freya (+1)
- Poppy (+16)
- Ava (-4)
- Mia (+1)
The Top 10 Boys' Names of 2025:
- Muhammad (0)
- Noah (0)
- Leo (+1)
- Theo (-1)
- Luca (+3)
- Oliver (-1)
- Ethan (+4)
- Eli (+12)
- Arthur (-3)
- George (-3)
The full lists, published on 31 December 2025, show that while some classics like Frankie, Amelie, and Summer have dropped out of the top 100 entirely, the enduring influence of culture, nostalgia, and personal meaning continues to shape the first gift parents give to their children.
