A wave of new arrivals is sweeping through the political circles associated with former President Donald Trump, creating what some are calling a White House baby boom. This trend is not only expanding families but is also influencing a distinct set of baby naming conventions across the United States.
New Additions to Prominent MAGA Families
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, aged 28, recently announced she is expecting her second child. The baby girl is due in May. Leavitt shared the joyful news on social media just after Christmas, posing by a tree while cradling her bump. She and her husband, 60-year-old real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, are already parents to a one-year-old son named Niko.
In her announcement, Leavitt expressed that her heart was "overflowing with gratitude" for the blessing of motherhood. She is not alone in her celebration. The extended political network has seen several other high-profile pregnancies and births in recent months.
Katie Miller, the wife of Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, has also announced a pregnancy. Furthermore, Donald Trump's daughter, Tiffany Trump, welcomed a baby boy named Alexander Trump Boulos last May. Conservative activist Riley Gaines added to the trend, giving birth to her daughter Margot in October.
The Rise of 'MAGA Names' Across America
According to naming expert Pamela Redmond, CEO of Nameberry, this concentration of new babies within the Trump orbit coincides with noticeable naming trends in Republican-leaning states such as Texas, Florida, South Carolina, and Wyoming.
Redmond identifies several key characteristics defining these modern "MAGA names." A significant trend is the preference for gender-neutral names for both boys and girls. Many popular girls' names now originate from surnames, examples include Kohen, Oakley, Sutton, and Collins.
These names often have English roots rather than ancient Latin or Hebrew origins. They are frequently inspired by nature, animals, and imagery of the Wild West, such as Wrenley and Banks. Other hallmarks include unconventional spellings of traditional names, like Charlee or Marlee, and names with military or gun references, such as Navy, Gunner, and Remington.
"I would consider these MAGA names versus Ivanka or Kristi or Tiffany, which are family names or names that were popular when those notable political figures were babies," Redmond explained.
What Will the Press Secretary Name Her Daughter?
All eyes are now on Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio as they choose a name for their daughter. Pamela Redmond speculates they may follow the pattern set with their son, Niko, who is named after his father, Nicholas.
"They also might use a trendy variation such as Kara or Kierra," Redmond added. Given the couple's Catholic faith, a saint's name is another possibility, with Antonia—a feminine form of Riccio's father's name, Anthony—being a potential candidate.
Leavitt continues to share glimpses of her pregnancy journey on social media, recently posting a picture showcasing her bump alongside Margo Martin, a Special Assistant to Donald Trump. Her marriage to Riccio, which has drawn attention due to their 32-year age gap, began after they met during her 2022 congressional campaign in New Hampshire.
As these political families grow, their personal choices are resonating far beyond the White House, shaping a new era of baby names that reflect a unique blend of tradition, trend, and cultural identity.
