A new forecast suggests that parents in 2026 will be looking to the past for naming inspiration, with classic and traditional monikers poised for a significant comeback. The trend is being driven by a powerful mix of popular culture, from bestselling fantasy novels to major film releases and hit music.
From Page to Birth Certificate: The Fiction Effect
Research conducted by My Nametags indicates that the most popular books of 2025 will have a direct impact on the names chosen for babies in the following year. The study, which has tracked naming trends for over two decades, finds that fictional characters are a particularly strong source of inspiration for new parents.
Leading the charge for girls is the name Violet, a vintage Latin name meaning "beauty, grace, and nature." Its expected resurgence is linked to the protagonist in Rebecca Yarros's novel Onyx Storm. For boys, Rhys is predicted to climb the charts, borrowed from the character Rhysand in Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Other literary names tipped for a boost include Maysilee, inspired by a character in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping.
Screen and Soundtrack Influences
It's not just books shaping the future nursery. The silver screen is also set to leave its mark. Disney's live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch is expected to make Lilo a sought-after choice for girls in 2026, according to the analysis.
Meanwhile, the music charts will be playing a part. Taylor Swift's single The Life of a Showgirl is forecast to popularise the name Ophelia. Similarly, singer Alex Warren's album You'll Be Alright Kid is anticipated to inspire a new generation of children named Alex.
A Return to Timeless Classics
The overarching theme for 2026 appears to be a shift towards established, elegant names. Alongside Violet and Ophelia, names like Chloe for girls and Conrad, Liam, and Rory for boys are all predicted to see a surge in popularity.
Lars B Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com, commented on the findings. "We've been tracking name trends for over 20 years and see how time and again parents' choices are influenced by the media and pop culture," he said. "2025 has been the year of escaping reality and leaning into the whimsical and otherworldly."
He also noted the amplified role of social media, stating: "Fiction has always been a strong indicator, but with younger parents more active on social media than ever before, 'BookTok's obsession over fantasy novels has taken it to new heights."
The data paints a clear picture: the baby names of tomorrow are being written in today's bestsellers, sung in hit songs, and brought to life in blockbuster films, marking a collective return to tradition with a modern, cultural twist.
