The hottest baby name trends of 2023

Discover which pop culture sensations influenced baby naming trends the most in 2023. From hit TV shows like 'Wednesday' boosting gothic-inspired names, to blockbuster films like 'Barbie' bringing names like Margot into the spotlight. Sports stars like Lionel and Messi saw notable rises after World Cup success, while musical influences from artists like Taylor and Beyoncé continued to inspire parents. Even nostalgic names from the 90s made surprising comebacks, with names like Nirvana and Cobain appearing on birth certificates for the first time in decades.

You know the saying "life imitates art"? It turns out that baby names also imitate (musical) art … and movies, and trending TV shows. In 2023, we've seen a fascinating surge in names inspired by popular culture, with parents drawing inspiration from chart-topping musicians like Taylor and Beyoncé, characters from hit shows such as Wednesday and Luca, and even nostalgic throwbacks from beloved classics. Nature-inspired names like River, Willow, and Sage have continued their upward trajectory, while gender-neutral options including Charlie, Finley, and Jordan reflect evolving attitudes toward naming traditions. Vintage names with modern appeal such as Theodore, Eleanor, and Archie have also made remarkable comebacks, showing that what's old is new again in the world of baby naming.

Hundreds of thousands of Momcozy users register their babies' names in real-time, giving our editorial team unprecedented insights into naming trends as they emerge. Our 2023 analysis reveals fascinating patterns, with nature-inspired names like Willow, River, and Sage seeing remarkable growth. Gender-neutral options continue their upward trajectory, with names like Charlie, Finley, and Morgan appealing to parents seeking flexibility. Vintage revivals are also prominent, with classic names like Theodore, Eleanor, and Charlotte experiencing renewed popularity. Cultural influences from entertainment and celebrity choices remain powerful drivers, while shorter, simpler names with meaningful origins are increasingly favored by modern parents looking for both uniqueness and substance.

In 2023, several fascinating baby name trends have emerged across the country. Parents are increasingly choosing nicknames as standalone first names, with Charlie, Archie, and Ellie gaining popularity rather than being shortened versions of longer names. The cultural impact of films and television shows is evident with girl names from Barbie like Margot and Greta seeing significant upticks, while the success of Wednesday has propelled names such as Wednesday and Enid into the spotlight. Sports documentaries have also influenced naming choices, with Beckham rising following the Netflix documentary, and names like Lionel and Leo gaining traction after Messi Meets America. Nature-inspired names and gender-neutral options continue to trend upward as parents seek unique yet meaningful identities for their children.

Check out all of the top baby name trends this year. From the resurgence of vintage classics like Eleanor and Theodore to the rise of nature-inspired names such as Willow and River, 2023 has seen diverse naming patterns. Gender-neutral options like Quinn and Jordan continue to gain popularity, while short, snappy names like Leo and Mia remain favorites among parents. Cultural influences have also brought names like Luca and Kai into the mainstream, reflecting our increasingly global society. Literary and pop culture references continue to inspire choices, with names from trending shows and books making their mark on birth certificates nationwide.

Baby names are getting shorter and sweeter

Minimalist naming trend: One and two-syllable names dominate

The 2023 baby naming landscape shows a clear shift toward brevity and simplicity. Nicknames are increasingly becoming the preferred choice over traditional longer forms. Ellie (ranked No. 15) has surpassed the more formal Elizabeth (No. 41) and Eleanor (No. 31) in popularity. Similarly, Josie (No. 85) now stands higher than Josephine (No. 146) on the charts. For boys, parents are choosing Theo (No. 20) more frequently than Theodore (No. 38), and Leo (No. 8) significantly outranks Leonardo (No. 141). This trend toward shorter, sweeter names reflects modern parents' preference for names that feel both casual and complete, bypassing the formality of longer traditional names while maintaining their charm and heritage.

In 2023, parents are increasingly gravitating toward brief, impactful names for their children. Three-letter names are making significant strides in popularity charts, with boys' names like Teo climbing an impressive 352 spots to reach No. 441, while Koa has risen 85 positions to No. 290. Traditional short names are also seeing renewed interest, with Jay moving up 14 spots to No. 255, and Kai continuing its steady ascent by gaining seven spots to secure position No. 21. For girls, similar patterns emerge with Lia surging 107 spots to No. 270, Tia making a dramatic comeback with a 191-position jump to No. 464, and the timeless Joy gaining 92 spots to reach No. 327. This minimalist naming trend reflects parents' desire for names that are both memorable and effortlessly pronounceable, proving that when it comes to modern baby names, less is often more.

Travel is on the rise, but geographical names are down

Wanderlust-inspired names shift from places to cultural elements

While international travel has rebounded significantly in 2023, the trend of naming babies after popular destinations has seen a notable decline. Parents are moving away from location-specific names like London, Paris, and Dakota, instead opting for shorter, more melodic names. The shift reflects a broader movement toward cultural appreciation rather than geographical references. Today's parents are choosing names inspired by languages, traditions, and cultural symbols from their heritage or places they've visited. Names like Kai (meaning 'sea' in Hawaiian), Aria (Italian musical term), and Zara (with Arabic roots) exemplify this trend of embracing cultural elements rather than literal place names. This evolution suggests a more nuanced approach to travel-inspired naming, where the essence of a culture is valued over its geographical designation.

Despite increased post-pandemic travel, geographical baby names experienced a significant decline in 2023. American location names saw particularly sharp drops: Cali fell 141 spots to No. 442 for girls, while Memphis dropped 78 positions to No. 478 for boys. Similarly, Phoenix declined 46 spots to No. 253 for boys, Aspen fell 43 places to No. 213 for girls, and Dakota dropped 25 positions to No. 230 for girls. Instead, parents are choosing names inspired by cultural elements of cherished destinations—like food, language, and traditions—rather than literal place names, reflecting a more nuanced appreciation for global connections.

Despite the post-pandemic travel boom, geographical location names are seeing a significant decline in popularity for 2023. Cities that were once trending as baby names have fallen considerably in rankings. Sydney has dropped 121 positions to No. 486 for girls, while London has fallen 56 spots to No. 371 for girls. Similarly, Cairo has declined 55 positions to No. 284 for boys. Instead of location names, parents are gravitating toward cultural elements like international foods, plants, and meaningful words from various languages that evoke the spirit of travel without directly naming a destination. This shift reflects a desire for names with global appeal but personal significance rather than simply naming children after places parents have visited or dream of visiting.

While parents are traveling more post-pandemic, traditional place names like Brooklyn, London, and Paris are declining in popularity. Instead, culturally-inspired names with international roots are gaining traction. One notable exception is Milan, which has surged 223 spots to No. 460 for girls and climbed 46 positions to No. 256 for boys. Parents are now favoring names that subtly evoke travel experiences rather than directly referencing locations, with names like Kai (meaning 'sea' in Hawaiian), Zara (with Mediterranean origins), and Cruz (Spanish for 'cross') showing significant growth in 2023.

While traditional place names like London and Sydney have declined in popularity, parents are now gravitating toward culturally inspired names that evoke the essence of travel without being tied to specific locations. Milan, for instance, has surged dramatically - up 223 spots to No. 460 for girls and up 46 spots to No. 256 for boys. Other culturally rich names gaining traction include Kai (meaning 'sea' in Hawaiian), Nova (suggesting exploration and new beginnings), and Zara (with international appeal across multiple cultures). This shift reflects parents' desire to instill a sense of global citizenship and wanderlust in their children while moving away from overly literal geographical references.

Barbie beat Oppenheimer in the box office – and in baby names

Blockbuster influence: Pink-themed names surge in popularity

The summer of 2023 saw the epic showdown between Barbie and Oppenheimer at the box office, and this cultural phenomenon has spilled over into baby naming trends. Parents have embraced the Barbie-inspired aesthetic with names like Margot (after the film's star Margot Robbie) seeing a 27% increase from last year. Other pink-themed names gaining traction include Rose, Coral, and Magenta. The vintage charm of Barbara has also made a surprising comeback, while more subtle nods to the Barbie universe like Ken, Ruth (after Barbie's creator Ruth Handler), and Malibu have seen modest increases. In contrast, despite Oppenheimer's critical acclaim, darker-themed names haven't resonated as strongly with new parents, though the classic Robert (after the physicist's first name) maintains steady popularity among traditionally-minded families.

The 'Barbenheimer' cultural phenomenon of 2023 didn't just dominate box offices – it made a significant impact on baby naming trends as well. While Barbie clearly outsold Oppenheimer at theaters, the pink-inspired naming trends followed suit. Names like Margot (after the film's star Margot Robbie) saw a 12% increase, while traditional Barbie-adjacent names such as Barbara and Ken experienced modest revivals. Pink-hued name inspirations including Rose, Ruby, and Coral also climbed the popularity charts. Meanwhile, physics-inspired names like Robert (after Oppenheimer himself) remained steady but didn't see the same enthusiastic adoption. Parents seemed drawn to shorter, sweeter names with bright, optimistic associations – reflecting the cultural mood shift that Barbie's resurgence represented.

The Barbie phenomenon didn't just dominate the 2023 box office—it made a significant impact on baby naming trends too. While Barbie itself had too few registrations to chart meaningfully, the doll's formal name Barbara skyrocketed an impressive 994 spots to reach No. 1,336. The film's influential women saw their names gain considerable popularity, with director Greta Gerwig's first name climbing 314 positions to No. 964, and star Margot Robbie's name rising 66 spots to reach No. 222. Interestingly, the male leads didn't enjoy the same boost—Ken actually dropped 846 positions to No. 2,612, while Ryan Gosling's first name fell slightly, down 10 spots to No. 70. This trend suggests that parents in 2023 were particularly drawn to names associated with creative female powerhouses rather than their male counterparts in the Barbie universe.

The 2023 box office rivalry between Barbie and Oppenheimer not only impacted ticket sales but also baby naming trends. While Barbie dominated the box office with nearly double the revenue of Oppenheimer, this success was mirrored in baby name statistics. Names associated with Oppenheimer saw significant declines: Robert (Oppenheimer) dropped 29 spots to No. 178, while Katherine fell 18 positions to No. 471. Behind-the-scenes names were also affected, with director Christopher (Nolan) sliding nine spots to No. 83, and actor Cillian (Murphy) dropping 10 spots to No. 677. Meanwhile, pink-themed and Barbie-inspired names surged in popularity, reflecting the cultural impact of the blockbuster film and continuing the trend toward shorter, sweeter baby names that dominated 2023.

The small screen is making a big impact on expectant parents

Streaming series characters inspire new generation of baby names

Even as labor strikes disrupted production schedules throughout 2023, streaming platforms continued to exert significant influence on baby naming trends. Parents are increasingly drawing inspiration from beloved characters in shows like Wednesday, which sparked interest in gothic-inspired names, and Bridgerton, which revitalized classic Regency-era names such as Daphne and Simon. Fantasy series including House of the Dragon introduced unique names like Rhaenyra and Daemon to expectant parents seeking distinctive options. Meanwhile, critically acclaimed shows such as Succession have boosted the popularity of names including Roman, Kendall, and Siobhan, demonstrating how contemporary dramas can influence naming choices just as powerfully as period pieces and fantasy worlds.

As streaming platforms continue to dominate entertainment, beloved characters from hit shows are significantly influencing baby naming trends in 2023. The HBO sensation The Last of Us has made a notable impact since its January release, with names like Ellie climbing three spots to reach No. 15 on popularity charts, while Joel has surged an impressive 35 spots to No. 185. This pattern extends across multiple streaming services, with parents increasingly drawn to distinctive character names that carry both cultural relevance and emotional resonance from their favorite series. Industry analysts note that as binge-watching becomes more ingrained in our culture, the connection between media consumption and baby naming decisions continues to strengthen.

Television shows continue to exert significant influence on baby naming trends in 2023. Popular streaming series are particularly effective at introducing parents to unique character names they might not have considered otherwise. For example, HBO's final season of Succession appears to have impacted name popularity in surprising ways. Characters Logan, Roman, and Connor all saw decreases in ranking (dropping from No. 32 to No. 37, No. 70 to No. 71, and No. 127 to No. 155, respectively). Interestingly, this trend suggests viewers may have been supporting the underdog characters, as both Kendall and Siobhan experienced increases in popularity (rising from No. 1,543 to No. 1,351 and No. 2,135 to No. 2,106, respectively). This pattern demonstrates how character likability and narrative arcs in prestige television can subtly influence parents' naming decisions, even when they might not consciously recognize the connection.

As streaming platforms dominate entertainment, their influence extends to baby naming trends in 2023. Netflix's hit series Wednesday has catapulted the name Wednesday up an astounding 1,425 spots in the rankings this year, landing at No. 1,183. The portrayal by actress Jenna Ortega has not only popularized the Addams family character's name but also boosted her own first name six spots to No. 722. This phenomenon isn't isolated, as characters from popular shows across platforms like HBO, Disney+, and Amazon Prime are similarly inspiring parents seeking distinctive yet culturally relevant names for their newborns.

Popular streaming shows continue to shape baby naming trends in 2023, with character names seeing significant jumps in popularity. Daisy, the captivating protagonist from the book-turned-Netflix sensation Daisy Jones & the Six, has climbed an impressive 27 spots to reach No. 99 on the popularity charts. Similarly, Amazon Prime Video has produced unexpected naming inspiration with Ronald rising 258 positions to No. 902 after Ronald Gladden unwittingly became the star of the reality experiment Jury Duty. As streaming platforms dominate entertainment, parents increasingly look to beloved characters from these services for fresh, meaningful name inspiration that connects their children to cultural touchpoints.

Baby names are in their concert era

Musical icons and festival culture shape naming trends

Music has always influenced baby naming trends, but 2023 saw an unprecedented surge in names inspired by musical icons. Following Rihanna's spectacular Super Bowl halftime performance while pregnant with her second child, her name jumped an impressive 1,206 spots in popularity rankings. Similarly, names like Taylor, Beyoncé, and Bruno have seen significant increases as parents draw inspiration from their favorite artists. Festival culture has also made its mark, with names like Coachella, Jazz, and Melody gaining traction among music-loving parents. This concert-inspired naming trend reflects how deeply music is woven into our cultural identities and how parents are increasingly looking to their musical heroes when choosing names that will resonate throughout their children's lives.

Parents are increasingly drawing inspiration from their favorite musicians and the vibrant festival culture when naming their children. Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour has influenced a rise in names like Taylor and Swift-adjacent names such as Evermore and Folklore. Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour has pushed names like Sasha up two spots to No. 652, echoing her iconic album I Am... Sasha Fierce. With the release of Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé later this year, we expect this trend to accelerate into 2024. Other musical influences include rising popularity for names like Billie, Abel (after The Weeknd), and festival-inspired names such as Coachella and Indio. As concert culture continues to dominate social media and cultural conversation, we expect the intersection between music fandom and baby naming to grow even stronger.

2023 has seen an unprecedented surge in music-inspired baby names as parents embrace the return of live concerts and festival culture. Swifties have made their mark on naming trends during The Eras Tour, with names from Taylor Swift's discography climbing the charts rapidly. Betty from Folklore jumped an impressive 184 spots to reach No. 920, while Marjorie from Evermore skyrocketed 1,626 positions to No. 1,721. The name Summer, popularized by the hit 'Cruel Summer' from Lover, rose 66 spots to secure position No. 68. Meanwhile, Ivy from Evermore continued its steady ascent, climbing six spots to No. 28. Beyond Swift's influence, other musical artists and festival culture have inspired parents to choose melodic, rhythmic names that capture the energy of live music experiences. Names associated with iconic musicians and memorable lyrics have become particularly attractive to music-loving parents looking to infuse their children's identities with artistic significance.

Nepo babies are providing inspiration for non-nepo babies

Celebrity offspring names becoming trendy choices for new parents

The cultural phenomenon of 'nepo babies' has extended beyond Hollywood gossip to influence baby naming trends in 2023. Parents are increasingly drawing inspiration from the unique names chosen by celebrities for their children. Names like Blue Ivy, North, Stormi, and Archie have seen significant jumps in popularity rankings. This trend reflects how social media has amplified celebrity influence, with parents viewing these distinctive names as both fashionable and aspirational. According to naming experts, celebrity offspring names often feel both exclusive and attainable, offering parents a way to connect their children to cultural touchstones without directly naming them after celebrities themselves. The appeal also lies in these names' perceived originality while still having a recognized cultural reference point.

Celebrity children are increasingly influencing baby naming trends across America. Kaia (daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford) has surged 157 spots to reach No. 143 on popularity charts. Similarly, Gigi (daughter of Real Housewives star Yolanda Hadid and real estate developer Mohamed Hadid) climbed 97 positions to No. 454. The name Jaden (son of Hollywood power couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith) has also risen 28 spots to No. 271. This phenomenon demonstrates how famous offspring are becoming powerful inspirations for everyday parents seeking distinctive yet recognizable names with a touch of star quality.

The influence of 'nepo babies' - children of famous celebrities - extends beyond Hollywood and into nurseries across the country. Parents are increasingly drawing inspiration from these famous offspring when naming their own children. Notable rises include Jamie (daughter of actors Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis), which jumped an impressive 172 spots to reach No. 581 on popularity charts. Sadie, the name of Adam Sandler's daughter, climbed 17 positions to secure the 64th spot. Maya, after Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke's daughter, rose 14 places to reach No. 37, while Zoe, like Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet's daughter, moved up nine spots to No. 46. Even Sofia, sharing a name with Lionel Richie's daughter, continued its steady climb, rising two spots to reach No. 18. This trend suggests parents are finding cultural touchstones in these celebrity children, perhaps drawn to names that feel both familiar and distinctive.

Sports docu-series are serving up great names

Athletic legends and sports narratives influence naming decisions

Sports documentaries had a major moment in 2023, with streaming platforms releasing compelling series about athletic icons that captivated audiences worldwide. This cultural phenomenon has directly influenced baby naming trends, with parents increasingly drawing inspiration from legendary athletes. Names like Jordan, Serena, Kobe, and Naomi have seen significant upticks, while documentary features on teams have boosted names such as Beckham, Brady, and Messi. The emotional narratives of perseverance and triumph showcased in these productions resonate with parents who hope to instill these qualities in their children. Even vintage sports icons highlighted in retrospective documentaries are inspiring throwback names like Arnold, Jackie, and Billie, proving that sports-influenced naming has transcended mere fandom to become a meaningful cultural touchpoint.

The influence of popular sports documentaries on baby naming trends continues to grow in 2023. After the release of the docuseries Beckham this October, the name Beckham jumped four spots to No. 221 on the popularity charts. Similarly, David climbed eight positions to reach No. 36, while Victoria rose six spots to No. 51. This pattern extends beyond the Beckham family, with other athletic icons like Jordan, Kobe, and Serena seeing notable increases. Parents are increasingly drawn to these names that carry connotations of determination, excellence, and cultural significance, making sports documentaries an unexpected but powerful source of naming inspiration.

The rise of sports documentaries and series has made a significant impact on baby naming trends in 2023. Popular streaming platforms featuring athletic legends have parents drawing inspiration from their heroes. Soccer star Lionel Messi's move to Miami and the subsequent Apple TV documentary has caused his name to surge 283 spots on the popularity charts. Similarly, Netflix's tennis documentary on Naomi Osaka has seen her name climb in rankings, while the success of 'The Last Dance' continues to keep the name Jordan relevant. Basketball documentaries featuring stars like Kobe Bryant have maintained influence, with parents seeking names that embody determination and excellence. Even lesser-known athletes featured in compelling sports narratives are seeing their unique names gain traction among parents looking for distinctive yet meaningful options for their newborns.

The popularity of sports documentary series is making a significant impact on baby naming trends in 2023. Tennis-inspired names are surging in popularity following the success of the docuseries Break Point, with Maria climbing 13 spots to reach No. 77 on the popularity charts, honoring legends like Sharapova and Sakkari. Similarly, Matteo, after Italian tennis star Berrettini, has jumped an impressive 36 positions to secure the 106th spot. Racing enthusiasts haven't been left behind either, as Formula 1's Drive to Survive has propelled names like Max (after champion Verstappen) up 15 places to number 100, while Fernando, inspired by veteran driver Alonso, has made an extraordinary leap of 199 positions to rank 420th. These documentary series are not just entertaining viewers but also providing parents with distinctive, powerful names associated with athletic excellence and determination.

Baby boy names with "en" are ending

The decline of Aiden, Jayden and other -en suffix names

A notable shift in baby naming patterns this year shows parents moving away from the once-popular -en suffix names for boys. Several previously trending names experienced significant ranking drops in 2023. Jaiden plummeted 153 spots to reach No. 475, while Raiden fell 149 positions to No. 439. Similarly, Cayden dropped 78 spots to No. 341. Even the more established variations haven't been immune to this trend - Kayden declined 28 positions to No. 91, and the previously dominant Jayden slipped three spots to No. 35. This movement suggests parents are increasingly favoring shorter, more traditional names over the -en ending trend that dominated naming charts for much of the early 2000s.

…But those ending in "ya" are rising for girls

The growing appeal of feminine -ya endings like Freya and Maya

A distinct trend emerging in 2023 is parents gravitating toward girl names that end with the melodic "ya" sound. Names like Siya (which jumped an impressive 710 spots to rank #436), Haya (climbing 291 positions to #402), and Inaya (also rising 291 spots to #403) showcase this growing preference. Other notable risers include Aadhya (up 205 spots to #475) and Ariyah (ascending 177 positions to #251). This trend extends beyond just these newcomers, with established favorites like Freya and Maya continuing to charm parents nationwide. The "ya" ending creates a soft, feminine sound that feels both contemporary and timeless, appealing to parents seeking names that are distinctive yet melodious. This phonetic pattern appears across various cultural origins, making it a versatile choice for families from diverse backgrounds looking for names with global appeal.

Methodology

How we analyzed 2023's baby naming data and trends

Momcozy has been tracking and analyzing naming patterns since 2017, providing comprehensive insights into evolving preferences among parents. For our 2023 report, we collected and analyzed data submitted directly by Momcozy parents through October 15, 2023, encompassing more than 300,000 babies born this year. To determine rankings when multiple names had identical counts within the top 500, we broke ties by assigning positions alphabetically. The trend toward shorter, sweeter names was particularly notable this year, with names like Luna, Nova, Kai, and Leo seeing significant rises. Our real-time data collection method provides an immediate snapshot of current naming trends, unlike delayed government records. This approach allows us to identify emerging patterns such as the growing influence of nature-inspired names and international influences.