As we reach the midpoint of 2023, several key baby name trends for this year are becoming clear.
While some trends from the previous year persist, such as those announced by the Social Security Administration for 2022, new trends have also emerged.
BabyCenter recently highlighted two notable trends for 2023: the rise of using nicknames as formal names and names with strong meanings. Rebekah Wahlberg, associate editor and baby name trends specialist at BabyCenter, has identified three additional prominent trends for 2023.
The data on BabyCenter is drawn from real-time information submitted by parents in their community, allowing the team to analyze current naming patterns.
This year’s trending names include: nature-inspired names, short names, and vintage names.
Nature-Inspired Names
Nature-themed names remain popular, with a new emphasis this year. While names with celestial themes were in vogue in 2022 (e.g., Nova, Aurora), and tree names were popular in 2021 (e.g., Juniper, Willow), 2023 has seen a continued interest in nature-related names.
Daisy: An English name referring to the flower, Daisy has recently entered the top 100 names for girls, reaching No. 63.
Iris: Meaning “rainbow” in Greek and also a flower, Iris rose to No. 53 in the top girls’ names this year.
Leo: With Latin roots meaning “lion,” Leo has returned to popularity, currently ranked No. 7 among boys’ names.
Rowan: An Irish name meaning “red-haired one,” Rowan has climbed to No. 57 in the boys’ names list.
Other nature-inspired names gaining popularity include Jasmine, Violet, Forrest, and Wren.
Short Names
Names with four letters or fewer continue to be a significant trend.
Ace: Meaning “unity” or “first-rate” in Latin, Ace has risen over 400 spots in the last decade but is not yet in the top 100, currently at No. 108.
Milo: Deriving from Greek and Latin meanings related to “soldier” or “yew flower,” Milo entered the top 100 list last year, finishing at No. 120.
Zion: This Hebrew name, meaning “sign” or “excellent,” is ranked No. 61 for girls.
Other popular short names include Emma, Zoe, Ian, and Kai.
Vintage Names
Vintage names, especially those reminiscent of Old Hollywood, are making a comeback.
Clara: Meaning “bright” or “clear” in Greek, Clara peaked in popularity in the late 1800s and is now ranked No. 107 among girls’ names.
Evelyn: With French or Germanic origins, Evelyn has surged in popularity, currently holding the No. 12 spot for girls.
Silas: Meaning “of the forest” in Latin, Silas has recently entered the top 100, now ranked No. 76 among boys’ names.
Other trending vintage names include Alice, Audrey, Charlotte, and Theodore.
These trends reflect a blend of timeless preferences and modern influences, offering a diverse range of options for new parents.
