Naming Trends in 2025: What’s In, What’s Out
Naming Trends in 2025: What’s In, What’s Out
Names are more than labels — they’re reflections of culture, identity, values, and societal mood. Every year, naming trends shift, informed by media, politics, fashion, global events, and evolving attitudes. In 2025, we’re seeing a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation, with both throwbacks to the past and leaps into the future. Whether you’re an expecting parent, a writer naming fictional characters, or simply intrigued by sociocultural movements, understanding this year’s naming landscape offers a unique window into our collective mindset.
The Rise of Retro: A Return to the Early 20th Century
One of the most noticeable trends of 2025 is the resurgence of early 20th-century names. Names that were once considered old-fashioned are enjoying a renaissance. Think Arthur, Agnes, Dorothy, and Edwin. These names are now viewed as timeless, elegant, and full of vintage charm. This revival reflects a yearning for simplicity and continuity — perhaps a response to an increasingly complex and digital world. These names also project a sense of permanence and history, something many new parents find reassuring amid global instability.
Short and Sweet: One-Syllable Names Boom
While vintage names are making a comeback, there’s also a spike in popularity for short, punchy names. Names like Kit, Jude, Liv, and Finn are being favoured for their brevity and impact. In a fast-paced society where clarity and minimalism are prized, one-syllable names feel sleek and efficient. They’re easy to pronounce across cultures, fit well with many surnames, and are versatile across age groups — from adorable toddlers to capable professionals.
Gender-Neutral and Non-Binary Names
The continued evolution of gender identity and the societal push for inclusivity have made gender-neutral names more popular than ever. Names like Rowan, River, Sky, and Alex are seeing a sharp uptick in use. These names provide children with flexibility in how they present themselves and reflect a world increasingly moving away from rigid gender norms. Additionally, parents are choosing these names to future-proof their children in a society that may become even more fluid in terms of identity and self-expression.
Global Inspiration: Names Without Borders
With increased global mobility, immigration, and digital interconnectivity, 2025 has seen a rise in globally inspired names. Parents are looking beyond traditional Anglo-centric options and embracing names from other languages and cultures. Names like Sofia (Spanish/Italian), Leif (Scandinavian), Mei (Chinese), and Ayaan (Arabic) are being used more frequently. These choices reflect multicultural values, a desire to celebrate heritage, and a trend towards embracing names that are phonetically accessible in multiple languages.
The Nature Connection
In a time of climate awareness and environmental consciousness, nature-themed names continue to flourish. Names such as Willow, Ocean, Ember, and Forest evoke a sense of serenity and connectedness to the Earth. These names often carry peaceful, poetic qualities and align with a lifestyle that prioritises sustainability and wellness. The nature trend also dovetails with mindfulness practices, alternative education philosophies, and holistic parenting movements that are gaining traction in 2025.
Technological Influence: Futuristic Names on the Rise
Interestingly, as much as we look to nature and the past, there’s also a growing fascination with the future. Futuristic and tech-inspired names are gaining traction. Names like Nova, Orion, Zephyr, and even Pixel are making their way into birth registries. These names often carry cosmic or scientific connotations and appeal to tech-savvy parents or those who want their child’s identity to resonate with innovation and progress. They also suggest a break from tradition, pointing towards a forward-thinking worldview.
The Celebrity Effect
As always, celebrities play a major role in shaping naming trends. Whether it’s the children of pop stars or character names from blockbuster series, influence from entertainment media cannot be ignored. In 2025, names like Lyra (inspired by Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials), Zendaya (both the actress and her on-screen personas), and Jaxon (a variant popularised by celebrity babies) are continuing to trend. The modern obsession with celebrity culture, combined with the reach of social media, ensures these names stay in the limelight.
What’s Out: Names Losing Popularity in 2025
Not all names are standing the test of time. Some are falling out of favour for various reasons:
- Overused classics: Names like Emily, Jacob, Olivia, and Michael have dominated baby name charts for decades. As parents look for individuality, these names are seeing a decline.
- Unpronounceable or hard-to-spell names: As communication becomes more global and digital, practicality matters. Names that are too complex or ambiguous in spelling are dropping in usage.
- Overly gendered names: Names that are heavily associated with a specific gender, such as Barbie or Butch, are viewed as dated and less in tune with today’s progressive values.
- Names tied to political controversy: With increased awareness of socio-political symbolism, names linked to contentious figures or ideologies are being consciously avoided.
Customisation and Creativity
2025 is also the year of name innovation. Parents are customising traditional names with new spellings or combining names to form unique hybrids. Think Elara (Ella + Lara), Kaiven (Kai + Aiden), or Zaylee (Zoe + Kaylee). This trend represents a desire to balance individuality with recognisability — giving a child a name that’s their own, but still understandable and pronounceable in various settings.
Digital Realities: Usernames as Baby Names?
With the increasing digitisation of identity, we’re seeing names inspired by usernames and handles. Names like Luxe, Vee, Neo, and Echo resemble social media usernames or gaming tags. While this may raise eyebrows, it’s part of a wider trend where digital identities and real-world names are beginning to blur. For Gen Z and Alpha parents, who’ve grown up online, the lines between digital persona and real self are increasingly faint.
Spiritual and Mythological Names
There’s also a growing appreciation for spiritual and mythological names. Athena, Odin, Luna, and Thaddeus are examples of names with deep symbolic meaning and ancient lineage. These names often suggest wisdom, strength, and mystery — qualities many parents admire and wish to see in their children. They also appeal to those who enjoy storytelling, history, and spiritual exploration.
Regional Flavours: UK-Specific Trends
While many trends are global, the UK also has its own unique patterns. There’s a noticeable rise in names of Celtic origin, such as Aoife, Niamh, Ruaridh, and Eira. Welsh and Gaelic names are becoming more mainstream, thanks to cultural resurgence and an appreciation for linguistic heritage. In cities like London, multiculturalism influences names significantly, with blends of African, South Asian, and European names becoming the norm rather than the exception.
The Influence of Pop Culture Franchises
TV, films, and gaming franchises continue to impact baby names. From Arya (Game of Thrones) to Ezio (Assassin’s Creed), pop culture names carry a cool factor and often a strong narrative association. In 2025, names from sci-fi and fantasy universes — such as Sylvi (inspired by fantasy lore) or Kairos (from video games and mythology) — are climbing the charts. These names speak to fandoms, individuality, and a desire to imbue children with stories of resilience and uniqueness.
Conclusion
Naming trends in 2025 are rich, diverse, and reflective of a society in flux. From the vintage resurgence to futuristic creations, from gender neutrality to global inclusivity, names today are more than just sounds — they’re statements. Parents are considering everything from phonetics to political correctness, from spirituality to digital identity. The question of “What’s in?” is increasingly subjective, but the dominant themes are clear: individuality, inclusivity, and intentionality.
In this dynamic cultural moment, naming is both personal and political. It’s shaped by history and hurtling towards the future. Whether you’re choosing a name for a child, a brand, or a character, understanding the pulse of 2025 naming trends ensures your choice will resonate — not just now, but for years to come.