Top 100 Baby Names for 2026

Top 50 Baby Girl Names 2026

From timeless classics to modern favorites, these are the most popular names for baby girls in 2026. Each name has been chosen by thousands of parents for its beautiful sound, meaningful origin, and positive associations.

Top 50 Baby Boy Names 2026

Strong, classic, and meaningful - these are the most popular names for baby boys in 2026. From traditional favorites to modern choices, each name carries its own unique story and significance.

2026 Baby Name Trends

1. Nature-Inspired Names Continue to Rise

Names inspired by nature have seen remarkable growth in 2026. Parents are choosing names like River, Willow, Sage, Ivy, and Hazel, reflecting a desire to connect their children with the natural world. These names often carry peaceful, earthy connotations that resonate with modern parents.

2. Vintage Names Make a Comeback

Classic names from previous generations are experiencing a renaissance. Names like Theodore, Eleanor, Alice, and Henry are climbing the charts as parents seek timeless names with rich histories. These vintage choices offer sophistication while remaining approachable.

3. Short and Sweet Prevails

Two-syllable names dominate the top 100, with parents favoring names that are easy to pronounce and remember. Names like Emma, Noah, Mia, and Liam exemplify this trend. Short names also offer more flexibility for middle name pairings and nicknames.

4. Gender-Neutral Names Gain Momentum

Names like Riley, Quinn, Sage, River, and Kai continue to grow in popularity for all genders. This trend reflects evolving attitudes about gender expression and parents' desire to give their children flexibility as they grow.

5. Meaning Over Sound

More parents are choosing names based on their meanings rather than just how they sound. Names meaning "light" (Lucy, Eleanor), "strength" (Ethan, Gabriel), and "wisdom" (Sophia, Quinn) are particularly popular as parents seek to instill positive qualities through their children's names.

6. Cultural Heritage Names

There's growing interest in names that honor cultural heritage. Irish names (Liam, Aiden, Riley), Hebrew names (Noah, Benjamin, Hannah), and names from various cultures around the world are being embraced by diverse families looking to celebrate their roots.

How to Choose from the Top 100

With so many beautiful options, selecting the perfect name can feel overwhelming. Here are strategies to narrow down your choices:

Consider the Full Name

Say the first, middle, and last name together out loud. Does it flow well? Are there any awkward initials? Make sure the complete name sounds harmonious and doesn't create unintended acronyms.

Think About Nicknames

Consider what nicknames might naturally emerge from your chosen name. If you don't like common nicknames (like "Izzy" for Isabella or "Theo" for Theodore), you might want to choose differently.

Check Popularity in Your Area

While these are national rankings, name popularity can vary by region. If you're concerned about your child being one of several in their class, research local trends or consider names just outside the top 10.

Honor Family Without Duplicating

If you want to honor a family member, consider variations of their name or using it as a middle name. This preserves the sentiment while giving your child their own identity.

Test It Out

Live with your top choices for a few weeks. Use them in conversation, write them down, imagine calling them across a playground. The right name will feel natural and comfortable.

Regional Variations in Popular Names

Name preferences can vary significantly by region. While Emma and Liam top national charts, regional differences reflect local culture and traditions:

Southern United States

Traditional names with Southern charm like Charlotte, Jackson, Eleanor, and Mason are especially popular. Double names (Mary Kate, John Paul) also remain beloved in Southern states.

Coastal Regions

Beach-inspired and nature names thrive near the coasts. River, Kai, Marina, and Ocean see higher usage in coastal communities where the sea is part of daily life.

Urban Centers

Metropolitan areas often trend toward more diverse, international names. Cities show higher rates of names from various cultural backgrounds, reflecting their multicultural populations.

Celebrity Influence on Baby Names

Celebrity baby names continue to influence popular choices in 2026. When public figures choose unique names, they often see upticks in usage:

• Luna - Popularized by celebrities, now a top 10 name
• Willow - Gained momentum after celebrity use, now in top 30
• Atlas - Rising rapidly after multiple celebrity babies received this name
• Nova - Astronomical name trending upward

Names Rising and Falling

Biggest Climbers in 2026

• Sage (+15 spots) - Nature name with wisdom connotations
• River (+12 spots) - Gender-neutral nature name
• Atlas (+18 spots) - Strong mythological name
• Nova (+14 spots) - Celestial name meaning "new"
• Iris (+10 spots) - Vintage floral name returning

Names Declining in Popularity

• Jayden (-8 spots) - Declining after years in top 20
• Nevaeh (-12 spots) - Trend name losing momentum
• Kaitlyn/Caitlin (-6 spots) - Classic spelling variations declining

International Perspectives

Baby name trends vary worldwide, but some names transcend borders. Here's how top US names compare globally:

United Kingdom

Oliver and Olivia remain top choices, with George, Arthur, Amelia, and Isla also highly popular. The UK tends toward more traditional names than the US.

Australia

Charlotte, Olivia, Oliver, and Noah top Australian charts. Australians favor names similar to US preferences but with slightly higher rates of nickname usage (Charlie, Ollie).

Canada

Emma, Liam, Noah, and Olivia dominate Canadian lists, showing strong alignment with US trends. French-Canadian regions show different preferences, favoring names like Antoine and Léa.

Tips for Using This List

The top 100 list is a helpful starting point, but remember:

• Popularity isn't everything - Choose a name you love, regardless of ranking
• Rankings change - Today's #1 might not be next year's
• Your child makes it unique - Even popular names become special when they're your child's
• Consider longevity - Will this name work for a baby, teenager, and adult?
• Trust your instincts - Parents usually know when they've found "the one"

Final Thoughts

Choosing a baby name is deeply personal and meaningful. Whether you select a top 10 favorite or a name from further down the list, what matters most is that it resonates with you and your family. These 100 names represent the collective choices of thousands of parents in 2026, each finding the perfect name for their little one.

Remember, there's no "right" choice - only the right choice for your family. Take your time, explore options, say names out loud, and trust that you'll find the perfect name for your baby.