100 Most Popular Baby Names of 2026
Every year, millions of parents make the same agonizing decision: what to name their baby. And every year, patterns emerge. Some names rocket up the charts. Others fade into memory. A few stay stubbornly consistent.
Here's the definitive ranking of 2026's most popular baby names – including what's trending, what's falling, and what newcomers crashed the top 100.
The #1 Names of 2026
Some things never change. Olivia and Liam continue their historic runs at the top. But the rest of the charts? That's where it gets interesting.
Top 25 Girl Names of 2026
Ranks 11-25
- 11. Harper
- 12. Camila
- 13. Sofia
- 14. Eleanor
- 15. Elizabeth
- 16. Scarlett
- 17. Violet
- 18. Emily
- 19. Hazel
- 20. Avery
- 21. Chloe
- 22. Ella
- 23. Penelope
- 24. Layla
- 25. Riley
Fastest Rising Girls
- +18 Maeve
- +15 Wren
- +12 Isla
- +11 Eloise
- +10 Ophelia
- +9 Ivy
- +8 Sage
- +7 Aurora
- +6 Freya
- +5 Nova
Top 25 Boy Names of 2026
Ranks 11-25
- 11. Jack
- 12. Alexander
- 13. Levi
- 14. Sebastian
- 15. Mason
- 16. Ethan
- 17. Daniel
- 18. Michael
- 19. Leo
- 20. Owen
- 21. Jackson
- 22. Samuel
- 23. Aiden
- 24. Joseph
- 25. Matthew
Fastest Rising Boys
- +22 Felix
- +18 Silas
- +15 Jasper
- +14 Milo
- +12 August
- +11 Theo
- +10 Atticus
- +9 Oscar
- +8 Finn
- +7 Arthur
2026 Naming Trends
1. Vintage names dominate
Theodore, Eleanor, Hazel, Felix, Violet – names from the early 1900s are having their biggest moment in a century. Parents want names that feel established, not invented.
2. Nature names surge
Wren, Ivy, Sage, River, and Willow continue climbing. The outdoors is in.
3. Short names win
Leo, Mia, Max, Ivy, Kai – one and two-syllable names are increasingly preferred over longer formal names.
4. Literary influences
Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird), Ophelia (Hamlet), and Darcy (Pride & Prejudice) are all rising. Bookish parents are making their mark.
5. Declining trends
The -ayden/-aiden era is fading. Jayden, Kayden, Brayden, and Hayden are all falling from their 2010s peaks.
Names to Watch in 2027
Based on current trajectories, these names are poised to break into or rise within the top 100:
- Girls: Wren, Maeve, Eloise, Freya, Sage, Juniper, Margot
- Boys: Felix, August, Jasper, Silas, Atlas, Ezra, Hugo
Find a Name You'll Love
Whether you want the #1 name or something unique, our AI can help you discover the perfect choice.
Try the Name Generator →Should You Pick a Popular Name?
There's nothing wrong with popular names. Olivia and Liam are popular because they're genuinely beautiful names. Your child won't be the only one in their class, but they'll have a name that's proven and beloved.
On the other hand, if you want to avoid having three Olivias in kindergarten, consider names in the 50-200 range. They're familiar enough to be easy, but rare enough to stand out.
Final Thoughts
Names are cyclical. What's popular today will feel dated in 30 years. What's dated today will feel fresh in 50. The only constant is that parents will always search for the perfect name – and millions will land on the same beautiful choices.
Whether you're team Liam or team "anything but Liam," we hope this list helps you navigate the wonderful, overwhelming world of baby names in 2026.