Baby names for 2027: These surprising trends could inspire your shortlist

From hockey drama heartthrobs to vintage classics, these are the baby name trends tipped to take off in 2027, according to new data.

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Published: October 28, 2026 at 12:19 PM

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Choosing your baby's name is exciting, but finding something that's both unique and on trend can feel like a challenge. If you're looking for inspiration, the latest baby name data suggests that everything from hit TV dramas to ancient Greek mythology could influence what parents call their little ones in 2027.

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BabyCenter's annual baby name trends report draws on data from more than 350,000 babies born between 1 January and 5 October 2026, whose names were registered by parents using the BabyCenter app. While the findings reflect US naming trends rather than UK popularity rankings, they're an interesting glimpse at the names gaining momentum, including some familiar favourites and a few more unusual choices.

From the continued appeal of vintage names to the rise of bold, character-inspired choices, here are seven baby name trends to keep an eye on for 2027.

1. TV hockey romances are inspiring baby names

Romantic hockey dramas have found a devoted audience, and their influence is starting to show up in baby name searches and rankings. Characters from Prime Video's Off Campus and the series Heated Rivalry are helping to put some less familiar names on parents' radars.

According to BabyCenter, boys' name Garrett has climbed 128 places to No. 659, while Beau has risen 15 places to No. 57. For girls, Allie is up 39 places to No. 635, and Jules has jumped an impressive 1,271 places to No. 1,675.

One of the biggest risers is Ilya, the name of a character in Heated Rivalry. It has soared more than 6,000 places to No. 2,197 in the boys' rankings.

With a second season of Off Campus expected in 2027, these names could continue to attract attention from parents looking for something a little different.

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2. Cowboy-inspired names are riding high

If you love a name with a rugged, outdoorsy feel, the Western-inspired trend could be one to watch. Cowboy culture and the popularity of shows such as Yellowstone are helping to bring country-cool names into the spotlight.

Stetson has entered BabyCenter's top 100 boys' names for the first time, rising 46 places to No. 95. Other names on the up include Walker, which has climbed to No. 74, Callahan at No. 271, Wilder at No. 414 and Gunner at No. 458.

Girls' names are following a similar trend. Oakley has returned to the top 100, rising 52 places to No. 85, while Sadie has climbed to No. 45. Tatum, Sutton and Cassidy are also gaining ground.

These names offer a blend of modern style and a strong, outdoorsy feel, making them appealing to parents who want something distinctive without being too unusual.

3. Names with an X are making a bold statement

For parents searching for a punchy name with a contemporary edge, the letter X is having a moment. From alternative spellings of familiar names to more unusual choices, X-inspired names are rising across the rankings.

For boys, Jaxson has returned to the top 100 for the first time since 2022, climbing 24 places to No. 93. Knox has risen to No. 164, while Braxton, Daxton and Xaiden are also moving up the charts.

There are plenty of options for girls, too. Ximena has climbed 35 places to No. 178, while Xena has risen 544 places to No. 872. Alexandra and Xiomara are also gaining popularity.

Some names are proving more gender-neutral in their appeal. Onyx has risen in both the boys' and girls' rankings, while Huxley has seen a particularly striking increase among girls.

4. Gilmore Girls names are making a comeback

Autumn is the perfect time for a nostalgic TV rewatch, and Gilmore Girls is giving parents plenty of baby name inspiration. The much-loved series is known for its mix of classic, vintage and characterful names, many of which are now climbing BabyCenter's rankings.

For girls, Rory has risen 31 places to No. 243, while Lorelai is up 12 places to No. 289. Boys' names are also benefiting from the show's enduring appeal. Dean has climbed 31 places to No. 100, Christopher is up to No. 90, and Luke has risen to No. 35.

Richard has also moved up the rankings, gaining 29 places to reach No. 337.

With a Gilmore Girls documentary in the works, the show's nostalgic appeal could give these names another boost in 2027.

5. Greek mythology is inspiring distinctive names

Ancient Greek mythology is another source of inspiration for parents who want a name with history, character and a strong story behind it. With Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey bringing the epic tale back into the spotlight, mythological names are gaining attention.

Odysseus has climbed 1,456 places to No. 3,279 in the boys' rankings. Other rising choices include Atlas, now at No. 51, Ares at No. 248 and Orion at No. 251. Evander and Perseus have also made notable gains.

For girls, Iris has risen to No. 30, while Lydia has reached No. 86. Daphne is up 42 places to No. 246, and Gaia has climbed 307 places to No. 927.

BabyCenter's baby name adviser Steph Coffield said: “The trends this year show parents are ready to dig into the archives with some modern appreciation for the ancient, the vintage, the classic.”

6. Eliana and other E names are on the rise

If you're drawn to soft, elegant names, the letter E could be a good place to start your shortlist. BabyCenter's data shows that 15% of the top 100 girls' names begin with E, making it the most common first initial in the girls' rankings.

Eliana is one of the biggest success stories, climbing to No. 2 and reaching the top five for the first time. Evelyn has also returned to the top 10, rising five places to No. 9.

Other E names gaining ground include Evangeline, Elsie, Esme, Elowyn, Eliora, Elaine and Elodie. For parents who want something less familiar, Estrella, Elia and Evelina are also moving up the rankings.

These names range from traditional favourites to more distinctive choices, offering plenty of inspiration whether you're after something timeless or a little more unusual.

7. Taylor is losing popularity

While some names are climbing the charts, others are falling out of favour. Taylor, which has featured prominently in pop culture and celebrity news, is experiencing a notable decline in BabyCenter's rankings.

For girls, Taylor has dropped 24 places to No. 399, its lowest position in the 22 years BabyCenter has been tracking names. For boys, it has fallen 262 places to No. 1,093, taking it outside the top 1,000 for the first time.

It's a reminder that baby name trends can change quickly, even for names that have enjoyed years of popularity.

Which baby names are most popular in 2026?

Despite the changes further down the rankings, the most popular names at the very top remain familiar. Noah continues to hold the No. 1 spot for boys, while Olivia remains the most popular girls' name in BabyCenter's 2026 data.

The findings are based on names submitted by parents using the BabyCenter app between 1 January and 5 October 2026. They reflect US naming patterns and should not be taken as a direct guide to the UK's most popular baby names.

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Whether you're drawn to a vintage classic, a name inspired by your favourite TV show or something with a mythological twist, the biggest takeaway is that baby name inspiration can come from almost anywhere. And while trends can help narrow down your options, the best name for your baby is ultimately the one that feels right for your family.

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