Experts in baby naming believe that pop culture is set to influence a new generation of names for babies born in 2026.
It’s noted that July, August, and September see the highest number of births, suggesting that the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year is a particularly romantic time.
With the festive season upon us, naming experts have shared predictions on the names parents might choose for children expected in 2026.
According to My 1st Years, vintage names, as well as those influenced by celebrities and cultural icons, are gaining popularity. The names of famous couples from the 2000s are seeing a resurgence.
The experts predict that Jude and Sienna will be among the most popular names in 2026, gaining renewed attention due to actors Jude Law and Sienna Miller, who were a well-known couple in the early 2000s.
The couple met while filming Alfie and became engaged on Christmas Day of that year. Their romance, however, was marred by Law’s affair with a nanny, leading to a rocky relationship that eventually ended in 2011.
Despite these ups and downs, Jude is regaining popularity, partly due to renewed interest in The Beatles’ song “Hey Jude,” thanks to an upcoming biopic, The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, which is set for release in April 2028.
Jude’s growing popularity is also attributed to England and Real Madrid footballer, Jude Bellingham.
Sienna Miller, known for The Girl, recently announced her third pregnancy, making headlines when she revealed her baby bump at the Fashion Awards in London.
The name Sienna is proving popular, with Olivia Bowen of Love Island naming her daughter Siena, after the Italian city.
British royal Princess Beatrice also named her daughter Sienna upon her birth in 2021.
The experts at My 1st Years state that Jude and Sienna have been somewhat under the radar recently, ranking seventh in their list for baby boys and girls for 2025.
Molly Ejdowski, speaking for My 1st Years, remarked: “There has been a noticeable shift towards shorter names this year, especially ones that are not easily shortened, with Jude being an excellent example.”
“Sienna, with its three syllables, is also appealing due to its blend of modernity and timelessness, its resistance to abbreviation, and its pretty, Italian-inspired flair.”
Not only celebrities themselves but also the names of their children are expected to influence the upcoming Beta generation.
Molly further explained, “Names with one or two syllables are gaining traction, and with recent celebrity endorsements, names like Ziggy and Palma are expected to rise in popularity next year.”
TV figures Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo named their son Ziggy, born on December 4, sparking interest in the name.
The name Ziggy appeals to fans of David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust, with online searches for its meaning skyrocketing following the couple’s announcement.
Ziggy, of German origin meaning ‘victorious protector’, has been relatively obscure, ranking 603rd in popularity over the past two years, but is expected to gain traction for those seeking a unique alternative to Zachary.
Cultural influences such as the popular book series A Court of Thorns and Roses are also set to inspire names like Lucien, especially with the release of season 5 of Emily in Paris on Netflix.
From the series, the name Feyre is anticipated to be a distinctive choice for girls.
Additionally, the release of Wicked: For Good, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is likely to inspire the baby name Elphie, derived from the character Elphaba.
The name Elphie is said to fit the trend for short, cute names.
Meanwhile, My 1st Years report that Freddie and Lily continue to dominate the list of top baby names.