10 Baby Name Trends for 2023

Every parent-to-be has a different strategy for choosing baby names. Some stick to the classics (think Elizabeth and Alexander). Others look to pop culture and popular trends, taking inspiration from TiKTok songs, binge-worthy TV shows, and more. Still more choose baby names that reflect the world around them—and this year, the focus is on returning to normalcy after a global pandemic. 

So which monikers are expected to climb the charts in 2023? Take a look at these predictions from Nameberry, a website dedicated to baby names. Parents also spoke with Nameberry CEO, Pamela Redmond, to learn her thoughts about potential upcoming baby name trends. 

Maximalist Baby Names

Some parents are bidding adieu to short, simple names in 2023. In part, they’re moving away from the restraint of years past, including pandemic protocols and clean design choices, according to Nameberry. What’s more, TV shows like Bridgerton and Wednesday sparked an interest in the fantasy of “dark academia.” With beloved characters sporting names like Morticia and Francesca, Redmond said we can expect to see a rise in gothic, elaborate baby names going forward. Here are some examples:

• Amadeus 
• Cassiopeia
• Euphemia 
• Octavius
• Persephone 
• Zephyrine 

Old-School Baby Names

The 80s have made a comeback! Nameberry calls it the “Stranger Things effect,” which is manifesting in everything from popular music to clothing. According to Redmond, the old-school nostalgia may also show in baby names, with retro classics entering the playing field. “I think it’s a combination of some appreciation for the past and definitely an emphasis on family,” says Redmond. Some examples of “so out they’re in” baby names include:

• Blane
• Chrissy
• Ferris
• Jeanie
• Marty
• Richie 
• Sloane

Gilded Baby Names

Coming out of a somewhat gloomy past few years, parents are seeking names that are anything but dull. 2023 is all about positive energy, and Nameberry expects parents to choose sparkly, glitzy names in the golden new year. Here are some popular picks:

• Apollo 
• Aurelia
• Helios 
• Goldie 
• Marigold
• Sunshine 

Neo Cowboy Baby Names

Western flicks Outer Range and Yellowstone revived a sense of naturalism, and parents have been gravitating toward rugged, Western-inspired names symbolic of simpler times. With cowboy classics rising in the ranks, Redmond anticipates that parents will go back to basics in 2023, choosing names like this:

• Abbott 
• Beck 
• Rhett
• Royal
• Sayer
• Wilder

Cross-Cultural Travel Baby Names

If you love to travel, you’ve likely dealt with the awkwardness that comes with name mispronunciation. That said, parents seem to be looking for cross-cultural names that are easy to pronounce in multiple languages but also unique. According to Nameberry, many trending travel-related names contain four letters, two syllables, and end with an “i.” Short names like these certainly roll off the tongue, and they’re great for a young traveler-in-the-making:

• Gigi 
• Indi
• Remi
• Leni
• Nori
• Xavi 

Baby Names With X

Though X is often difficult to incorporate into names, Nameberry predicts that the edgy letter will see a surge in popularity in 2023. Whether it’s in the beginning, middle, or end of the moniker, there is something eXciting about X-names. Sure, names like X AE A-XII may be a bit extreme, but there are plenty of other ways to include the fun letter a bit more subtly. Here are some examples:

• Dixie
• Felix
• Huxley
• Lexington 
• Maxine
• Onyx 

Adjective Baby Names

From Khloe Kardashian (True) to Nick Cannon (Moroccan, Golden, Legendary, and Powerful), celebrities have been choosing adjective names for their children. These names contain a certain optimism, and parents might feel these descriptive titles are incredibly inspiring and indicative of a bright future. Consider the following: 

• Brave 
• Divine
• Celestial 
• Loyal
• Lucky 
• Noble

Grandpa Names for Girls

Nameberry has been seeing a rise in grandfather names—but for girls! These retro monikers are short and nickname-like, according to the website, but they also take on an edgy vibe, attesting to this generation’s tendency to shake up expectations. Take a look at these popular picks:

• August
• Billie
• Drew
• Frankie
• Jude
• Max
• Stevie

Blue-Green Baby Names 

With a calming and natural association, blue-green names are predicted to take 2023 by storm. Many celebrity children have set the scene with these relaxing names, from Michael Bublé’s daughter Cielo to Adriana Lima’s son Cyan. Also consider the following:

• Caspian
• Emerald
• Forest
• Navy 
• Rivers
• Sapphire

Mix and Match Baby Names

Every baby is unique, and parents are looking for names that reflect this individuality. Nameberry predicts that in 2023, parents will transition away from more common names ending with -lynn, -leigh and -syn and gravitate toward newer combinations containing -aire, -ette, -iel, -lani, -land, and -wynn.  “I think kids have learned to not only accept differences in names among their peers, but to be very proud of the things that make their name individual,” says Redmond. “Kids are proud of it rather than ashamed of it.” Here’s some ideas:

• Aylani 
• Braven 
• Ellowyn
• Kehlani 
• Oakland
• Wrenley