Baby Naming Trends for 2026: Y2K Inspirations and Dictionary Names to Watch
Colleen Slagen.
Credit :
Caeli Richter Photography
Key Insights
- Colleen Slagen, known as Naming Bebe, has transformed her lifelong obsession with baby names into a full-time consulting career since 2022.
- As 2023 concludes, Slagen shares her predictions for the biggest baby names and naming trends for 2026.
- She highlights a potential resurgence of early 2000s influences, a rise in elegant French names, and names derived from the dictionary.
Colleen Slagen has made a name for herself in the world of baby names since becoming a professional consultant last year. She transitioned from her role as a nurse practitioner to pursue her passion for names and has since garnered thousands of followers on social media.
In her new career, Slagen has built a brand, authored a book titled Naming Bebe: An Interactive Guide to Choosing the Baby Name You Love, and has provided personalized consultations for expectant parents, considering family histories and sibling names.
Colleen Slagen.
Colleen Slagen
Slagen’s expertise allows her to navigate the evolving landscape of naming trends. She recognizes enduring favorites, such as Olivia, while also tracking trends that may soon fade.
As she looks ahead to the new year, Slagen discusses anticipated naming trends for 2026. She notes that many parents are gravitating toward "short, four-letter names," citing their cool and nickname-proof qualities. Examples include girls’ names like Indi, Gwen, Lana, and Alba, alongside boys’ names such as Luca, Rome, Elio, Dean, and Bode.
"I have worked with so many families who have accidentally started this trend with their children and then continued it for the whole set!" Slagen says.
In addition to her insights, Slagen is known for coining catchy terms for naming trends. Previously, she introduced concepts like "cool cowboy names" and the more controversial "sexy CEO names," referencing Sloane as an edgy example.
Moving into 2026, Slagen anticipates a rise in "Andi Anderson names," inspired by early 2000s pop culture. "Us millennials have never forgotten Kate Hudson’s iconic role in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," she explains, noting how such influence may lead parents to choose traditionally male names for their daughters.
While acknowledging that some parents may resist this shift, she predicts names like Andie, Drew, Bennie, Dylan, Logan, and Stevie will become more common for girls.
Colleen Slagen.
Colleen Slagen
Additionally, Slagen identifies a category she refers to as "Goldilocks names," which are classic without being overly common. She notes that names of French origin are gaining appeal for their timeless elegance. Expect to see names like Eloise, Celine, Juliette, Vivienne, and Margot for girls, while boys may carry names such as Remy, Julien, and Sebastian.
For those seeking less traditional names, Slagen highlights what she calls "Merriam-Webster names," suggesting names that are familiar yet unique. She points to past examples set by celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter, Apple. According to Slagen, such choices often resonate with parents looking for names that are both distinctive and easy to spell.
She explains, "It’s a way for people to pick something that is very unique, but a word that is familiar." This trend includes names like Winter, Ever, Cherry, Story, and Haven for girls, with boys taking names such as Rowdy, Halo, and Coast.
Adding to the conversation, Slagen introduces the concept of "sustainably sourced names," an intriguing blend of natural elements and classic Hollywood charm. Boys may sport names like Oak and Stone, while girls might be named Kit, Scout, or Dove, as parents increasingly lean toward using nicknames as formal names.
Slagen’s insights offer a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of baby naming, as families look to blend tradition with contemporary influences.
