Pop Culture Is Shaping The Next Wave Of Gen B Baby Names

New data is offering a fresh look at the most popular baby names of 2025, along with the names expected to trend as Generation Beta continues to grow.

Each year, BabyCenter releases a trend report to help parents pick the perfect name for their child. This year’s insights come from more than 350,000 babies whose parents registered their names on the BabyCenter app.

It is no surprise that choosing a name can feel like a big decision. Parents want something meaningful and memorable while avoiding anything that could put their child at risk of teasing. Even so, unique names are becoming more important to families and long-time favorites are slowly sliding down the rankings.

According to BabyCenter, Olivia and Noah remain the most popular names for girls and boys. Eliana and Aurora entered the top 10 for girls for the first time while Ava and Luna moved out of those top spots. In the broader top 100 list, seven new girls' names appeared, including Juniper, Oaklynn, Sienna, and Eloise.

The report highlights what is driving these shifts and pop culture takes center stage. TV shows, music, and even sports events are steering how parents name their children.

Fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty are clearly having an influence. Helena climbed 50 spots to number 313, giving more visibility to the nickname Helly. Isabel moved up 17 spots to number 187 and plenty of new parents seem to prefer Belly over Izzy.

Those who love The White Lotus are contributing too. Belinda and Chelsea jumped 2,402 and 49 spots for girls. Valentin and Fabian are also gaining traction for boys.

According to BabyCenter, Olivia and Noah remain the most popular names for girls and boys

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Music and sports are shaping trends as well. Names linked to Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter are rising. Rose climbed 19 spots to number 101, and Jane jumped 127 spots to number 272.

Basketball fans are playing a part after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s standout season that ended in their first Finals win in 17 years. Jaylin went up 265 spots. Dillon rose 116 spots. Jalen increased by 86 spots, and Isaiah moved up 10.

TikTok aesthetics are guiding parents, too. The rise of cottagecore is boosting names like Sienna, Eloise, and Juniper.

The report notes that trends also work in reverse. Names that make headlines for the wrong reasons tend to drop. Blake fell 85 spots, and Justin dropped 24.

This follows Blake Lively’s lawsuit against director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of harassment and claiming he attempted to damage her reputation after she spoke about his behavior on the It Ends With Us set.

Cultural Influences on Naming Trends

Experts in sociology, such as Dr. Rachael D. McCrary, highlight the significant impact of media and pop culture on baby naming trends. The rise of unique names mirroring characters from popular shows and films reflects a parent's desire to connect with cultural narratives. In her studies, Dr. McCrary notes that names can signify shared values or aspirations, shaping identity from birth.

Parents looking for a name should consider not just current trends but also the potential long-term implications of the name on their child's identity.

Names that make headlines for the wrong reasons tend to drop. Blake fell 85 spots, and Justin dropped 24.

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Robin Hilmantel, senior director of editorial strategy and growth at BabyCenter, said, "This is the first year of Generation Beta babies. Our data shows how deeply pop culture - down to popular TikTok aesthetics - are widening new parents’ circles of influence.

"The baby naming process has gotten so much more creative, while also sticking to long-held rules - like if a name is embroiled in controversy, we’ll see it drop from the spotlight.

According to Brené Brown, a renowned researcher on vulnerability and courage, naming a child is deeply personal. It's essential for parents to feel a connection to the name they choose. Brown suggests that parents should reflect on their family history and cultural heritage, as these elements can provide a profound sense of belonging.

Moreover, she advises considering how the name might be perceived in different contexts and cultures, ensuring it resonates positively across various environments.

Psychological Insights & Implications

As baby names evolve, they're increasingly shaped by the cultural zeitgeist, merging personal significance with broader societal trends. Parents should not only focus on what’s trendy but also the name's resonance with values and identity. Experts like James Clear emphasize the importance of intentional decision-making in this process. He suggests that by reflecting on the deeper meaning behind names, parents can foster a stronger connection to their child's identity. Ultimately, choosing a name can be a beautiful opportunity to weave personal narrative into a child's life.