A study has found that popular books, films and music are expected to have a big impact on baby names in 2026 – with traditional names set to be very popular
A recent study from My Nametags has predicted that the best-selling novels of 2025 will have a significant influence on baby names in 2026. Parents are expected to draw inspiration from fictional characters, with traditional names like Violet and Ophelia set to surge in popularity next year, reports the Express.
Violet, a timeless and elegant name inspired by the protagonist in Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, is tipped to be one of the most popular names in 2026, according to experts. For boys, the name Rhys, taken from the character Rhysand in A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, is also predicted to become more popular. According to parents.com, Violet is a Latin-origin name that symbolises “beauty, grace, and nature”.
It’s a vintage name “that had its heyday in the early 20th century but regained popularity in the early 2000s; it combines the classic sound of an old-fashioned name with both a flower and colour name”.
Girl names predicted to surge in popularity in 2026
- Violet
- Ophelia
- Maysilee
- Lilo
- Chloe
Boy names predicted to surge in popularity in 2026
The study also suggests that music will play a role in influencing future parents, with the name Ophelia, from Taylor Swift’s single The Life of a Showgirl, predicted to become very popular in 2026.
Singer Alex Warren is expected to inspire the next generation of children named Alex, following his album You’ll Be Alright Kid. The name is anticipated to see a significant rise next year.
Films are set to spark baby name trends in 2026, with Lilo emerging as one of the most sought-after choices following Disney’s live-action take on Lilo & Stitch. The moniker Maysilee, inspired by the character from Sunrise on the Reaping, the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, is also expected to capture the imagination of expectant parents who adore the franchise.
Lars B Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com, commented: “We’ve been tracking name trends for over 20 years and see how time and again parents’ choices are influenced by the media and pop culture. 2025 has been the year of escaping reality and leaning into the whimsical and otherworldly.
“Fiction has always been a strong indicator of baby name trends, but with younger parents more active on social media than ever before, ‘BookTok’s obsession over fantasy novels has taken it to new heights.”
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