Pop Culture Trends Set to Influence Baby Names in 2026

Choosing a name for a newborn is a significant decision for many parents, and a new report suggests that the cultural landscape of 2025 may heavily influence those choices in 2026. According to a study by BabyCenter, the popularity of baby names is increasingly tied to trends in television, music, sports, and literature.

Television Characters and Their Impact

The BabyCenter report highlights how characters from popular television shows are shaping naming trends. Names like Helena, featured in the Apple TV series Severance, have climbed to No. 313 among girls’ names. Other names gaining traction include Samira, Heather, and Cassie, from the HBO Max series The Pitt. Cassie, in particular, has not appeared in the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the U.S. since 2009, according to data from the Social Security Administration.

Names such as Belinda and Chelsea from White Lotus, as well as Isabel and Susannah from The Summer I Turned Pretty, are also seeing increased interest. Belinda has not been among the top 1,000 baby names since 2013, indicating a possible resurgence influenced by media.

Musical Influences and Athletic Achievements

The music industry is another significant factor in naming trends. Names of popular boy band members are becoming increasingly popular, including Howie and Nick from the Backstreet Boys, and Lance and Joey from NSYNC. K-pop stars such as Jin from BTS and Jun from Seventeen may also impact baby naming trends for 2026.

In addition, names inspired by Beyoncé’s recent album, Cowboy Carter, are rising in popularity. Notably, names like Rose and Jane, as well as Miley—linked to Miley Cyrus—are seeing a boost. The influence of sports is also evident, with names like Jaylin, Dillon, and Jalen trending due to the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who recently won the NBA Finals. The name Jalen may also reflect the popularity of quarterback Jalen Hurts, who led the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl in February.

Literary Names and Cultural Shifts

Literature is not left out of the naming conversation. Classic names such as Ernest, Ishmael, Sylvia, and Octavia are gaining traction, as are characters like Sawyer, Finn, and Daisy. The rising popularity of the cottagecore aesthetic could boost names like Sienna, Juniper, and Flora.

Furthermore, following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025, variations of his name—such as Francis, Francesco, and Francesca—are becoming more common among new parents, reflecting a cultural shift towards honoring significant figures.

As of November 2025, the top names for newborns remain largely unchanged from the previous year. For boys, the leading names include Noah, Liam, Oliver, Elijah, and Mateo. Girls’ names include Olivia, Amelia, Sophia, Emma, and Isabella, indicating a blend of traditional and contemporary influences.

The dynamic interplay of pop culture and personal choices underscores how names can reflect the times and trends that shape society. As 2026 approaches, expect to see a diverse array of names inspired by the moments that resonate with new parents.