Choosing a name for a newborn can be a significant decision for parents, often influenced by trends from popular culture. According to a recent report from BabyCenter, names for children born in 2026 may be shaped by various pop culture moments from 2025. These influences range from television shows and movies to music hits and sports achievements.
Television and Film Influence on Baby Names
BabyCenter highlights that names from hit television series are already gaining traction. The Apple TV series “Severance” has seen the name Helena rise to No. 313 on the list of popular girl names. Furthermore, characters from the HBO Max show “The Pitt” are also influencing baby name choices, with names like Samira, Heather, and Cassie becoming increasingly popular. Notably, Cassie has not appeared among the top 1,000 girl names in the U.S. since 2009, according to Social Security data.
Other names set to trend include Belinda and Chelsea for girls, as well as Valentin and Fabian for boys, inspired by popular shows like “White Lotus.” Isabel and Susannah are also seeing increased interest, thanks to the series “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Notably, Belinda has not been among the top 1,000 names since 2013.
Musical Inspirations and Sports Stars
The music industry is also influencing baby naming trends. BabyCenter reports that names associated with popular boy band members are on the rise. These include Howie and Nick from the Backstreet Boys, as well as Lance and Joey from NSYNC. Furthermore, names of K-pop stars like Jin from BTS and Jun from Seventeen may also see increased popularity.
In addition, names inspired by Beyoncé‘s album, “Cowboy Carter,” have gained traction. For example, Rose and Jane—both linked to songs on the album—are becoming more popular, along with Miley and Willie, referencing artists featured on the album.
Sports figures are also contributing to naming trends. Following the NBA Finals victory by the Oklahoma City Thunder, names like Jaylin, Dillon, Jalen, and Isaiah are becoming increasingly sought after. In women’s basketball, names of WNBA All-Stars such as Courtney, Kelsey, Natasha, and Erica are also trending upward.
The influence of literature is evident as well, with names inspired by authors like Ernest and Sylvia, as well as characters such as Finn and Daisy, gaining popularity.
Cultural Reflections and Shifts
The recent passing of Pope Francis in April 2025 has led to a noticeable increase in names associated with him. Variations such as Francis, Francesco, and Francesca are now being chosen by parents for their children.
As the year progresses, BabyCenter has noted that the leading names chosen for newborns in 2025 are not vastly different from those expected in 2026. For boys, the top five names remain Noah, Liam, Oliver, Elijah, and Mateo. For girls, Olivia, Amelia, Sophia, Emma, and Isabella continue to dominate the charts.
As parents navigate the often challenging process of selecting names, these cultural influences provide a glimpse into the names that may define the next generation. With trends evolving rapidly, it will be interesting to see how these pop culture moments shape the identities of children born in 2026.
