Top Baby Naming Trends for 2026

There are a million name options out there; which one is right for your baby? Don’t be alarmed if you feel a bit overwhelmed. Here, we’ll answer common questions about baby names and suggest sources of further inspiration.

What are the most popular baby names in North America?

Last year, seven boy names and seven girl names appeared on the lists of top baby names in both the U.S. and Canada:

For more details, view the full lists and rankings for the United States and Canada.

Is Noah a girl’s name now?

Yes, the name Noah, often with an alternate spelling of Noa, is becoming a popular choice as a baby girl’s name.

It’s not surprising to see a traditionally male name adapted into a female one. In fact, there are many names where a quick change of one or two letters creates a name of the opposite gender. The newly emerging Noah/Noa combination joins the roster of well-established boy/girl name variations, including:

What baby names are trending right now?

According to Nameberry.com, a website dedicated entirely to baby names, certain names are climbing the charts quickly these days. For girls, they’re seeing a recent surge in the popularity of the name Ophelia (Taylor Swift’s influence, perhaps?) along with Violet, Esme, and Phoebe. Boys’ names that are sparking new interest include Amias, Milo, Kai, and Silas.

You can read more about Nameberry’s baby name trend predictions here.

What are some classic baby names?

New-wave names aren’t for everyone. Maybe you’re seeking a solid, respectable name that will stand the test of time. Traditional, regal-sounding names tend to have staying power and inspire trust. Interestingly, names that might have previously been considered “old-fashioned”, like George or Mabel, are making a comeback.

For boys, consider the historical strength of names like William, James, Henry, Charles, Arthur, and August. For girls, look to the timeless elegance of names like Elizabeth, Katherine, Victoria, Grace, Alice, and Eleanor.

For more ideas, consult this list of vintage baby names from The Today Show.

What is a gender neutral name?

Gender neutral names don’t immediately imply “girl” or “boy”. For example, a teacher looking at an attendance list of unisex names such as Robin, Alex, Sam or Jamie – wouldn’t know if the students are male or female. This type of name may appeal to parents who are seeking a nonbinary, more open name for their child. Here are some other popular choices in this category:

Examples of gender neutral names:

• Avery
• Logan
• Riley
• Parker
• Rowan
• River
• Jordan
• Sawyer
• Tatum
• Quinn
• Emerson
• Hayden

For more ideas, check out this comprehensive list of gender neutral names from Cosmopolitan magazine.

Where can I find nature-inspired baby names?

Drawn from the beauty of the unspoiled wilderness, nature-inspired names have a unique, earthy quality. Here are some examples originating from different natural elements:

Examples of Nature-Inspired Names:

• Trees: Aspen, Willow, Cedar, Maple, Linden, Hazel
• Flowers and Plants: Lily, Iris, Daisy, Rose, Jasmine, Poppy, Fern, Ivy
• Earth: Ember, Clay, Pearl, Stone
• Weather: Skye, Aurora, Storm, Rain, Autumn, Summer, Star, Luna
• Water: River, Ocean, Brooke, Marina, Delta     (For an expanded list of nature-inspired names, try this article from pregnancy site The Bump)

No question about it: naming your baby is a highly personal choice. The vast number of options is a positive thing, as there’s plenty of room for creativity and individuality. At the same time, scrolling through endless lists can create unwanted mental overload, making the decision more stressful.

As with all things in parenting, do an appropriate amount of research and take some time to think it over. Above all, trust your instincts; that’s the real name of the game.