Biggest child names of 2026 can be impressed by 60s, 70s and 90s stars
Experts say they have seen a new trend for nostalgia that will bring back some once popular names
The names of an iconic noughties celebrity couple and a new crop of vintage names are set to be top baby name choices for 2026, according to experts. Jude and Sienna will be the baby names of choice, according to My 1 st Years – more than 20 years after they were first popularised thanks to Jude Law and Sienna Miller’s romance.
Jude is back in favour thanks to ‘Hey Jude’ and the announcement of the forthcoming Beatles biopic, with an all-star cast including Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan. Parents are also taking inspiration for the name from England and Real Madrid footballer Jude Bellingham.
Sienna has been in the spotlight thanks to the original Sienna, Sienna Miller, recently announcing her pregnancy and being a fixture in the fashion world. Love Island’s Olivia Bowen chose a variation on the name – Siena, the same spelling as the Italian city – for her baby daughter in August, while Princess Beatrice and Millie Mackintosh have previously chosen Sienna for their daughters’ names.
Both Jude and Sienna have been under the radar picks in recent years, ranking 7th on My 1 st Years’ baby boys and girls lists for 2025, and will break through to become top choices for 2026 babies.
Molly Ejdowski, spokesperson for My 1st Years, said: “We’ve seen a huge swing towards shorter names this year, particularly names which can’t be shortened – and Jude is a great choice for this. While it’s slightly longer with three syllables, Sienna ticks a lot of boxes because it has both modern and timeless qualities, it’s difficult to shorten, and it’s a pretty, Italian-inspired choice.
“Names with one or two syllables are having a real moment and, having been recently chosen by celebrity parents, Ziggy and Palma will be big name picks next year. There is still a lot of love for Ye Olde names from days gone by and there are some gorgeous new vintage names coming through.”
My 1 st Years has real-time insight into naming trends through its data on baby names being ordered on its personalised products.
Vintage names – Bonnie, Matilda, Margot
After a run of popularity for vintage names including Elsie, Ivy and Florence, My 1 st Years has spotted a new crop of vintage names which are about to make waves.
Bonnie
This cute vintage name is thought to be derived from the Scottish word for pretty, so is a great choice for parents with Scottish roots.
Matilda
This vintage pick has quietly crept into the mainstream and has links to popular culture – the Roald Dahl book is a classic and the musical based on it continues to be a hit, while Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey chose the name for their daughter in 2023.
Margot
This French name is an elegant take on the vintage trend and has become more popular thanks to actress Margot Robbie.
Cultural influences – Feyre and Lucien, Isabel and Jeremiah , Elphie
Feyre and Lucien
The names of characters from breakout hit romantic fantasy book series A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) are set to boom in popularity.
Boys’ name inspiration comes from character Lucien – also boosted by fan favourite Lucien Laviscount’s return for season 5 of Emily in Paris on December 18 th – while ACOTAR heroine Feyre’s name is a quirky girls’ name choice.
Isabel and Jeremiah
Thanks to love triangle teen drama The Summer I Turned Pretty, Conrad has been tipped to become a top baby name choice – but other names from the show which are on the up for 2026 are Isabel, the full name of Belly, and Jeremiah, Conrad’s brother.
Elphie
Elphie, the shortened version of Wicked’s Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), is a cute moniker in keeping with the trend for short names. Interest in the longer version of the name is rising, with Google searches for ‘what does the name Elphaba mean’ up 5,000%.
Celebrity baby names – Ziggy and Palma
Ziggy
Chosen in early December by Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing for their bundle of joy, this name will appeal to David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust fans. Searches for ‘Ziggy name meaning’ and ‘what is Ziggy short for’ increased by more than 5,000% after the couple announced the tot’s arrival.
Ziggy, believed to be of German origin and meaning ‘victorious protector’, ranks low down at 603 rd on My 1 st Years’ names list of orders over the past two years, making it a good pick for parents looking for a rarer name. It can also be used as a shortened version of Zachary.
Palma
Chosen by Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright for their baby girl in March, this Latin name evokes thoughts of the Mallorcan capital and palm trees, bringing the feel-good energy of a summer holiday.
Favourites which are here to stay – Freddie and Lily
Freddie
Both spellings of this name – Freddie and Freddy – have been popular in recent years, but Freddie cemented its position at the top of My 1 st Years’ list for 2025 and will remain a popular choice into 2026.
Lily
Olivia had dominated the top spot for girls’ names for a number of years – but it was unseated in My 1 st Years’ charts for 2025 by Lily, which shows every sign of maintaining its popularity.
