Every year has its trends. Certain colors, clothes, and music can define a year — and baby names are certainly part of it. 2019 is on its way, and with the new year comes a ton of trendy baby names that parents are eager to grab for their newest little ones. Many of these baby names are based on brand-new television shows, popular names in other cultures, and even baby name trends in the United States as a whole. And although most trends can tell us what's already popular, they don't do a great job of helping us figure out what's about to become popular. That's where this list comes in.
Laura Wattenberg, the naming expert at BabyNameWizard.com, used trending name data to determine which baby names — for both boys and girls — are going to absolutely rock 2018. By looking at baby names that have risen in popularity incredibly fast in the last year, Wattenberg can actually “look into the future” and determine which ones may be the shining stars of this year.
Ranging in origin, length, and overall "vibe," the names on this list are all incredibly different. Luckily, that means there's something here that's absolutely perfect for just about every new baby born this year. It's possible that some of this list's names sound familiar, whereas others will feel brand-new. But whether they feel sweet and classy or super edgy, these 32 baby names are about to take 2019 by storm!
This article originally appeared on Cafe Mom.
Sage
Although some might be familiar with Sage as a name for girls, this earthy name works just as well for boys. Taken from the plant with the same name, Sage has a chill and natural connotation. Even though the name is incredibly popular for girls (we're talking #370 on the most popular US baby names in 2015), it's definitely one to watch for little boys.
Blakely
If one is a Blake Lively fan, this name is sort of the perfect mashup between her first and last name, right? Blakely, the feminine form of Blake, is just starting to become a hot baby name. As of 2015, the name ranked #354 on the top baby names list and shows no signs of stopping. Go, Blakely, go!
Remington
Continuing the trend we saw in 2017 of boys' names that are cute for girls, Remington is a trendy gender-neutral name that's on the rise for the fairer sex. Taken from an English surname and made popular by the '80s TV show Remington Steele, the name means "from the estate of the raven family." Remington just burst onto the top baby names list in 2014 and has quickly been flying up the charts! Catch on quick, before Remington blows up.
Atlas
Though most popular because of the classic Ayn Rand novel Atlas Shrugged, the name might hold favor thanks to the current political landscape. As a name, Atlas has an intelligent and curious vibe. Common variations are At, Atty, and Atila.
Barrett
Another name that follows a 2017 baby name trend, Barrett is a last name used as a first name and has the ever-popular "double t's." Formally an English surname, the name can be seen all over European history, in its painters (George Barret), poets (Elizabeth Barrett Browning), and musicians (jazz musician Syd Barrett). This is a cool name for a cool little guy.
Rowan
A name for when a little girl meets the world, Rowan is #5 on this list. The name is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ruadhan and means "little red-haired one." But this name isn't just for redheads! The name certainly is growing in popularity — just think about teen actress Rowan Blanchard, who starred in the revival of our favorite '90s TV show Boy Meets World.
Arlo
Arlo made so many of our lists last year and not just because the name is extra sweet. Arlo is popular among many of the top baby trends. including old-school baby names having their comebacks! The name was popular in the early 1900s, though it really took off in 2015 when it went all the way up to #502 on the top baby names list. A little folky, a little old-school, Arlo will continue to do well this year.
Aviana
A special name that has a ton of feminine charm, Aviana actually has two meanings: the first is "like a bird" in Latin, and the second is "way of grace." The name only recently made the list of the top 1,000 baby names in America, bursting through in 2012 and peaking (thus far) in 2015 at #661.
Kingsley
Though Kingsley is cute for both boys and girls, the name recently made the list of the top exalted baby names for boys. Truly a name of the new millennium, it only just made it to the top baby names in the US list compiled by BabyNameWizard in 2009 and today has traveled all the way up the charts to #747. Long may this little guy reign.
Eloise
Like the children's book character of the same name, Eloise has a whimsical vibe. One definition of the name is based on the Germanic Helewidis, composed of the meanings "hale, hearty, or sound" and "wide," whereas another is the Old High German Hluodowig meaning "famous in war." Either way, this name sounds unstoppable.
Cairo
This is a name for a little traveler! Cairo, like the city in Egypt, means "triumphant" or "victorious one" in Arabic. That makes this name a winner! If one needs a little inspiration, think of Chicago Bears football player Cairo Santos.
Joy
Something we all wish to have more of in the upcoming year! Joy, meaning "delight" or "pleasure," is actually derived from the Middle English and French word joie. The name Joy has always been popular, but it really took off in the '30s and '40s, possibly as a little ray of hope following the many years that America had been at war. Today, the name is just starting to take off again; it was even ranked at #436 in 2015.
Odin
By Odin's beard, this is a good baby name! Taken from the Norse god of art, wisdom, death, and war, Odin isn't as intimidating as the name might suggest. Truly a name of the 2000s, it only became popular with US parents in the latter part of the 2010s. In 2015 it hit #445 on the baby name charts, but as far we can see, the name is only going to keep rising.
Zara
It's a fashionable name for a fashionable girl. The popularity of retailer Zara might have something to do with its rise. Derived from the Arabic word zahra, which means "flower, blossom," this name is beautiful inside and out. In 2015 it peaked at #402, though we don't see the name losing steam anytime soon.
Adonis
A name with a little mythological history, Adonis has been steadily rising in popularity since the '90s when it first hit the baby name charts at #865. Nowadays, though, Adonises are everywhere! In 2015, the name was the 702nd most popular baby name in the United States. Meaning "God's Blessing" in Hebrew, this name is extra special.
Juniper
Look at this little June bug! Juniper, which comes from the plant of the same name, is a sprightly name perfect for a winter baby. Just saying this name makes people happy. And the proof is in how quickly Juniper has become popular with new parents. The name only recently (about 2011 actually) ranked on the top baby names list and every year since has gotten more and more popular, ranking at #429 in 2015.
Wilder
Have a wiley little guy? Then Wilder might be the perfect fit. Much like two famous Wilders — comedic actor Gene Wilder and author of the Little House on The Prairie series Laura Ingalls Wilder — the name denotes adventure and mischief. Or a Wilder could be really — ahem — wild and take after Ryan Reynolds's character in National Lampoon's Van Wilder. Watch out for this trickster, folks.
Ariella
The feminine form of the Hebrew name Ariel, meaning "lion of God," this name holds deep meaning. The -la at the end is a playful riff on Ariel, which has always been extremely popular. Ariella only become popular in 2008 — which is no time at all in baby name years — and has maintained its dominance on baby name charts.
Jensen
A Danish name meaning "son of John," Jensen is a modern derivative of the name Johannes. And for those who want something a little out of their comfort zone (but not, well, Johannes), Jensen might just be the perfect fit! In 2015 this charmer came in at #396, and as far as we can see, it will continue to rock in 2018.
Teagan
Indie-rock lovers, this name is a hit! Teagan — like the rock-duo Tegan and Sara — is starting to catch on in its own right. The feminine form of Teague, Teagan is similar to other girls' names Megan and Reagan. Teagan also has some really cute nicknames, including Tee, Tiger, Tilly, and Teags.
Lennox
Not a Lenny, nor a Leonard, Lennox is super modern and hip. Derived from the Gaelic word for "elm-tree," Lennox follows the super trendy baby names that contain the letter "x." Nicknames include Lenny, Lex, and Knox. Looking for the name of the future? Look no farther than Lennox.
Nova
A name that is certain to start conversations, Nova is a fresh name for 2019. A nova is a star that starts to shine a thousand times brighter and then slowly fades. It also fits in perfectly with the trend of baby names inspired by space. Nova is a name that was popular in the late 1800s and then slowly started to fade … until it came back to popularity in 2011, and now it shows no signs of slowing down.
Kyrie
A beautiful, lyrical name that has special meaning, Kyrie is bound to take over in the New Year. One might be most familiar with the name from high school choir class or church. It's derived from the common Christian prayer "Kyrie Eleison," which means "Lord have mercy." Pretty special, right?
Cyrus
Look at this little achy-breaky heartbreaker. Cyrus, like singers Miley and her dad, Billy Ray, is the name of a rock star, that's for sure. The name is also derived from the word for "lord" in Greek and has consistently been popular. In the '80s (that's 1880s) the name was the #253 most popular name in America, and today it sits comfortably at #472. Talk about star power!
Ivy
Natural names will most likely get bigger in the next year. Ivy, like the plant, means "climber" in Old English. It is also the name of Batman character Poison Ivy and is the middle name of Beyonce's daughter Blue. Recently ranked at #129, Ivy is a name that will put a smile on a person's face.
Kaiser
A German name, Kaiser has a cool and edgy vibe! In German the name means "emperor," which follows the 2017 trend of exalted baby names (i.e., names that sound like royalty). A little inspiration might be the early 2000s indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs or Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans's little son Kaiser Griffith.
Iris
One might think that this name is a throwback, but Iris has never really gone away. Named after both the flower and the mythical Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris has an appeal in its sweetness and charm. In 2015, Iris even rose to be the 217th most popular girls' name in the country.
Theo
The ever-popular Theo will continue to grace nurseries well into 2018. Short for Theodore, meaning "God's gift," Theo is popular all over the world. The name is #5 in France, #15 in Belgium, and #24 in Sweden — which just goes to prove how far Theo's reach is. And if baby boy is cute and cuddly, why not call him "Teddy" as a nickname?
Finley
Another boys' name that has made its way over to girls is Finley, meaning "fair-haired warrior" in Gaelic. It's a little bit spunky and fun. Its ascent in popularity has been rapid; from 2007 to 2015, the name has jumped up 612 spots, ending up as the 204th most popular girls' name.
Osiris
Mythological baby names were really hot last year. Osiris, derived from the Egyptian name for the Lord of life, death, land, and vegetation, has long been the name of intellectual thinkers and creators (see: geologist Osiris De Leon, artist Osiris Rain, and photographer Osiris Santos). It's a very old name but still a good one.
Ryker
There is a slight debate on the meaning behind the name Ryker. Germans would argue that the name means "rich," whereas the Dutch argue that it means "powerful ruler." But the two ideas often go hand-in-hand and, either way, those are some pretty special meanings. In 2015 the name was incredibly popular, rising to be the 151st most popular boys' name. With that being said, Ryker is sure to strike a chord this year.
Josephine
And finally, there's little Josephine to round out the list. The feminine form of Joseph, Josephine means "God will add" or "God will increase." Perhaps one is a fan of Little Women or Josephine "Joey" Potter from Dawson's Creek. Either way, Josephine is a great name to have in the modern age.
