It's always fascinating to look back and see what names were popular around the world during different eras, but have you ever thought about the trends for future baby names?
Obviously, we can't look into a crystal ball and see what names from the past will be popping back up in popularity, or the new creative monikers parents-to-be come up with for their little ones. However, after carefully observing trends in the past few years, we've spotted some standouts that are on the verge of becoming the rage in the years ahead. Also, experts like the ones at Nameberry not only provide background info on countless names, they also track the rise and fall of all those names for boys and girls over time. This can help us predict what new names may just continue gaining popularity in the coming years!
Whether you know a parent who wants to be on-trend with their upcoming arrival or would like to avoid following the crowd, the names below will help them make the best decision before the bundle of joy makes his or her way into the world.
Let us know in the comments if we missed any baby-name trends you've noticed growing in popularity for future kiddos.
Don't forget to SHARE these names with anyone you know who's expecting a baby!
1. Arly
Meaning: A variation of "Arlene."
The typically male version, Arlo, is also being seen as a more popular option for female babies.
2. Jagger
Meaning: An old occupational term for cart driver.
I suspect the Maroon 5 tune name-checking Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger had a lot to do with the spike in usage — including for girls!
3. Juniper
Meaning: A type of tree.
This nature-friendly moniker started to become popular back in 2012, with signs pointing that it will be given to even more little girls in the years ahead.
4. Rylan
Meaning: An island meadow.
This name has been picking up traction with parents looking for a fresh spin on "Ryan." While it's mostly been used for boys so far, I can totally see little girls rocking it in the near future, too.
5. Wilder
Meaning: Wild, uncontrolled.
Though usually only seen as a last name, it cracked the charts for first names in 2015 and has been growing in popularity ever since.
6. Maisie
Meaning: A Scottish diminutive of "Margaret," which means "pearl."
This popular export from the U.K. is steadily climbing the charts in our neck of the woods for little girls.
7. Guthrie
Meaning: A windy place.
This folksy Scottish name for boys is due to make a huge comeback as it quickly climbs the ranks.
8. Leontine
Meaning: This is the French form of a Greek word meaning "lion."
This very old-school French name for girls has made a surprising jump in popularity with folks looking for fierce yet feminine monikers for their daughters.
9. Nile
Meaning: The Nile is an Egyptian river.
It's not only surprising that this geographical name is making its way up the ladder, but also that it seems to be more popular with girls rather than boys.
10. Sybella
Meaning: A seer or an oracle.
The combination of two time-honored names, Sybil and Isabella, is gaining considerable traction with future parents.
11. Paladin
Meaning: Someone who is from a palace.
The title was used for legendary European emperor Charlemagne's highest regarded knights back in the Middle Ages. The word is set to make a surprising return as a young boy's name in the near future.
12. Willis
Meaning: A diminutive of "William."
This surname fell out of popularity for little boys due to the TV series Diff'rent Strokes and its Gary Coleman catchphrase. However, it has recently seen a significant upswing in the charts.
Let us know in the comments if we missed any trendy baby names you've noticed on the rise, and don't forget to SHARE with your friends!
