Expert predicts baby name trend for 2024 - with surge in gender-neutral names
For many new parents, or those soon-to-be ones, choosing a baby name can be one of the first difficult decisions they make about their child together. In fact, a new study from JoJo Maman Bébé has revealed that more than half (51%) of parents have struggled to settle on a choice for their child, with the difficult decision sometimes causing conflict due to the 'overwhelming' lifetime commitment of a name that can truly help shape a child’s identity.
The study also told how a third (33%) take uniqueness into account when choosing a suitable name, while 32% chose one based on sentimental value. And as with all trends, current choices often work in evolution not revolution, with name trends like fashion trends having a habit of recycling. With this in mind, vintage names popular in years gone by, such as Betty, are undoubtedly making a comeback, with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s most recent addition to the family this year taking on the title.
So if you’re struggling for name inspiration, then mother and baby retailer JoJo Maman Bébé has teamed up with baby name consultant, Colleen Slagen, to delve into 2023s most popular names as well as her predictions for 2024.
2023 most popular boy’s names:
- Rhodes
- Cal (Callan, Callum, Calvin and Cal)
- Lucien
- Dutton
- Casey
- August
- Wells
- Sonny
- Arlo
- Alden
2023 most popular girl’s names:
- Collins
- Maeve
- Margot
- Phoebe
- Poppy
- Goldie
- Sunday
- Esti
- Indie
- Frankie
Colleen also explains why vintage names are making a comeback: “These older names appeal to parents who are searching for timeless charm. They also feel both unique and familiar, which is something a lot of parents are seeking in a name. They want their child's name to both standout and fit in. They want a name that feels sweet, but ages well, and older names check all these boxes.”
She also discussed how we are seeing, and will continue to see, a variety of trends that reflect the name diversity of the newest generations: “Trends that are only getting hotter include nature names, such as Willow and River, or nicknames as given names, such as Archie or Sam. Names with traditional and modern elements, for example, surnames such as Finley and Addison are also having a huge moment,” she said.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Another up-and-coming trend, according to Colleen are ‘virtue’ names. Also known as grace names, these express cultural values, such as Faith, Chastity or Grace. “The recent trend of cottage-core, which romanticises rural life, has impacted name trends, with cottage-core names such as Autumn and Cedar on the rise,” she said.
She also admitted that she has her eyes on two names taking the top spot in 2024. “These are August and Margot,” she confirmed.
According to Colleen, gender-neutral names, such as Tatum, are also trending due to shifting gender norms: “Both ultra-feminine names and masculine names for girls are rising with the emergence of bold feminism. Many parents want to pick a versatile name that will fit their child's persona no matter who they turn out to be, whether that's a name that is considered gender-neutral (Tatum) or a name with a nickname that has a very different vibe than the given name, like Frances to Frankie for a girl.”
She also discussed how TV shows can be a source of inspiration when looking for a name: “TV shows often impact naming trends, as it's a great place to find name inspiration through a beloved character, and often a place to discover fresh/unique names. Hearing the unique name of a TV character adds an element of familiarity that helps the name feel wearable and accessible to the average person. We are seeing this with the show Yellowstone having a huge influence on cowboy names like Dutton and Kayce.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
