Over the past few years, names such
as Dutton, Love, and Raya have witnessed a surge in popularity. Looking ahead,
what names can we anticipate more parents choosing for their babies in the
coming years?
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| Parents continue to experiment with modern twists on classic names and trendy vowel sounds |
As we usher in a new year, we reached out to baby name experts to unveil their predictions for names expected to gain popularity in 2024. Continue reading to discover their insights and explanations behind the anticipated appeal of these names.
Enola
Abby Sandel notes that the name
Enola experienced a surge in popularity in 2021, coinciding with the release of
the first 'Enola Holmes' movie on Netflix, featuring Millie Bobby Brown in the
titular role. The character, Enola Holmes, provides insight into the name's
appeal.
Sandel mentions that in the
storyline, the character explains that Enola is alone spelled backward, chosen
by her mother as a reminder to value independence. Sandel appreciates this
unique perspective on the name, describing it as vintage, rich in vowels, and
back in the spotlight following the release of the 'Enola Holmes' sequel in the
previous year.
Rhodes
Sherri Suzanne, a baby name
consultant and founder of My Name for Life, suggests that an unconventional
name within a relatively conventional presentation is a formula for success.
Using Rhodes as an example, she notes that it started as a surname and has qualities
similar to other well-accepted names like Hayes and Brooks.
In the previous year, Rhodes made
its debut on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Top 1,000 list,
entering at No. 922 after a notable rise of 121 spots from its previous
position at No. 1,043.
Suzanne emphasizes that Rhodes carries positive associations, including the renowned Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University and the Colossus of Rhodes statue in Ancient Greece, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These associations contribute to the name's appeal and rising popularity.
Renzo
According to Sophie Kihm, the
editor-in-chief of Nameberry, Renzo is a name that encompasses various
appealing elements. She notes that the "ren" syllable is currently
fashionable, evident in names like Wrenlee, the fastest-rising name for girls
in 2022, and the unisex name Wren, chosen by Chrissy Teigen and John Legend for
their second son.
Kihm further highlights the modern
and energetic nature of the "zo" ending, citing its presence in
rising names like Enzo and Kenzo. Renzo, in her view, combines these trends
into a single name that has been relatively under-the-radar until now. She
predicts that parents seeking an eye-catching boy's name with cross-cultural
appeal will be charmed by Renzo in 2024.
Bear
Abby Sandel, the creator of the
baby name blog Appellation Mountain, notes that Bear has been gaining
popularity since the early 2000s, thanks to a mix of high-profile birth
announcements. Now, she predicts that Bear is poised to become a mainstream
favorite.
Sandel highlights the influence of the Hulu show "The Bear," where the protagonist, the ambitious chef Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, has contributed to the name's rising popularity. Drawing a parallel, Sandel suggests that Bear has the potential to follow in the footsteps of names like Khaleesi, becoming a popular and widely embraced choice.
Cleo
According to baby naming expert and
Nameberry editor-in-chief Sophie Kihm, Margot is the current vintage-chic girl
name that has captured the attention of many parents, frequently mentioned by
influencers. Looking ahead, Kihm suggests that Cleo is the name to watch for,
as it shares the stylish O-ending with Margot and boasts traditional roots. The
association with Cleopatra adds a strong, heroic, and distinctly feminist feel
to the name.
Kihm highlighted that Cleo
experienced significant popularity growth in 2022, jumping 130 spots on the
Social Security Administration's popularity list between 2021 and 2022.
Moreover, the name is making strides in the U.K., often considered a reliable
indicator of upcoming trendy names in the U.S.
Romy
According to baby name consultant
Jennifer Prunkl, Romy/Romi is emerging as a popular choice for girls. From her
personal consultations and general consensus, she observes that many parents
are drawn to simplistic or minimal names with a cute yet powerful sound.
Prunkl suggests that Romy is an appealing alternative, potentially inspired by the place name Rome. She notes that Romy combines the trending "O"-sound and "ee"-ending, which align with the preferences of many parents in recent times.
Elodie
Name consultant Lilia E. Corrigan
of Heartbabynames predicts that Elodie is set to capture hearts in 2024,
describing it as a perfect fusion of elegance and strength. She sees Elodie as
possessing timeless grace, making it appealing to parents who desire names that
transition seamlessly from infancy to adulthood, reflecting a preference for
sophistication.
Corrigan notes that Elodie has a
"soft yet striking" feel and a melodic sound that sets it apart,
giving it a distinct and individualistic aura. She believes that Elodie's
gentle and nurturing sound adds to its appeal, particularly in an era where
parents are drawn to names that convey warmth and versatility.
Ophelia
Jennifer Moss, the founder of BabyNames.com, anticipates a rapid rise in popularity for the name Ophelia among girls. She suggests that the enduring popularity of Olivia, which has consistently been in the Top 10, has led people to consider Ophelia as a less common alternative.
Ophelia only re-entered the Social
Security Administration's (SSA) Top 1,000 names in 2015, more than 50 years
after dropping off the list. Currently, it holds the position of No. 272.
Moss points out that Ophelia has
ascended more than 100 spots in the last five years, indicating a swift and
notable surge in popularity. The rapid climb up the charts signals a growing
preference for the name among parents.
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