- Modern Hero Names: Names honoring heroes both real and fictional works for both boys and girls. Have a favorite character, author, sports star or actor? This is your chance to honor them. Example: Mariah Carey’s daughter, Monroe
- Same But Different Names: Parents want more than anything to avoid overly-used popular names. But some parents are choosing variations of well-liked names. Example: Isabella becomes Arabella or Annabelle
- Fierce Names: This trend is for the boys: Fearsome names like Bear, Fox, and Wolf are gaining popularity — and definitely the best way to make your kid the toughest around! Example: Bear, Fox or Wolf
- West: Like the fierce trend, these names have a rough and tumble edge. Expect to see a generation of little cowboys. Example: West, Colt and Wyatt
- A: I’m all on board for this trend (my name is Anna)! A is now the hottest vowel in baby names. Example: Aria, Aurelia, Alistair
- M: If A is the hottest vowel, then M is the top consonant. Example: May, Millie, Milo
- Adjective Names: Skip the over-used nouns; adjectives are the next thing. Example: Royal, Sunny, True
- Betty: Call it the Betty White effect, or did Mad Men bring the name back? Example: Betty, duh
- New Connectors: Names that have a connection like choosing family middle names that are the nicknames of the person being honored. Example: Naomi Watts’s son, Alexander Pete
- Arlo: This trend apparently comes from the gun-toting grandpa on Justified. Yeah, we don’t get it either. Example: Arlo
- -ley names: This trend is going to get old, fast. Just stick -ley onto the end of any name. Example: Brinley, Finley, Kinley, you get the idea…
- -ie names: This has a vintage feel to it, but beware of getting too cutsie. Example: Hattie, Addie
What name would you pick for your kid, HollyMoms? Do any of these trends match your kids’ names?
-Anna Moeslein
Get other baby name inspiration:
- Eight Percent Of Parents Regret Their Kid’s Name! Do You?
- HollyBaby Bloggers Sarah & Neil Want YOU To Choose A Name For Their Baby Boy!
- New Mom Mariah Carey Tweets A Baby-Name Hint — Can You Guess?