2025–2026 US Baby Names: What’s Trending on Peanut Right Now

If you thought baby names were all about chasing the latest TikTok trend… think again.

The US’s parents aren’t racing for novelty — they’re rewinding the clock.

On Peanut, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of names that feel like they’ve been lifted from storybooks, pressed into family photo albums, or stitched onto vintage baby blankets.

But what’s happening for 2025 and 2026?

In this article: 📝

The big story: A vintage revival

For girls, the vibe is all soft, whimsical, and old-school. Think Ruby, Elsie, Matilda, and Margot. These names are textured, layered, and full of stories.

Ruby is giving retro glamour, Matilda screams literary heroine, and Elsie feels like she wandered straight out of an Edwardian fairytale.

On the boys’ side, Freddie has powered into the top three, cozying up to long-time faves like Theo and Leo. Rory’s also sneaking in, proof that parents are widening the pool beyond Oliver and George. Strength is still in the mix, but softened with sweetness and ease.

👉 If vintage charm is your thing, dive deeper into our guide to vintage baby names for even more inspiration.

The data so far

Oliver and Liam lead the boys’ list, proving the US's love for short and soft boy names isn’t going anywhere. For girls, Sophia still blooms at the top, but vintage picks like Violet and Ellie are catching up fast.

👧 Top 10 girl’s names of 2025

1. Sofia or Sophia
2. Olivia
3. Charlotte
4. Amelia
5. Lilly or Lily
6. Ellie
7. Emma
8. Isabella
9. Aurora
10. Violet

👦 Top 10 boy’s names of 2025

1. Oliver
2. Liam
3. Henry
4. Leo
5. Theo
6. Mateo or Matteo
7. Lucas
8. Jack
9. Levi
10. Elijah

👶 Top 10 gender-neutral names of 2025

1. Noa or Noah
2. Luca or Luka
3. Grayson or Greyson
4. Ezra
5. Charlie
6. James
7. Harper
8. Hudson
9. Kai
10. Rowan

Rising stars since last year

The real story isn’t just who’s on top — it’s who’s climbing.

Some names have had a moment this year — jumping onto the list for the first time or suddenly surging in popularity. From retro revivals to sweet, gender-neutral picks, 2025 brought a few fresh stars to the baby name stage.

Names like Myla, Casey, Summer, Callan, and Piper made the biggest leaps from 2024, each going from virtually unheard to newly adored. And joining them? Chic comeback names like Vera, Bodhi, Jensen, Callie, and Callahan — all proving that parents are loving short, strong, and slightly vintage vibes.

Whether it’s the soft-but-bold Myla or the effortlessly cool Bodhi, this year’s breakout names are all about individuality with warmth — less trend-chasing, more meaning-making.

These subtle shifts are why Peanut is such a crystal ball for naming trends.

The names bubbling up here? Expect to see them on ONS charts this time next year.

Same leaders, some fresh faces

The top of the baby name charts hasn’t changed much — and honestly, we get it. Oliver, Noah, and Olivia are still reigning supreme for another year, with timeless appeal that’s hard to beat. Charlotte, Luca, and Henry continue to hold strong too, proving that classic charm never really goes out of style.

But there are some exciting new names creeping into the top 20 for 2025. Isabella and Elijah have made a graceful comeback, while Hudson and Aurora bring a touch of modern flair to the mix. The vibe? A blend of old-school elegance and celestial-cool — names that sound just as at home in storybooks as they do on playgrounds.

So while the leaders are steady at the top, the next generation of favorites is already knocking on the nursery door — and they’re bringing star power with them.

Boys vs girls: A naming divide

The 2025 baby name charts are still giving boy-mom energy — at least in the numbers. Of the top 20 most popular names, 12 belong to boys, 7 to girls, and just one (Luca) straddles that unisex middle ground.

Classic boy names like Oliver, Noah, and Henry continue to dominate, keeping that timeless, grounded feel parents clearly can’t get enough of. But there’s a definite shift toward softer sounds — think Theo, Leo, and Luca — proving that gentle strength is the new cool.

Meanwhile, the girls’ list is pure elegance. Olivia, Charlotte, and Amelia remain fan favorites, joined by celestial newcomers like Aurora and romantic staples like Isabella. These names bring a dreamy, lyrical vibe that balances out the sturdy boys’ club at the top.

So, while the charts are still slightly tilted toward the boys, 2025’s naming landscape shows one clear trend: parents are blending strength with softness — no matter the gender.

Why now?

Why the vintage revival? Part of it might be cultural nostalgia. After years of uncertainty, parents may be drawn to names that feel rooted, safe, and enduring.

Names that carry the weight of history, or that remind them of grandparents, classic stories, or nature. It also connects to wider cultural aesthetics.

We’re in a moment where vintage florals, cottagecore interiors, and retro baby clothes are everywhere. It makes sense that names like Ivy, Poppy, Elsie, Freya, and Matilda are climbing too — they’re part of a wider vibe shift.

Names to watch for 2026

A few fresh names are making serious moves this year — and they’re giving us clues about where baby name trends are headed next.

For girls, soft-yet-strong names are in. Tessa, Raven, Raya, Mina, and Esme are all new arrivals to the top charts in 2025 — semi-gothic, enchanting names that catch the eye.

On the boys’ side, Rafael, Jonas, Tucker, Tristan, and Ozzy are the ones to watch. These names carry a bit of rugged sophistication — stylish but not try-hard, timeless but still fresh. And it’s no surprise that Ozzy makes a new addition to our list, after The Prince of Darkness himself.

And it’s not just the traditional gender divide getting attention. Gender-neutral names like Robin and Forrest are quietly gaining ground, appealing to parents who love earthy, unisex options that feel warm, grounded, and beautifully open-ended.

If 2025’s newcomers are anything to go by, the next year of baby names will lean toward meaningful classics with personality — names that feel familiar but never overdone.

Full list of Peanut’s most popular baby names for 2025 and 2026

Ready to see which names everyone’s loving right now? Here’s the full rundown of Peanut’s most popular baby names for 2025 and 2026 — from timeless favorites to brand-new trendsetters making their debut.

1. Oliver: Meaning “olive tree” in Latin.
2. Noah: Meaning “rest” or “comfort” in Hebrew.
3. Olivia: Meaning “olive tree” in Latin.
4. Henry: Meaning “ruler of the home” in German.
5. Charlotte: Meaning “free person” in French.
6. Luca: Meaning “bringer of light” in Italian.
7. Ellie: Meaning “shining light” in Greek.
8. Amelia: Meaning “work” or “industrious” in Latin.
9. Lucas: Meaning “light-giving” in Greek.
10. Liam: Meaning “strong-willed warrior” in Irish.
11. Isabella: Meaning “pledged to God” in Hebrew.
12. Theo: Meaning “gift of God” in Greek.
13. Elijah: Meaning “my God is Yahweh” in Hebrew.
14. Hudson: Meaning “son of Hugh” in English.
15. Jack: Meaning “God is gracious” in English.
16. Levi: Meaning “joined” or “attached” in Hebrew.
17. Mateo: Meaning “gift of God” in Spanish.
18. Leo: Meaning “lion” in Latin.
19. Aurora: Meaning “dawn” in Latin.
20. Emma: Meaning “whole” or “universal” in German.
21. James: Meaning “supplanter” in Hebrew.
22. Lily: Meaning “pure” or “rebirth” in English.
23. Sophia: Meaning “wisdom” in Greek.
24. Violet: Meaning “purple flower” in Latin.
25. Kai: Meaning “sea” in Hawaiian (also “forgiveness” in Japanese).
26. Nora: Meaning “light” or “honor” in Greek and Latin.
27. Eleanor: Meaning “bright, shining one” in Greek.
28. Ezra: Meaning “help” in Hebrew.
29. Charlie: Meaning “free person” in English.
30. Harper: Meaning “harp player” in English.
31. Jackson: Meaning “son of Jack” in English.
32. Sebastian: Meaning “venerable” or “revered” in Greek.
33. Hazel: Meaning “the hazelnut tree” in English.
34. Isla: Meaning “island” in Scottish.
35. Aria: Meaning “air” or “melody” in Italian.
36. Evelyn: Meaning “wished-for child” in English.
37. Weston: Meaning “from the western town” in English.
38. Rowan: Meaning “little red-haired one” or “rowan tree” in Irish.
39. Asher: Meaning “happy” or “blessed” in Hebrew.
40. Ava: Meaning “life” or “bird” in Latin.
41. Avery: Meaning “ruler of the elves” in English.
42. Carter: Meaning “transporter of goods by cart” in English.
43. Penelope: Meaning “weaver” in Greek.
44. Willow: Meaning “graceful tree” in English.
45. Miles: Meaning “soldier” or “merciful” in Latin.
46. Bennett: Meaning “blessed” in Latin.
47. Grayson: Meaning “son of the steward” in English.
48. Theodore: Meaning “gift of God” in Greek.
49. Sofia: Meaning “wisdom” in Greek.
50. Waylon: Meaning “roadside land” in Old English.
51. Roman: Meaning “citizen of Rome” in Latin.
52. Owen: Meaning “young warrior” or “well-born” in Welsh.
53. Mason: Meaning “stoneworker” in English.
54. Mia: Meaning “mine” or “beloved” in Italian and Scandinavian.
55. Scarlett: Meaning “red” or “vibrant” in English.
56. Alexander: Meaning “defender of men” in Greek.
57. Maverick: Meaning “independent” or “nonconformist” in American English.
58. Teddy: Meaning “wealthy guardian” in English; diminutive of Edward or Theodore.
59. August: Meaning “great” or “magnificent” in Latin.
60. Wesley: Meaning “western meadow” in English.
61. Atlas: Meaning “to carry” in Greek mythology.
62. Eliana: Meaning “God has answered” in Hebrew.
63. Parker: Meaning “park keeper” in English.
64. William: Meaning “resolute protector” in Germanic.
65. Michael: Meaning “who is like God?” in Hebrew.
66. Matthew: Meaning “gift of God” in Hebrew.
67. Beau: Meaning “handsome” in French.
68. Cooper: Meaning “barrel maker” in English.
69. Julian: Meaning “youthful” in Latin.
70. Lincoln: Meaning “town by the pool” in Old English.
71. Logan: Meaning “small hollow” in Scottish.
72. Luke: Meaning “light-giving” in Greek.
73. Luna: Meaning “moon” in Latin.
74. River: Meaning “flowing stream of water” in English.
75. Thomas: Meaning “twin” in Aramaic.
76. Riley: Meaning “valiant” or “rye clearing” in Irish and English.
77. Ivy: Meaning “faithfulness” or “evergreen plant” in English.
78. Delilah: Meaning “delicate” or “tempting” in Hebrew.
79. Arthur: Meaning “bear” or “noble” in Celtic.
80. Oakley: Meaning “oak clearing” in English.
81. Sophie: Meaning “wisdom” in Greek.
82. Benjamin: Meaning “son of the right hand” in Hebrew.
83. Elias: Meaning “Yahweh is God” in Hebrew.
84. Nolan: Meaning “champion” or “noble” in Irish.
85. Wyatt: Meaning “brave in war” in English.
86. Naomi: Meaning “pleasantness” in Hebrew.
87. Chloe: Meaning “blooming” or “fertility” in Greek.
88. Ella: Meaning “light” or “beautiful fairy woman” in Germanic.
89. Everett: Meaning “brave as a wild boar” in English.
90. Gabriel: Meaning “God is my strength” in Hebrew.
91. Max: Meaning “greatest” in Latin.
92. Walker: Meaning “cloth-walker” or “fuller” in English.
93. Silas: Meaning “forest” or “wood” in Latin.
94. Alice: Meaning “noble” or “kind” in Old French.
95. Jameson: Meaning “son of James” in English.
96. Isaiah: Meaning “God is salvation” in Hebrew.
97. Archer: Meaning “bowman” in English.
98. Layla: Meaning “night” in Arabic.
99. Mila: Meaning “gracious” or “dear” in Slavic.
100. Samuel: Meaning “heard by God” in Hebrew.

The Peanut POV

With thousands of mothers connecting daily, Peanut gives a first glimpse into tomorrow’s trends before they hit the official stats.

These lists reflect what parents are craving, dreaming, and imagining for their little ones.

And in 2025, the US baby name story is shaping up to be one of nostalgia and revival.

Names that feel familiar but fresh, grounded yet lyrical. Names that carry history while still making space for new stories.

Because choosing a name isn’t just about being unique or following the crowd.

It’s about finding something that resonates — whether that’s a nod to your grandmother’s favourite flower, a character who’s always inspired you, or simply a sound that feels like home.

That’s what makes Peanut so powerful: it’s not just where trends are spotted, it’s where they begin.

And right now? The US is leaning into names that are as comforting as they are timeless.

Honestly, we’re here for it.

Want to see what's going on in the UK for 2025-2026 baby names? We've got you covered