If you are expecting a baby in January 2024, you might be wondering what names will be trending by then. Will you go with a classic name that never goes out of style, or a trendy name that reflects the times? Will you choose a name that honors your heritage, or a name that expresses your personality? Will you follow the crowd, or stand out from the pack?
To help you decide, we have analyzed the latest data from Nameberry, TODAY, Kidrovia, and Parental Questions, four popular sources of baby name trends and predictions. Based on their insights, we have identified some of the key themes and styles that will shape the baby name landscape in 2024, and selected some of the best examples of names that fit each category. Here are our top picks for the hottest baby names for January 2024:
Girl Names for Boys
One of the most daring and surprising trends for 2024 is the use of traditionally feminine names for boys. This trend challenges the gender stereotypes and norms that have long dictated the naming choices for parents. By choosing a girl name for a boy, parents are sending a message of empowerment, diversity, and creativity. Some of the girl names that are expected to rise in popularity for boys in 2024 are:
- Blair: A name that means “plain” or “field” in Scottish, Blair is a sleek and sophisticated name for a boy. It is also the name of a famous character from the TV show Gossip Girl, played by Leighton Meester.
- Eden: A name that means “place of pleasure” in Hebrew, Eden is a name that evokes paradise and beauty. It is also the name of a biblical garden where Adam and Eve lived.
- Jade: A name that comes from the green gemstone, Jade is a name that symbolizes luck, wisdom, and purity. It is also the name of a popular singer, Jade Thirlwall, from the girl group Little Mix.
- Robin: A name that comes from the bird, Robin is a name that conveys cheerfulness, courage, and loyalty. It is also the name of a legendary hero, Robin Hood, who stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
- Rose: A name that comes from the flower, Rose is a name that represents love, beauty, and elegance. It is also the name of a famous actress, Rose Byrne, who starred in the movies Bridesmaids and Spy.
Feminine Feminist Names
Another trend for 2024 is the revival of feminine names that have a strong feminist meaning or association. These names celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in history, culture, and society, and inspire the next generation of girls to follow their footsteps. Some of the feminine feminist names that are expected to be popular for girls in 2024 are:
- Ada: A name that means “noble” or “happy” in German, Ada is a name that honors Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer and a pioneer of mathematics and science.
- Eleanor: A name that means “bright, shining one” in Greek, Eleanor is a name that pays tribute to Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest-serving First Lady of the United States and a champion of human rights and social justice.
- Harriet: A name that means “ruler of the home” in German, Harriet is a name that salutes Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist and activist who led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
- Malala: A name that means “grief-stricken” in Pashto, Malala is a name that celebrates Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a global advocate for girls’ education and empowerment.
- Ruth: A name that means “friend” or “companion” in Hebrew, Ruth is a name that commemorates Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Supreme Court Justice and a trailblazer for women’s rights and equality.
Baby Men and Women
A third trend for 2024 is the use of names that sound more like adult names than baby names. These names reflect the growing tendency of parents to treat their children as mini-adults, with sophisticated tastes, preferences, and opinions. These names also suggest maturity, confidence, and professionalism, qualities that parents hope their children will develop and display. Some of the baby men and women names that are expected to be in demand for both boys and girls in 2024 are:
- Arthur: A name that means “bear” in Celtic, Arthur is a name that evokes royalty, chivalry, and legend. It is also the name of a famous king, Arthur Pendragon, who ruled over Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table.
- Clara: A name that means “clear” or “bright” in Latin, Clara is a name that conveys elegance, grace, and intelligence. It is also the name of a renowned nurse, Clara Barton, who founded the American Red Cross.
- Felix: A name that means “happy” or “lucky” in Latin, Felix is a name that expresses joy, optimism, and charm. It is also the name of a popular cartoon character, Felix the Cat, who is known for his mischievous adventures.
- Margot: A name that means “pearl” in French, Margot is a name that exudes style, glamour, and sophistication. It is also the name of a famous actress, Margot Robbie, who starred in the movies The Wolf of Wall Street and Suicide Squad.
- Theo: A name that means “god” or “gift” in Greek, Theo is a name that implies power, wisdom, and generosity. It is also the name of a famous painter, Theo van Gogh, who was the brother and patron of Vincent van Gogh.
Nature-Inspired Names
A fourth trend for 2024 is the popularity of names that are inspired by nature, especially plants, animals, and celestial bodies. These names reflect the growing awareness and appreciation of the natural world, as well as the desire to connect with it. These names also convey a sense of beauty, wonder, and harmony, qualities that parents wish for their children. Some of the nature-inspired names that are expected to be hot for both boys and girls in 2024 are:
- Luna: A name that means “moon” in Latin, Luna is a name that captures the magic, mystery, and romance of the night sky. It is also the name of a beloved character from the Harry Potter series, Luna Lovegood, who is known for her quirky and creative personality.
- River: A name that comes from the flowing body of water, River is a name that suggests movement, freedom, and adventure. It is also the name of a famous actor, River Phoenix, who starred in the movies Stand by Me and My Own Private Idaho.
- Ivy: A name that comes from the climbing plant, Ivy is a name that symbolizes growth, persistence, and loyalty. It is also the name of a popular singer, Ivy Levan, who is known for her soulful and powerful voice.
- Forest: A name that comes from the large area of land covered with trees, Forest is a name that evokes nature, tranquility, and exploration. It is also the name of a famous actor, Forest Whitaker, who won an Oscar for his role in The Last King of Scotland.
- Ruby: A name that comes from the red gemstone, Ruby is a name that represents passion, courage, and love. It is also the name of a legendary singer, Ruby Dee, who was also an activist and a civil rights icon.