The Baby Names That Should Be on Everyone's List
The names that should be on everyone's list for 2025 are the most stylish up-and-coming choices for the year ahead.
We've identified 50 names — sourced from our Nameberry popularity charts, celebrity birth announcements, movies and television shows, and of course, our own intuition — that feel just right for 2025 babies.
Names that should be on everyone's list include trending nature names like Maple and Canyon, vintage revivals such as Bernadette and Thaddeus, and unisex favorites including Hollis and Lou.
These names fit baby name trends 2025 — look out for Global Americana and Croc Names! — and will be cool names for years to come.
Whether or not you're expecting a baby this year, these are the names that should be on your list for 2025:
Baby Names That Should Be on Everyone's List
If You Like Trendy Names...
Cassian
Strong, soft, and saintly, Cassian is a character in the Star Wars universe and the book series A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Dove
A middle name favorite that has yet to soar as a first. But with bird names like Wren on the rise, this symbol of peace may soon take flight.
Elowen
With its nature roots and elegant sound, this Cornish gem fits the El- name trend while offering the sweet nickname Winnie.
Kylian
The stylish French form of Irish Cillian, Kylian combines several on-trend elements: a K initial, a Y in place of another vowel, a -ian ending, and a connection to sport via footballer Kylian Mbappé.
Townes
Rare but effortlessly cool, Townes has a laid-back, Americana feel — helped by folk legend Townes Van Zandt. Celebrities Hilary Duff and Alexander Ludwig both chose Townes for their 2024 babies, so we're on alert for the rise of Townes.
If You Like Vintage Names...
Abner
Abner combines Biblical roots, literary credibility, and a distinctive, soft sound. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate Abner Doubleday, who is credited with inventing baseball.
Bernadette
Chef Molly Yeh was truly ahead of the curve when she picked Bernadette for her daughter — who goes by Bernie — back in 2019. While many parents are still warming up to this charming, unique choice, now is the perfect moment to embrace it!
Bobbie
With Billie, Scottie, and Andie back in style, Bobbie is poised to be the next trending grandpa name for girls.
Marnie
With gentle sounds but plenty of edge, Marnie is a vintage nickname for Marina, Marianne, or Marceline that would make a familiar but currently underused option.
Thaddeus
A distinguished name with Biblical roots as one of the original Twelve Apostles. Thaddeus offers a solid alternative for parents who love Theodore but want to avoid the popularity.
If You Like Gender-Neutral Names...
Hollis
This name blends a tailored, vintage feel with modern versatility, making it a true gender-neutral choice. With its surname style and nature ties — meaning "dweller near holly trees" — Hollis fits multiple up-and-coming trends.
Lou
Lou has been popping up as a trendy middle name, signaling its potential as a first. A short, snappy classic with vintage charm, Lou feels effortlessly cool for any gender.
Rio
A vibrant nature name that evokes the rivers of Latin America, the excitement of Rio de Janeiro, and the energy of the Duran Duran song.
Shai
Pronounced "shy," this name has been quietly rising, offering a soft, sleek sound that fits the trend for gentle yet distinctive names.
Zephyr
This breezy name — meaning "the west wind" — is loved by many Berries, but the rest of the world is only just starting to discover it.
If You Like Crosscultural Names...
Aya
With roots in at least half a dozen languages, Aya is a true cultural chameleon and one of the gentlest-sounding names of all.
Idris
A distinctive but familiar name with Welsh and Arabic roots, the actor Idris Elba has helped put this name on the map.
Lenya
A diminutive of the Russian Leonid, variation of Olena, Helena and similar, and German compound name, Lenya gives you the feel of Anya, Leni, Leo, and Lennon at the same time.
Santi
Short for Santiago, or simply from the word saint, Santi is light and fun but still has deep roots.
Seren
This Welsh name meaning "star," shines as a sleek, under-the-radar alternative to celestial favorites like Stella and Luna.
If You Like Short and Sweet Names...
Avi
A sleek and energetic Hebrew name meaning "my father." With its bright sound and effortless style, Avi fits in with modern mini-names like Eli and Ari while standing out as a distinctive choice.
Cy
Short, sharp, and effortlessly cool, Cy is a rising mini-name with vintage charm. Jennifer Lawrence put it on the map when she chose it for her son — named for artist Cy Twombly — in 2022, giving this old-school nickname fresh appeal.
Dot
Dot is a spunky take on Dorothy that stands strong on its own. With retro names like Mae and Nell coming back, Dot could be next.
Greer
With its sleek, tailored style and Old Hollywood ties via Greer Garson, this Scottish surname meaning "alert, watchful" feels effortlessly cool. As parents continue to embrace tailored names like Blair and Sloane, we're on alert for Greer's rise.
Hale
Hale is a rare nature name with a dual personality — soft and gentle, yet bold and powerful like the icy storm. Its sleek, one-syllable style fits in with rising names like Ford and Hayes.
If You Like Nature Names...
Burl
An understated nature name, Burl refers to the distinctive knots found in tree trunks. Folk singer Burl Ives gave it a homespun, Americana feel.
Calla
This sleek botanical name comes from the calla lily, which symbolizes beauty and elegance. If you want a stylish floral choice that remains refreshingly underused, Calla could be the one.
Canyon
Bold and rugged, Canyon is a nature name with a grand, adventurous feel. River has already made a splash, Canyon may just be next.
Maple
A warm, sweet nature name, associated with trees, maple syrup, Canada, and autumnal colors, Maple sounds enough like Mabel and Mae that it easily works as a name.
Zinnia
This zippy floral name has evaded the nature name trend thus far. It is a vibrant, colorful flower symbolizing friendship and affection. With that -ia ending, Zinnia could fit in well with the Olivias and Amelias.
If You Like Romantic Names...
Auberon
A rare, romantic choice with deep literary and mythical roots, perfect for those who love storied boy names like Ambrose and Leander. it predates Shakespeare’s Oberon and was the name of a fairy king in medieval legend.
Lysander
Dreamy Lysander appears in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and combines the strength of Alexander and the poetic feel of Apollo and Sylvan.
Raphaelle
Elegant and sophisticated Raphaelle is on the rise in its native France. On American shores, it'd be a rare alternative to new French favorites Delphine, Estelle, and Colette.
Soraya
A name of Persian empresses and princesses, Soraya shines with history and starry appeal. This name has an international elegance that fits alongside rising choices like Amaya and Samara.
Tadeo
Energetic and charismatic, Tadeo is a rising star in Spanish-speaking countries. In the U.S., it offers a fresh alternative to Mateo and Santiago.
If You Like Contemporary Names...
Mosaic
An artistic word name — with the cute nickname Mosie — Mosaic feels creative and unusual, yet totally wearable.
Revelry
A brand new word name, with the spark of Felicity, the sass of Rebel, and the familiar sound of Everly.
Roxby
A place name or a modern invention, Roxby featured in the fourth installment of the Bridget Jones movie franchise and feels in tune with contemporary choices like Rex, Rocco, and Colby.
Samadhi
In Indian religions, Samadhi is a state of meditative consciousness. It’s popular in Mexico and is a great spiritual alternative to popular Bodhi.
Summit
Summit offers the best of both worlds as a bold and adventurous word name with a spiritual, enlightened image. It works alongside popular rugged choices like Everest and Wilder.
If You Like Undiscovered International Names...
Nomi
A contraction of Naomi, an accessible Japanese choice, or a chic and spunky Scandinavian variant. Nomi has something for everyone.
Suvi
Pronounced SOO-vee, this Finnish name is a sunny choice that could make an interesting alternative to Susie or Jovie — or even as a nickname for Sunniva.
Vered
The Hebrew word for rose, Vered would be an original honor name for an ancestral Rose, Rosalie, or the like.
Zerrin
A bright-feeling Turkish name pronounced ZEH-reen, this name is associated with the colors yellow and gold, along with daffodils and spring.
Zuko
This Xhosa name carries energy and spark and boasts an honorable meaning: "glory".
If You Like Truly Unusual Names...
Ives
A sleek, minimalist alternative to classic names like Ivan or Elias. Ives is a sharp, stylish pick for those seeking something unique but familiar.
Keedie
A zippy alternative to Katie, Heidi, or Edie, Keedie is a character in Elle McNicoll’s popular novel, A Kind of Spark.
Liodor
If you like Leo and Theodore but find them too popular, try mixing them with this Slavic name. With its bold sound and old-world feel, Liodor could appeal to those seeking something distinguished yet unexpected.
Sula
Best known from Toni Morrison’s novel Sula. This is a powerful and striking name that makes a great alternative to trendy -la picks like Lula and Mila.
Tesni
Pronounced TESS-nee, this short and quirky Welsh name is perfect for a summer-born baby.