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The 5 biggest baby name trends of 2023 so far
The top baby names of 2022 are in, according to the Social Security Administration – but what about the top names of 2023? While the official rankings won't be available until next year, we can examine current trends using live data from Momcozy parents. Five key naming patterns have emerged so far this year: a continued rise in nature-inspired names like River, Willow, and Sky; gender-neutral options gaining momentum with names such as Parker, Riley, and Jordan; a resurgence of vintage classics including Theodore, Evelyn, and Florence; international influences bringing names like Mateo, Aria, and Kai to prominence; and shorter, minimalist names such as Leo, Mia, and Ava dominating the charts. These trends reflect our changing cultural values and parents' desire for both uniqueness and meaning in their children's names.
Choosing a baby name is such a monumental experience in pregnancy. The pressure to pick the right name can feel heavy and the options seem endless. Some parents-to-be start with a preferred letter, while others lean into a sound or meaning. Each year we watch the naming patterns take shape, and 2023 has already introduced some fascinating trends. From vintage revivals to nature-inspired choices, today's parents are finding creative ways to honor tradition while embracing uniqueness. Names like Luca, Maeve, Atlas, and Freya are climbing the charts, reflecting our collective desire for names with depth, character, and cultural significance. Whether you're drawn to short, punchy names or elaborate, melodic ones, the perfect name for your little one is waiting to be discovered.
In 2022, we saw a rise in utopian and celestial names. Movie characters also inspired some lovely names (we're looking at you, Encanto). The Social Security Administration recently announced the top baby names of 2022Opens a new window – but now we're five months into 2023. This year's baby name trends are already taking shape, with parents gravitating toward vintage classics, nature-inspired options, and names with meaningful cultural roots. Names like Luna, Atlas, and Aurelia continue gaining popularity, while gender-neutral choices such as River and Quinn remain strong contenders. With 2022 behind us, let's look ahead to the distinctive naming patterns emerging in 2023.
We gather our baby name data from parents who share their babies' names in real time, giving us an up-to-the-minute look at what's trending in 2023. This unique approach allows us to spot emerging patterns months before official government statistics are released. While the data in this article is frozen for reporting purposes, you can take a live look at the top 100 baby names here.
The first major trend we've observed is the rise of vintage names making a comeback. Names like Florence, Theodore, Maeve, and Archie are experiencing renewed popularity as parents seek timeless classics with historical depth.
Nature-inspired names represent our second significant trend, with parents increasingly choosing names that evoke the natural world. Names such as Willow, River, Sage, and Jasper are climbing the charts as families seek connections to the environment.
Gender-neutral naming continues as our third trend, with more parents opting for unisex options. Names like Charlie, Riley, Blake, and Jordan are popular choices that work beautifully regardless of gender.
The fourth trend shows short, punchy names dominating this year. Two and three-letter names such as Bo, Kai, Ava, and Leo are increasingly favored for their simplicity and memorability.
Finally, we're seeing cultural diversity as our fifth major trend, with parents embracing names from their heritage or from global traditions. Names like Mateo, Aria, Zara, and Kai represent this beautiful multicultural approach to naming.
We studied the most popular baby names of 2023 so far and identified five distinct trends that are shaping naming choices this year. From nature-inspired names like Willow and River gaining momentum, to the continued rise of vintage classics such as Theodore and Florence, parents are showing clear preferences. Gender-neutral options including Morgan and Riley are increasingly popular, while names with powerful meanings like Ethan (strong) and Sophia (wisdom) remain favorites. Finally, we're seeing a notable increase in shorter, minimalist names such as Leo, Mia, and Kai that work well across multiple cultures and languages.
1. Nature names
Botanical and environmental inspirations gaining popularity
Nature-inspired names continue to flourish in 2023, maintaining their strong presence in baby name charts. Leading this trend is Olivia, which has held the #1 position for girls since 2021, alongside its masculine counterpart Oliver – both deriving from the olive tree. Parents are increasingly drawn to botanical options like Lily, Willow, Ivy, and Sage, while environmental elements inspire choices such as River, Sky, Ocean, and Storm. This connection to the natural world offers parents a way to instill values of environmental appreciation while providing names with organic beauty and symbolic depth. The trend crosses gender boundaries, with names like Rowan, Aspen, and Phoenix gaining popularity for both boys and girls.
Floral and botanical names continue to bloom in popularity charts for 2023, particularly for girls. Traditional favorites like Violet, Hazel, Willow, and Ivy have maintained their positions in the top 100 for several years, cementing their status as modern classics. Meanwhile, rising stars include Iris, which only recently entered the top 100, and Jasmine, which shows signs of regaining its former popularity after a brief decline. The sweet and cheerful Daisy is experiencing a notable resurgence as well. Beyond florals, parents are increasingly drawn to broader nature-inspired names like River, Sage, Sky, and Forest for boys, while gender-neutral options such as Robin, Wren, and Aspen are gaining traction among parents seeking names with natural significance and ecological connections.
In 2023, parents are increasingly drawn to the natural world for baby name inspiration. Floral names like Lily, Rose, Violet, and Dahlia continue their perennial popularity, while woodland-inspired names such as Willow, Aspen, and Rowan are climbing the charts. Parents love to name their little girls after other natural phenomena, too: Aurora (northern lights), Stella (star), and Luna (moon) have all seen significant growth. For boys, rugged nature names including River, Forrest, Brooks, and Stone offer a perfect blend of strength and natural beauty. This trend reflects our growing appreciation for the environment and desire to connect our children with the enduring elegance of the natural world.
Nature-inspired names have surged in popularity as parents increasingly seek connections to the natural world for their children. While traditionally more common for girls, this trend has expanded significantly for boys as well. Names like Rowan, River, and Leo have climbed into the top 100 boys' names, while girls' options such as Lily, Willow, and Aurora continue to flourish. Botanical choices including Sage, Ivy, and Hazel reflect parents' desire for names with organic roots and meaningful symbolism. Environmental elements like Sky, Ocean, and Forrest are also gaining traction, suggesting a growing cultural appreciation for sustainability and natural beauty that parents want to instill in the next generation.
2. Vintage names
Classic choices making a stylish comeback
The cyclical nature of baby naming is evident as vintage monikers from a century ago are experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Names like Theodore, Florence, and Arthur that once graced our great-grandparents' generation are now adorning birth certificates nationwide. Eleanor and Oliver have surged in popularity, combining timeless elegance with modern appeal. Parents are increasingly drawn to these classic choices for their distinctive character and historical depth, seeking names that feel both familiar and fresh. The vintage revival extends to previously overlooked gems like Hazel, Silas, and Josephine, which offer the perfect blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary sophistication.
Parents are increasingly drawn to the timeless charm of vintage names that carry both history and character. Names like Eleanor, Theodore, Florence, and Arthur have surged in popularity, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and sophistication. These century-old classics feel fresh again as modern parents seek meaningful names with established roots. Other vintage treasures gaining momentum include Hazel, Otto, Margot, and Walter - names that exude old-world elegance while still feeling distinctive in today's playgrounds.
3. Short names
Brief, impactful names trending in simplicity
Parents in 2023 are embracing brevity with a surge in popularity for short, punchy names, particularly those with four letters or fewer. Traditional classics like John, Luke, and Adam continue their longstanding popularity, while newcomers such as Milo, Ace, and Zion are breaking into the top 100 for the first time. For girls, names like Mia, Ella, Nova, and Luna exemplify this trend toward simplicity. These minimalist names pack maximum impact, offering easy pronunciation and spelling while avoiding the need for nicknames. Many parents appreciate how these concise names pair well with longer surnames and convey strength and clarity in our fast-paced digital world.
The minimalist movement continues to influence baby naming, with concise, powerful names gaining popularity in 2023. For girls, short names like Mia, Ava, Isla, Zoe, and Nova remain cherished choices despite fewer short girl names appearing in the top 100 this year. For boys, names like Leo, Kai, Max, Theo, and Eli demonstrate the growing preference for brevity. These compact names offer practical advantages—they're easy to spell, pronounce, and rarely get shortened to nicknames. They also travel well internationally and pair elegantly with longer surnames. The trend reflects modern parents' desire for names that are simultaneously straightforward and distinctive, proving that sometimes the most impactful statements come in the smallest packages.
4. Names with strong meanings
Parents choosing names with powerful significance
In 2023, parents are increasingly drawn to names that carry weight and substance, reflecting their hopes and values for their children. Many are selecting names that literally embody positive qualities: Faith, Grace, and Serenity continue their popularity in the top 100 girl names. For boys, names like Leo (meaning 'lion'), Ethan (meaning 'strong, firm'), and Mateo (meaning 'gift of God') are trending upward. Beyond English words, parents are researching name origins across cultures, seeking options like Amara (meaning 'eternal' in multiple languages), Kai (meaning 'sea' in Hawaiian), and Zara (meaning 'radiance'). This trend suggests parents are looking beyond sound alone, wanting their children's names to carry inherent power and positive attributes that might shape their identity.
In 2023, parents are increasingly drawn to names that carry powerful meanings and symbolism, moving beyond just how a name sounds. Many families are researching name origins and selecting options that embody qualities they hope their children will develop. Names like Atlas (strength), Ethan (strong, firm), and Valentina (strong, healthy) have seen notable rises. For girls, Amara meaning 'eternal' and Adira signifying 'strong' are gaining popularity. For boys, Mateo (gift of God) and Orion (rising in the sky) continue their upward trajectory. This trend reflects parents' desires to bestow not just a name, but an inspirational quality or virtue upon their child from birth.
In 2023, parents are increasingly drawn to names that carry powerful meanings and positive attributes. Names like Ethan (meaning 'strong, firm'), Mateo ('gift of God'), and Freya ('noble woman') have seen significant rises in popularity. For daughters, choices like Athena (representing wisdom and courage), Seraphina ('ardent, fiery'), and Valentina ('strong, healthy') reflect the desire for children to embody these qualities. Boy names including Leo ('lion'), Orion (the mighty hunter), and Zion (representing strength and sanctuary) continue to climb the charts. This trend showcases parents' hopes to bestow characteristics of resilience, wisdom, and power upon their children through meaningful nomenclature.
5. Names that used to be nicknames
Diminutives becoming formal first names
A growing trend in 2023 is parents choosing traditional nicknames as official first names on birth certificates. Historically used as informal shortenings, diminutives like Ellie instead of Eleanor, Jack instead of John, and Theo instead of Theodore are now standing confidently on their own. This trend offers the charm and approachability of nickname forms while simplifying paperwork. Liam, originally a nickname for William, exemplifies this evolution - after entering the charts as an independent name in the 1960s, it's now consistently ranked among America's most popular boy names for over a decade. Other rising examples include Max, Leo, Sadie, Millie, and Charlie for all genders, reflecting parents' preference for names that feel both casual and complete.
A significant trend this year is parents choosing traditional nicknames as standalone first names for their babies. Names like Ellie (instead of Eleanor), Jack (instead of John), Theo (instead of Theodore), and Archie (instead of Archibald) are gaining popularity as parents embrace these shorter, often more playful options. Other examples include Sadie (originally a nickname for Sarah), Millie (for Millicent), Charlie (for Charles), and Frankie (for Francis/Frances). This trend reflects a move toward informality and the desire for names that feel both familiar and distinctive, allowing children to have approachable yet complete names from birth without needing to shorten longer traditional names.
The top 10 boy names of 2023 so far
Leading male names dominating the charts
In 2023, the classic Irish name Liam continues to reign supreme as the most popular boy's name in America, followed closely by the timeless biblical name Noah in second place. The charming vintage name Oliver secured the third spot, while the ever-popular James holds strong at number four. Rounding out the top five is the biblical name Elijah. The Spanish name Mateo has made an impressive showing at number six, reflecting growing multicultural influences in American naming trends. Theodore, experiencing a classic name revival, claims the seventh position, followed by the regal Henry at number eight. The romantic name Lucas takes ninth place, while the traditional favorite William completes the top ten. This year's rankings showcase a beautiful blend of traditional, biblical, and multicultural names that modern parents are choosing for their sons.
The top 10 girl names of 2023 so far
Most popular female names leading this year's rankings
The 2023 rankings for girls' names reveal that Olivia, a name with Latin roots meaning "olive tree," maintains its position at the top of the list. The elegant and classic Emma follows in second place, while Charlotte, a name with royal connections, holds firmly in third. The vintage favorite Amelia claims the fourth spot, followed by the sophisticated Sophia in fifth place. The short and sweet Mia takes the sixth position, while the romantic Italian name Isabella ranks seventh. The graceful Ava secures eighth place, and the classic revival name Evelyn claims the ninth spot. Perhaps most notably, the ethereal name Luna rounds out the top ten, reflecting parents' growing interest in celestial and nature-inspired names. This year's top names showcase a beautiful mix of classic elegance, royal inspiration, and modern sensibilities, with many names having deep historical roots while still feeling fresh and contemporary.
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