As 2025 draws to a close, Canadian parents are already looking ahead to the naming trends that will define 2026. A new, comprehensive report from the parenting platform BabyCenter has analyzed data from hundreds of thousands of families to predict the key influences shaping baby name choices for the coming year.
Where Are Parents Finding Inspiration?
The data reveals that modern parents are casting a wide net for inspiration, moving far beyond traditional classics. Rebekah Wahlberg, a baby name trends specialist at BabyCenter, confirmed this shift. She told HuffPost that today's parents are willing to look anywhere and everywhere for ideas, from literature and music to sports and celebrity culture.
BabyCenter's predictions are not just guesses; they are grounded in solid data. The report is based on information from more than 350,000 babies born between November 2024 and November 2025, whose names were shared with the website and app by their parents.
The Top Trends for 2026
So, what specific trends are driving name choices? The report identifies several key categories that are seeing a significant surge in popularity.
Prestige Television Takes Center Stage
Hit shows are proving to be a major source of inspiration. Character names from popular series like Severance, The White Lotus, and The Pitt are climbing the charts. Parents are increasingly choosing names such as Helena, Belinda, Chelsea, Valentin, Samira, Heather, and Cassie for their newborns.
The Allure of Cottagecore
The cozy, countryside aesthetic known as cottagecore is influencing more than just home decor and fashion. It's also making a mark on baby names. This trend evokes a peaceful, natural lifestyle, and names that reflect this vibe are on the rise. Look for increases in names like Juniper, Flora, Sienna, Eloise, Reed, Rowan, and Heath.
A Return to Classic Literature
Perhaps surprisingly, classic books are having a major moment. Wahlberg expressed surprise, noting that names from The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye were not initially on her radar. This trend points to a wave of nostalgia for the literature parents read in their youth. Names gaining traction include Sawyer, Finn, Holden, Daisy, Jay, Ishmael, Ernest, Sylvia, and Octavia.
Sports Stars and Pop Culture Icons
Current basketball stars are providing fresh name inspiration. The report highlights name boosts for players from the NBA Championship-winning Oklahoma City Thunder, such as Jaylin, Jalen, Dillon, and Isaiah. WNBA all-stars like Courtney, Kelsey, Natasha, and Erica are also influencing choices.
Meanwhile, Y2K nostalgia, fueled by events like the Backstreet Boys' Las Vegas residency, is bringing names like Howie, Nick, Lance, and Joey back into fashion.
Other Notable Influences
The legacy of the late Pope Francis is inspiring parents to choose names like Francis, Francesco, Frankie, and Francesca. The monumental success of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album is boosting the popularity of names featured on the record, such as Rose and Jane, as well as featured artists like Miley and Willie. Finally, the popular series The Summer I Turned Pretty is driving interest in names like Isabel and Susannah.
For parents in Canada and beyond, these trends offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural forces shaping our identities from the very beginning. Whether you're looking to embrace the latest fads or avoid them, this report provides valuable insight for making an inspired decision.
