Top 100 Trending Baby boy and girl Names for 2026: AI-Predicted Trends Parents Love
Top 100 Trending Baby Names for 2026: AI-Predicted Trends Parents Love
Choosing a baby name has evolved dramatically. In 2026, parents are turning to AI-driven insights to find names that balance "main character energy" with timeless meaning.
Our latest data analysis reveals three major trends dominating nurseries: "Glow Names" (light-inspired), "Grandparent core" (vintage revival), and "Cowboy Cool" (rugged, outdoorsy names).
The "Glow" Trend: Names That Shine
One of the fastest-rising trends for 2026 is names that evoke light, sun, and brilliance. These "Glow Names" symbolize hope and positivity in uncertain times.
Top Glow Names for 2026:
- Ayla (Turkish, meaning "halo of light")
- Aurora (Latin, meaning "dawn")
- Elio (Italian/Spanish, meaning "sun")
- Lucian (Latin, meaning "light")
- Stella (Latin, meaning "star")
- Phoebe (Greek, meaning "bright, shining")
- Lux (Latin, meaning "light")
- Sol (Spanish/Scandinavian, meaning "sun")
- Zia (Arabic, meaning "light, splendor")
- Helios (Greek, meaning "sun")
According to the Nameberry 2026 Trend Report, "Ancient Civilizations" and "Showgirl" names are also seeing a massive resurgence among Gen Alpha's parents.
Top 50 Trending Girl Names for 2026
This year's girl names are dominated by extravagantly feminine sounds and nature-inspired botanical picks.
- Aelia - Meaning: Industrious
- Olivia - Meaning: Olive tree, peace
- Aurora - Meaning: Dawn
- Ivy - Meaning: Faithfulness
- Eleanor - Meaning: Shining light
- Luna - Meaning: Moon
- Ava - Meaning: Life, bird
- Maeve - Meaning: She who intoxicates
- Chloe - Meaning: Blooming
- Charlotte - Meaning: Free woman
- Isla - Meaning: Island
- Eloise - Meaning: Healthy, wide
- Violet - Meaning: Purple flower
- Hazel - Meaning: Hazel tree
- Stella - Meaning: Star
- Penelope - Meaning: Weaver
- Nora - Meaning: Honor
- Eliana - Meaning: My God has answered
- Mila - Meaning: Gracious, dear
- Evelyn - Meaning: Desired, water
- Lily - Meaning: Pure, flower
- Sophia - Meaning: Wisdom
- Emma - Meaning: Universal
- Aria - Meaning: Air, melody
- Harper - Meaning: Harp player
- Mia - Meaning: Mine, beloved
- Ella - Meaning: Fairy maiden
- Scarlett - Meaning: Red
- Grace - Meaning: Elegance, blessing
- Zoe - Meaning: Life
- Riley - Meaning: Courageous
- Abigail - Meaning: Father's joy
- Emily - Meaning: Rival, eager
- Sofia - Meaning: Wisdom
- Avery - Meaning: Ruler of elves
- Layla - Meaning: Night
- Camila - Meaning: Young ceremonial attendant
- Chloe - Meaning: Blooming
- Elena - Meaning: Shining light
- Paisley - Meaning: Church
- Nova - Meaning: New
- Genesis - Meaning: Beginning
- Emery - Meaning: Brave, powerful
- Emilia - Meaning: Rival
- Kennedy - Meaning: Helmeted chief
- Everly - Meaning: Wild boar meadow
- Maya - Meaning: Water
- Quinn - Meaning: Wise, intelligent
- Madison - Meaning: Son of Maud
- Willow - Meaning: Willow tree
Top 50 Trending Boy Names for 2026
For boys, we're seeing a "Cowboy Cool" movement—names that feel rugged, outdoorsy, and strong.
- Noah - Meaning: Rest, peace
- Liam - Meaning: Strong-willed warrior
- Oliver - Meaning: Olive tree
- Elijah - Meaning: Yahweh is my God
- Mateo - Meaning: Gift of God
- Leo - Meaning: Lion
- Luca - Meaning: Bringer of light
- Ezra - Meaning: Help
- Henry - Meaning: Estate ruler
- Mason - Meaning: Stone worker
- Asher - Meaning: Happy, blessed
- Jack - Meaning: God is gracious
- Theodore - Meaning: Gift of God
- James - Meaning: Supplanter
- Lucas - Meaning: Bringer of light
- Benjamin - Meaning: Son of the right hand
- Ethan - Meaning: Strong, firm
- Logan - Meaning: Small hollow
- Samuel - Meaning: God has heard
- Sebastian - Meaning: Venerable, revered
- Jackson - Meaning: Son of Jack
- Aiden - Meaning: Little fire
- Carter - Meaning: Transporter of goods
- Wyatt - Meaning: Brave in war
- Grayson - Meaning: Son of the steward
- Daniel - Meaning: God is my judge
- Michael - Meaning: Who is like God?
- Julian - Meaning: Youthful, downy
- Levi - Meaning: Joined, attached
- Alexander - Meaning: Defender of mankind
- William - Meaning: Resolute protector
- Owen - Meaning: Young warrior
- Gabriel - Meaning: God is my strength
- Jayden - Meaning: Thankful
- Caleb - Meaning: Faithful, devoted
- Lincoln - Meaning: Town by the pool
- Joshua - Meaning: God is salvation
- Luke - Meaning: From Lucania
- Ryan - Meaning: Little king
- Nathan - Meaning: He gave
- Isaac - Meaning: He will laugh
- John - Meaning: God is gracious
- David - Meaning: Beloved
- Thomas - Meaning: Twin
- Charles - Meaning: Free man
- Christopher - Meaning: Bearer of Christ
- Jaxon - Meaning: Son of Jack
- Muhammad - Meaning: Praiseworthy
- Joseph - Meaning: He will add
- Hunter - Meaning: One who hunts
Market Insight: As reported by The Bump, shorter, "punchy" names that can't be easily nicknamed are a top priority for 2026 parents.
Why AI is Changing How We Name Babies
Traditional lists can be 12 months out of date. Our AI analyzes real-time data from:
- Search Trends: What parents are actually googling this month
- Pop Culture Spikes: Tracking shows like "Emily in Paris" or "Yellowstone" as they air
- Linguistic Patterns: Predicting which sounds will feel "fresh" next year
To see the historical data that powers these predictions, visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) Name Database, the gold standard for tracking name popularity over decades.
The Rise of "Grandparent core."
"Grandparent core" involves taking names that were popular 100 years ago and making them modern. Names like Mabel, Silas, August, and Dorothea are no longer considered "old"—they're considered "exclusive."
Experts at Happiest Baby suggest these "vintage cool" names give children a sense of history and stability in an increasingly digital world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the #1 baby name for 2026?
Based on our AI forecast, Amelia (for girls) and Noah (for boys) are expected to hold the top spots globally due to their perfect balance of tradition and modern appeal.
Are nature names still trending?
Yes! Botanical names like Juniper and water-themed names like Caspian or Kai are in the top 10% of searches. For more nature inspiration, check out the Good Housekeeping Nature Name Guide.
How do I pick a unique name that isn't too weird?
Look for "bridge names"—names that are familiar but currently outside the top 500. Our AI recommends Ziggy, Palma, or Cillian. You can find more rare gems on Wales On line's 2026 Trend Report.