We’ve been tracking baby name trends for over twenty years, and one trend we see time and again is expectant parents taking inspiration from their favourite books, TV shows, and films.
After all, every child has a story to tell, and names are more than labels – they are a way to connect to the stories that mean the most to us.
Girl name inspiration:
- Alice (Alice in Wonderland) – Arguably one of the most iconic heroines from children’s literature. Alice is a timeless and classic name that continues to inspire young minds.
- Arya (Game of Thrones) – A character that embodies strength and resilience, Arya is a powerful choice for a baby girl, with the name rising 720 places over the course of the TV series.
- Belle (Beauty and the Beast) – Beauty, brains, and a love for books, Belle serves as the perfect muse for expectant parents.
- Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) – A traditional name, Dorothy is a great choice for fans of Wicked who don’t want to opt for the more obvious Elphaba or Glinda.
- Emma (Emma) – One of the most widely adapted Jane Austen novels, Emma is a strong choice for literature lovers.
- Jessie (Toy Story) – The UK’s most loved animation, Jessie serves as popular inspiration amongst fans, with 149 Jessies born in 2024.
- Juliet (Romeo and Juliet) – With famous adaptations, like Baz Luhrmann’s 90s version starring Claire Danes and the new theatre production starring Rachel Zegler, Juliet is a symbol of youthfulness that stands the test of time.
- Luna (Harry Potter) – This name has grown in popularity since the film adaptations were released, with 76 Lunas born in 2010 compared to 12 in 2000. As well as being a lovely name in its own right, it’s a subtle nod to the series for parents looking for a magical name.
- Matilda (Matilda) – Roald Dahl fans will likely think of intelligence and courage when hearing the name Matilda. So, we think it is a smart choice for parents-to-be, given that Matilda: The Musical (2022) saw a 67% increase in searches for the name.
- Mia (The Princess Diaries) – Mia’s quirks and humble origins in the film inspired a whole generation of fans. And, with the iconic movie series set to return with a third instalment, the Queen of Genovia will continue to inspire parents.
Boy name inspiration:
- Charlie (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) – One of the top 20 baby boy names in 2024, cheeky chappy Charlie is not going anywhere any time soon. And, with the popularity of musical fantasy film, Wonka in 2023, this wacky world continues to influence parents-to-be.
- Dexter (One Day) – One of David Nicholls’ most loved characters, searches for the name also spiked when the Netflix adaptation hit our screens. Dexter has a contemporary feel, despite having Latin origins, making it a great choice for those who want a classic yet modern name.
- Edward (Twilight) – Reflecting the characteristics of the vampire, fans of Twilight will be pleased to hear that the name Edward has a timeless appeal, with over 1,500 born in 2024.
- Forrest (Forrest Gump) – Inspired by one of the greatest films of all time, the name Forrest evokes kindness and perseverance, just like the character.
- Jay (The Great Gatsby) – Sophisticated and mysterious, Jay is one of the most iconic fictional characters of all time – ideal for lovers of literature (or Leonardo DiCaprio fans).
- Joey (Friends) – Lovable, charming, and funny, Joey Tribbiani stole the hearts of sitcom viewers and now serves as inspiration for the next generation.
- Luke (Star Wars) – A name synonymous with heroism and adventure, Luke remains a strong choice for baby boys. In fact, 446 were born in 2024.
- Steve (Stranger Things) – A fan favourite, Steve’s admirable character development from arrogant jock to protective hero in the world-renowned sci-fi series makes him an inspiration to expectant parents.
- Tommy (Peaky Blinders) – The protagonist of the gripping crime drama, Tommy is a distinctive choice. And, with the much-anticipated sequel, The Immortal Man, set to be released soon, Tommy remains front of mind for fans.
- Will (Pirates of the Caribbean) – Adventurous and brave, Will’s character in the swashbuckling series inspired thousands of parents in the 2000’s. The name remains popular, ranking in the top 30.
As a nation of storytellers, our love for stories deeply influences our baby name choices. So, whether you want your child’s name to have a timeless, endearing, adventurous, or kind connotation, we hope this list provides a source of inspiration.
If you’re looking for more name ideas, take a look at our list of baby names that never go out of fashion.
