120 Baby Names That Will Define 2026
Looking for the perfect baby name for 2026? As a mom of 5 kids, I know firsthand how overwhelming the name selection process can be – from my experience, you want something that feels both meaningful and will age well with your child. We've curated a fresh and stylish list of baby names 2026 that are predicted to trend in the coming year.
From my years of watching naming trends evolve with each of my children, I've noticed how parents are increasingly drawn to names inspired by nature, tech, pop culture, and modern values – these names reflect what new parents are loving right now. Each name includes its meaning, origin, and a notable association to help you choose with confidence, just like I wish I'd had when naming my own little ones.
If you're looking for more inspiration, you might also want to explore our collection of unique baby girl names or browse through our modern baby girl names for additional ideas that complement these trending 2026 picks.
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Getting Started with a List of 120 Baby Names 2026
1. Liora
Meaning: "Light"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Rising in popularity for its luminous meaning and soft, melodic sound
2. Elio
Meaning: "Sun"
Origin: Italian/Spanish
Association: Seen in indie films and loved for its warm, celestial vibe
3. Zephyr
Meaning: "West wind"
Origin: Greek
Association: Nature-inspired and gender-neutral, perfect for modern families
4. Nova
Meaning: "New"
Origin: Latin
Association: Celestial name with futuristic energy, trending since 2020s
5. Soren
Meaning: "Stern"
Origin: Danish
Association: Gaining traction among stylish parents for its Scandinavian cool
6. Aria
Meaning: "Air" or "Melody"
Origin: Hebrew/Italian
Association: A musical, elegant favorite with staying power
7. Kairo
Meaning: "Victorious"
Origin: Modern variation of Cairo (Arabic roots)
Association: Urban and adventurous, a rising choice in Gen Z naming circles
8. Isolde
Meaning: "Ice ruler"
Origin: Welsh/Germanic
Association: Romantic and mythical, with medieval storybook charm
9. Zayn
Meaning: "Beauty" or "Grace"
Origin: Arabic
Association: Music and fashion influence thanks to pop icon Zayn Malik
10. Rhea
Meaning: "Flowing stream"
Origin: Greek
Association: A mythological titaness, short and poetic
11. Caius
Meaning: "Rejoice"
Origin: Latin
Association: Ancient Roman name seeing modern revival in stylish families
12. Isla
Meaning: "Island"
Origin: Scottish
Association: A nature-inspired favorite, elegant and airy
13. Aeron
Meaning: "Battle" or "Berry"
Origin: Welsh
Association: Gender-neutral and futuristic, with roots in mythology
14. Lazaro
Meaning: "God has helped"
Origin: Spanish/Hebrew
Association: Biblically rooted with a trendy "o" ending
15. Freya
Meaning: "Lady"
Origin: Norse
Association: Goddess of love and war; powerful and popular
16. Orion
Meaning: "Rising in the sky"
Origin: Greek
Association: Strong celestial name tied to constellation and mythology
17. Zuri
Meaning: "Beautiful"
Origin: Swahili
Association: Short, sleek, and increasingly used across cultures
18. Callum
Meaning: "Dove"
Origin: Scottish
Association: A peaceful, stylish name trending in both the US and UK
19. Eira
Meaning: "Snow"
Origin: Welsh
Association: Cool and minimalist, perfect for winter babies
20. Bodhi
Meaning: "Awakening"
Origin: Sanskrit
Association: Zen vibes and celebrity-endorsed calm
21. Vera
Meaning: "Truth"
Origin: Slavic/Latin
Association: Vintage name with timeless grace
22. Onyx
Meaning: "Black gemstone"
Origin: Greek
Association: Bold and edgy, with a luxury feel
23. Emrys
Meaning: "Immortal"
Origin: Welsh
Association: Linked to Merlin; rising in fantasy-loving families
24. Lyra
Meaning: "Lyre (musical instrument)"
Origin: Greek
Association: Astronomical name with musical beauty
25. Jiraiya
Meaning: "Young thunder"
Origin: Japanese
Association: Anime-influenced, powerful and unique
26. Nia
Meaning: "Purpose"
Origin: Swahili
Association: Short, meaningful, and radiant with positivity
27. Cassian
Meaning: "Hollow"
Origin: Latin
Association: Seen in Star Wars and Roman history, a bold boy pick
28. Elara
Meaning: "Bright; moon of Jupiter"
Origin: Greek
Association: Space-inspired and ultra-feminine
29. Neo
Meaning: "New"
Origin: Greek/Latin
Association: Futuristic and Matrix-cool
30. Sable
Meaning: "Black"
Origin: English
Association: Dark elegance and rising among creative parents
31. Lucian
Meaning: "Light"
Origin: Latin
Association: Gothic and refined; literary and stylish
32. Ayla
Meaning: "Moonlight"
Origin: Turkish/Hebrew
Association: Soft and dreamy, growing in global appeal
33. Atlas
Meaning: "Bearer of the heavens"
Origin: Greek
Association: Strong, adventurous, and mythologically rich
34. Talia
Meaning: "Dew from Heaven"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Graceful and lyrical with modern polish
35. Zion
Meaning: "Highest point"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Spiritual and powerful, embraced by celebrities
36. Noor
Meaning: "Light"
Origin: Arabic
Association: Cross-cultural elegance, minimal and strong
37. Caelum
Meaning: "Heaven"
Origin: Latin
Association: Latin-rooted celestial name with futuristic edge
38. Solene
Meaning: "Dignified, solemn"
Origin: French
Association: Elegant and rare, trending in luxury circles
39. Enzo
Meaning: "Ruler of the household"
Origin: Italian
Association: Cool European name with global appeal
40. Yara
Meaning: "Small butterfly"
Origin: Arabic/Brazilian Indigenous
Association: Graceful and exotic, perfect for modern girls
41. Amias
Meaning: "Loved"
Origin: Latin
Association: Romantic revival name gaining quiet momentum
42. Mira
Meaning: "Wonderful" or "Ocean"
Origin: Latin/Sanskrit/Slavic
Association: Global favorite for its elegance and multicultural appeal
43. Evren
Meaning: "Cosmos" or "Universe"
Origin: Turkish
Association: Cosmic, rare, and gender-neutral
44. Thalia
Meaning: "To blossom"
Origin: Greek
Association: Muse of comedy in mythology; vibrant and artistic
45. Koa
Meaning: "Brave, bold"
Origin: Hawaiian
Association: Island-inspired name climbing the charts
46. Indira
Meaning: "Beauty"
Origin: Sanskrit
Association: Graceful and strong, linked to Indian heritage and Indira Gandhi
47. Hollis
Meaning: "Near the holly trees"
Origin: English
Association: Nature-infused, gender-neutral and refined
48. Odin
Meaning: "Fury, inspiration"
Origin: Norse
Association: Mythical and fierce, with bold warrior energy
49. Rumi
Meaning: "Beauty, flow"
Origin: Japanese/Persian
Association: Poetic and cross-cultural, popularized by Beyoncé
50. Niko
Meaning: "Victory of the people"
Origin: Greek/Slavic
Association: Sporty, sharp, and global
51. Anouk
Meaning: "Grace"
Origin: Dutch/French
Association: Chic and rare, a favorite among stylish European parents
52. Zayden
Meaning: "Growth" (modern coinage)
Origin: American
Association: Z-name trend continues; energetic and bold
53. Ophelia
Meaning: "Help"
Origin: Greek
Association: Shakespearean drama with a modern poetic comeback
54. Reign
Meaning: "Rule, sovereignty"
Origin: English
Association: Royal, modern, and loved by celebrity parents
55. Cleo
Meaning: "Pride, glory"
Origin: Greek
Association: Vintage revival, short and bold
56. Jove
Meaning: "Father of the sky"
Origin: Latin
Association: Roman god, celestial, and astrological
57. Alina
Meaning: "Bright, beautiful"
Origin: Slavic
Association: Light and lovely, a modern classic
58. Rhodes
Meaning: "Where roses grow"
Origin: Greek
Association: Stylish surname pick with travel vibes
59. Imani
Meaning: "Faith"
Origin: Swahili
Association: Empowering and soulful, rising among modern parents
60. Caia
Meaning: "To rejoice"
Origin: Latin
Association: Feminine, modern, and glowing with positivity
61. Tavian
Meaning: "Twin"
Origin: Latin
Association: Roman-inspired and unique
62. Seren
Meaning: "Star"
Origin: Welsh
Association: Elegant and minimalist, rising in the UK
63. Jalen
Meaning: "Calm" (modern invention)
Origin: American
Association: Sports-inspired and smooth-sounding
64. Della
Meaning: "Noble"
Origin: German
Association: Retro-chic revival from early 1900s
65. Tenzin
Meaning: "Upholder of teachings"
Origin: Tibetan
Association: Inspired by the Dalai Lama, deeply spiritual
66. Mavi
Meaning: "Blue"
Origin: Turkish
Association: Fresh and colorful, especially for girls
67. Blaise
Meaning: "Lisping"
Origin: Latin
Association: Saint name turned edgy and intellectual
68. Zena
Meaning: "Hospitable"
Origin: Greek
Association: Soft, regal, and ancient-modern fusion
69. Akari
Meaning: "Light, brightness"
Origin: Japanese
Association: Popular in anime and Japanese culture
70. Forest
Meaning: "Woods"
Origin: English
Association: Nature-connected and eco-conscious choice
71. Elio
Meaning: "The sun"
Origin: Italian/Spanish
Association: Romantic and vibrant; cinematic glow
72. Aven
Meaning: "Fair radiance"
Origin: Irish/Modern
Association: Nature-meets-modern with soft strength
73. Salem
Meaning: "Peace"
Origin: Hebrew/Arabic
Association: Gender-neutral with spooky-cool and serene duality
74. Lazuli
Meaning: "Heavenly blue"
Origin: Persian
Association: Gemstone-inspired and uniquely vivid
75. Ciro
Meaning: "Sun"
Origin: Italian/Spanish
Association: Warm and vibrant, with historical roots
76. Ines
Meaning: "Pure, holy"
Origin: Portuguese/Spanish
Association: Euro-chic and vintage
77. Zeppelin
Meaning: "Airship"
Origin: German
Association: Rock 'n roll flair and boldness
78. Nyla
Meaning: "Winner"
Origin: Arabic
Association: Sleek, stylish, and gently powerful
79. Eros
Meaning: "Love"
Origin: Greek
Association: Greek god of love; rare and mythic
80. Oriana
Meaning: "Dawn"
Origin: Latin
Association: Lush and lyrical, on the rise in artistic families
81. Thorne
Meaning: "Sharp point"
Origin: English
Association: Edgy and nature-connected
82. Maisie
Meaning: "Pearl"
Origin: Scottish
Association: Whimsical and sweet vintage revival
83. Aziel
Meaning: "God is my strength"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Rare biblical gem with a futuristic twist
84. Lumen
Meaning: "Light"
Origin: Latin
Association: Futuristic and glowing with clarity
85. Marais
Meaning: "Swamp"
Origin: French
Association: Evocative and poetic, fashion-forward pick
86. Juna
Meaning: "Youth"
Origin: Latin
Association: Feminine version of Juno; soft and trendy
87. Aksel
Meaning: "Father of peace"
Origin: Scandinavian
Association: Edgy variant of Axel with Euro-cool
88. Dior
Meaning: "Golden"
Origin: French
Association: Fashion-forward and luxurious
89. Nyx
Meaning: "Night"
Origin: Greek
Association: Goddess of the night; dark, sleek, and bold
90. Yves
Meaning: "Yew wood"
Origin: French
Association: High fashion, minimalist and stylish
91. Avira
Meaning: "Air"
Origin: Modern
Association: Invented name with a clean, futuristic vibe
92. Zavien
Meaning: "Bright"
Origin: Basque/Modern
Association: Z-powered name with energy and flair
93. Celeste
Meaning: "Heavenly"
Origin: Latin
Association: Dreamy and ethereal, regaining popularity
94. Torin
Meaning: "Chief"
Origin: Irish
Association: Strong, simple, and leadership-themed
95. Mireille
Meaning: "To admire"
Origin: French
Association: French elegance and classic beauty
96. Zevi
Meaning: "Deer"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Gentle and rare nature name
97. Sable
Meaning: "Black"
Origin: English
Association: Soft and dramatic, luxury-adjacent
98. Vale
Meaning: "Valley"
Origin: English
Association: Serene and gender-neutral
99. Iniko
Meaning: "Time of trouble"
Origin: Nigerian (Igbo)
Association: Bold and meaningful, rooted in strength
100. Fiorella
Meaning: "Little flower"
Origin: Italian
Association: Floral and romantic
101. Osias
Meaning: "Salvation"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Old Testament revival with modern sound
102. Solara
Meaning: "Of the sun"
Origin: Invented/Latin-inspired
Association: Solar energy and futuristic appeal
103. Eden
Meaning: "Delight"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: Nature-filled and paradise-themed
104. Avonlea
Meaning: "River by a field"
Origin: Literary (Anne of Green Gables)
Association: Vintage-literary charm meets modern naming
105. Aurelio
Meaning: "Golden"
Origin: Latin
Association: Regal and rare, with European sophistication
106. Sora
Meaning: "Sky"
Origin: Japanese
Association: Airy and minimal, used across genders
107. Ziv
Meaning: "Radiance"
Origin: Hebrew
Association: One-syllable name with light and energy
108. Selene
Meaning: "Moon goddess"
Origin: Greek
Association: Lunar magic and quiet beauty
109. Emeric
Meaning: "Power"
Origin: Germanic
Association: Regal, rare, and rising
110. Ione
Meaning: "Violet flower"
Origin: Greek
Association: Retro botanical revival
111. Calix
Meaning: "Chalice"
Origin: Greek
Association: Unique and spiritual, high style
112. Soraya
Meaning: "Gem, jewel"
Origin: Persian
Association: Glamorous and rich in culture
113. Lev
Meaning: "Heart" or "Lion"
Origin: Hebrew/Russian
Association: Strong and minimal
114. Maelis
Meaning: "Princess"
Origin: Breton
Association: Rare French gem with elegance
115. Elowen
Meaning: "Elm tree"
Origin: Cornish
Association: Whimsical nature name gaining fast popularity
116. Rainier
Meaning: "Wise army"
Origin: Germanic
Association: Mountainous and majestic
117. Navi
Meaning: "To name, prophet"
Origin: Hebrew/Modern
Association: Game and tech-inspired, stylish and short
118. Paloma
Meaning: "Dove"
Origin: Spanish
Association: Peaceful and elegant
119. Cyra
Meaning: "Sun"
Origin: Persian
Association: Rare, radiant, and poised for trend
120. Tallis
Meaning: "Woodland"
Origin: English
Association: Literary and gender-neutral with forest charm
Conclusion
The baby names of 2026 reflect a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary innovation. From celestial inspirations like Nova and Orion to nature-connected choices like Forest and Elowen, these names capture modern trends while honoring diverse cultural traditions.
Key trends include gender-neutral options, global cultural influences, and names with positive meanings centered around light, nature, and strength. Whether you prefer minimalist names like Ziv and Lev or mythological choices like Atlas and Freya, this collection offers something for every family's unique style.
Choosing the perfect name is one of the most personal gifts you can give your child. Each name carries its own story and significance—find the one that resonates with your family's values and hopes for your little one's future.
