BabyCenter has unveiled its annual roundup of the most popular baby names, and the results are rather predictable. For the third consecutive year, the top names remain largely unchanged. Sophia and Jackson continue to reign supreme. However, what’s more intriguing than the popular names themselves are the emerging trends in the baby-naming landscape. Believe it or not, names inspired by Instagram filters are making quite the splash! Yes, the very filters we use to enhance our photos are influencing our choices for baby names.
Names like Lux, Juno, Reyes, Ludwig, Amaro, and Valencia are rising in popularity. These aren’t drawn from historical figures or classic literature; instead, they’re inspired by the filters we use daily. According to BabyCenter, the name Lux has increased by 75 percent on the list of baby boy names and has also seen a slight rise for girls. While Lux may not be an official filter, it embodies the essence of photo enhancement by balancing exposure and brightness.
The newer Ludwig filter has jumped by 42 percent among boys’ names, while other filter-influenced names like Amaro (up 26 percent), Reyes (up 10 percent), Hudson (up 4 percent), and Kelvin (up 3 percent) are also gaining traction. For girls, the name Juno surged by 30 percent in popularity, thanks to its visually appealing filter introduced in 2015. Similarly, the Valencia filter, known for its soft glow, climbed 26 percent on the girls’ list, while Willow saw a 13 percent increase.
It’s amusing to think about how tired and overwhelmed expectant parents might be. With so much on their minds, it’s no wonder they look to their screens for inspiration. My own first child’s name was suggested by a rather tipsy patron at the bar where I worked during my pregnancy. “Lucien is a beautiful name,” he proclaimed after a round of whiskey. Why not?
These names are undeniably stylish. Instagram might not be the original source of these names, but it has certainly brought them back into the spotlight.
Another amusing trend is the rise of names inspired by television characters. The hit series “Empire” has had a significant impact, with characters like Dre, Lyon, and Hakeem climbing the popularity charts by 77 percent, 61 percent, and 55 percent respectively. After a three-year hiatus, the name Luscious has reappeared in the BabyCenter database. It seems our love for binge-watching and scrolling through social media is helping shape the next generation’s names!
If you’re curious, here are the top ten baby names from 2015 based on data from over 340,000 babies born to parents registered on BabyCenter. If they seem familiar, it’s because they have remained consistent over the past few years.
Top 10 Girls’ Names:
- Sophia
- Emma
- Olivia
- Ava
- Mia
- Isabella
- Zoe
- Lily
- Emily
- Madison
Top 10 Boys’ Names:
- Jackson
- Aiden
- Liam
- Lucas
- Noah
- Mason
- Ethan
- Caden
- Logan
- Jacob
Interestingly, Mia has overtaken Isabella for the fifth position, while Madison has reclaimed the tenth spot, replacing Madelyn. The only shift in the boys’ list is Logan and Jacob swapping places. If these trends continue, we might see some truly unique names on next year’s lists.
For more insights into baby names, check out our other posts, like this one on baby name inspiration. And if you’re considering home insemination, you can find essential tools at Make A Mom. Additionally, Cleveland Clinic provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, baby names are evolving, influenced not only by traditional sources but also by modern trends like social media and pop culture. As parents navigate the exciting yet overwhelming task of naming their children, they are finding inspiration in unexpected places.
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