Baby names including Oliviana and Zephyr are to rise in popularity in the UK over the next decade, new research has revealed. Baby shower experts at Ginger Ray asked AI to predict the future of baby names in the United Kingdom in the next decade.
After analysing 10 years of ONS baby name data, Ginger Ray asked AI to spot the trends in naming conventions to predict the names that could become big in 2033. Classic names such as Olivia, William, and Amelia will remain popular, but they will also undergo a modern makeover. Expect to see variations like Oliviana, Willard, or Ameliea gaining prominence.
Jess Martin, baby shower expert at Ginger Ray said: “Traditional names with a modern twist offer parents a balance between names they are familiar with and a uniqueness that more and more people want for their baby. By taking a traditional name and adding a modern twist, such as a different spelling or variation, parents can create a name that stands out from the crowd while still maintaining a sense of tradition.”
As we embrace advancements in technology and science, futuristic and sci-fi-inspired names may rise in popularity. Names like Nova, Orion, Zephyr, and Lunastra could capture the imagination of parents.
Jess said: “All parents want to instill a sense of optimism and ambition in their child and futuristic concepts, scientific terms, or technological advancements could be a great way to do this. Embracing futuristic names represents a belief in the potential of the next generation and a desire to embrace these changes and advancements.”
As society's focus on the environment continues to grow, nature-inspired names will become increasingly favoured. Expect names like Willow, River, Aurora, and Jasper to grace many birth certificates.
Jess adds: “People increasingly seek to reconnect with nature and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment and we don’t expect this to slow down. Therefore nature-inspired names are a lovely way to reflect this connection. With growing concerns about environmental issues and sustainability, parents may opt for nature-inspired names as a reflection of their environmental consciousness.”
With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, names from different cultures and languages will gain popularity. British parents may choose names like Aria, Mateo, Luna, or Kai to reflect a more diverse and multicultural society.
Jess thinks: “The world is becoming increasingly interconnected and this is only going to continue. As a result, parents may be more inclined to choose names from various international origins to reflect their appreciation for global diversity and to honour their own multicultural heritage or connections.”
As society embraces gender inclusivity, an increase in gender-neutral names has been predicted. Names like Harper, Quinn, Riley, and Charlie will continue to rise in popularity for both boys and girls.
Jess said: “As society becomes more aware of and sensitive to gender equality and fluidity, gender-neutral names challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes associated with names. By choosing a name that does not adhere to binary gender categories, parents send a message of acceptance, allowing their child the freedom to define their own identity and expression.”
Vintage names from the mid-20th century will make a comeback, evoking nostalgia and charm. Names like Evelyn, Arthur, Beatrice, and Theodore will experience a resurgence in popularity.
Jess adds: “Retro-inspired names evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm. As time progresses, people often develop a fondness for names that were popular in previous decades or eras as a way to honor their family history or to connect with a particular era that holds sentimental value. In 10 years time, names that are just starting to reemerge may be among the most popular.”
Whether you are looking to throw a baby shower, Christening or gender reveal, Ginger Ray has the perfect baby decorations to celebrate your little ones in all their biggest moments.
Names predicted to become popular
Oliviana
Willard
Ameliea
Nova
Orion
Zephyr
Lunastra
Willow
River
Aurora
Jasper
Aria
Mateo
Luna
Kai
Harper
Quinn
Riley
Charlie
Evelyn
Arthur
Beatrice
Theodore
