Who knew choosing a child’s name could be such a difficult and controversial task? Nine months to mull over and debate a suitable name for your little one. When I was expecting Molly we knew we were having a girl but even before that we had decided Molly was our favourite. Rose would always be her middle name as it was my grandparents surname.
[ezcol_2third id=”” class=”” style=””]
Alice was a completely different kettle of fish. We didn’t find out what we were having and struggled immensely to come up with something we both liked as much as we had liked Molly. Alice was always an option but even whilst in labour we bandied around other names such as Hetty or Penelope. For a boy it could have been Oscar, Bertie or our favourite Monty (as big fans of Monty Don!). However, my siblings had announced that there was no way they were having a nephew called Monty. This is why perhaps you shouldn’t discuss names. When a little girl arrived we were stumped and the poor thing had no name for 2 days. We tried out a few but nothing felt right and finally attempting to make a decision we went for Alice Florence. It suits her perfectly.
Between the team we have a varied selection of baby names and each of us will have had our own reasons for choosing it. Whether it was a family name or just something we loved you then can’t imagine them as anything else. It seems I favoured more traditional names but what has proved to be the most popular last year and did either Molly or Alice make it in to the top 20?
Most importantly what are the baby name trends that are set for 2016 and do you think you will follow them?
2016 Baby Name Trends
There are always a few key trends that you see creeping in to baby names as people seek out that elusive name that none of your friends have got. Get yourself a unique hashtag and you are set.
So what are my predictions for 2016?
Granny and Grandad – This is a theme that seems to be going strong and you can’t go far wrong with hunting back through your family tree for a name that is unique to you. This is personally one of my favourite trends as I adore an old fashioned name. Think of Albert, Stanley or Theodore for a boy. Beryl, Nelly or Effie for a girl. Some other choices we had if we were having a boy were Gilbert or Aubrey after either of our Grandads.
[/ezcol_2third]
[ezcol_1third_end id=”” class=”” style=””]
PIN THE LIST
[/ezcol_1third_end]
[ezcol_2third id=”” class=”” style=””]
American – There seems to be a growing trend for more American style names, especially for boys. Hunter, Huxley and Parker are all going great guns.
Fashion – Coco, Chloe, Stella or Louis. Find your favourite designer and away you go. I’m not sure Boden has quite the same ring although maybe it might catch on!
Last Names as First Names – This works especially well for little boys with names like Ford, Smith, Harrison or Cohen.
Nature Inspired – In a trendy way not hippy esq. For little girls I love Willow or Violet and for boys you could go quite quirky with River or Bear.
Unusual Spelling – Take a traditional name and add you own letters in to make a unique spelling. May confuse the hell out of everyone else though! Add a ‘y’ in the middle or an ‘eigh’ at the end. Abbygail, Cloey or Emileigh for a girl. Rian, Jayke or Tobeigh for a boy.
Star Wars – Yep. You can always guarantee there will be a huge influx of names inspired by the latest big movie. Either those of the characters or actors. I’m not suggesting R2-D2 or Chewbacca but Liam (Neeson), Natalie (Portman), Finn, Leia or (George) Lucas will probably start to climb the list. Or go a bit more unique with Jedi or Rogue.
Netflix – I know I’ve been watching far too many series on Netflix this winter so am feeling inspired by some of my favourite characters. Piper from Orange is the New Black or Pretty Little Liars is full of great name possibilities like Spencer for a boy or girl or Aria and Hannah. Byron or Caleb are also great names.
Instagram filters – Now this is one I’m not personally buying in to but when Vogue reported that people were beginning to call their children after their favourite Instagram filters I took note. Not for everyone but I guess Valencia, Luxe or Reyes could be rather cute.
Romantic – Think of those beautiful elegant names that remind you of heroines in your favourite novel. Grace, Amelia and Olivia are going to continue to grow in popularity.
Gender Neutral – As our love of all things gender neutral continues it was only natural that baby names would follow. So Peyton, Sydney or Parker are all gaining momentum.
[/ezcol_2third]
[ezcol_1third_end id=”” class=”” style=””]
PIN THE LIST
[/ezcol_1third_end]
So that is my predictions. Have you got any great names you have come across or do you want to keep them to yourselves? And what are your little one’s called. Do share as it’s sure to give everyone lots of inspiration.
Images by Anna Clarke Photography and Little Beanies.
A well timed post for us – I’m 25 weeks pregnant with another girl and we have no idea what to call her!
Our daughter is called Juliet which we loved because it’s classic, timeless and not too popular at the moment – nor has it ever really been. My sister thought it up and it was an immediate “yes!” from both of us. Unfortunately we’ve not had inspiration like that this time. We were all set for boys’ names, so having another pink one has really thrown us!
We both have our favourites and aren’t budging from them. Middle name will definitely be Margaret (for many many familial reasons) so whatever we choose has to go with it. I’m a fan of Claudia and Jemima, Mr H likes Katherine and Eleanor.
It’s fine. I’ll give birth and then get final voting rights. That’s how it works, no?!
You so get voting rights Sara! No doubt about it. I love the name Juliet, it’s so pretty. Personally I’m with you on Jemima for a little girl. Love it x
Wow, in 31 years, I have come across one other Adeline and now I’m on the trend for 2016. It’s a shame it will be AdeLINE everywhere and not the correct way of saying it (Like Vaseline!)
It’s funny how names suddenly appear isn’t it. I’m wondering if Adeline has appeared after the film ‘The age of Adeline’ or was that ages ago? As you say though it will be different pronunciation though. I would have had no idea it was meant to be the ‘Vaseline’ pronunciation! xx
I had never heard of Atticus until my cousin used it for one of her twins born in July.
We always only had one boys name & one girls name and my little Susanna Grace, Susanna after my mum, was born 11 weeks ago so if I ever have another girl it will take some serious thought to come up with a name we love as much as Susanna. However, I have never heard Adeline & I really love it….definitely keeping it in the pipeline (pronounced like vaseline of course).
Love this! I have an Eva and a Remy. So happy that neither are on the lists. Although we live in the US now and the names here are a little ridiculous… I wanted Hendrix for a boy, but we settled on Remy!
American names are a whole different ball game Natasha! I have American relatives and they have a Remy and a Marlowe. I rather like Hendrix! x
Oh I just love the name Monty!! But we too, mentioned it to people and didn’t have a particularly favourable response! We opted to use it as a middle name, but I would love to meet a little Monty.
Would second on the not discussing names, not because you’re being secretive but everybody knows someone who was called x and they weren’t very nice etc etc. Or knows someone with a pet of that name. Best of not knowing!
Xx
Monty is the best. I’ve decided two little’s is enough so no Monty for us. Using it as a middle name is a great plan though and I too want to see more Monty’s in the world! xx
I’m currently six days before the due date of our firstborn – a little boy. I’ve had a list of about five favourites, amongst which were two absolute favourites. I’ve had that list for many many weeks. My husband always said we had loads of time, but two weeks ago he finally considered names and it is going to be my absolute favourite. So here’s to our little Erik and whenever he’ll make an appearance ^^ But shhh don’t tell anyone 😉
Cute! Let us know when Erik arrives x
Our little girl is called Willow. We always liked the name although it wasn’t always in top spot (my bump was felicity for quite a few weeks!). However our baby was very poorly with infection when she was born and in the need to choose a name quickly before she was transferred to a specialist hospital, we born gravitated towards the name Willow. Later I saw a poem about a Willow tree along the lines of ‘strong and flexible enough to weather any storm’ which confirmed to me we had made the right choice. She’s doing great now and is a lively 8 month old.
What a beautiful name and a beautiful poem to remind you of why it is the perfect name for your little girl. So glad to hear she is doing well x
I could probably talk about this ALL DAY LONG. No word of a lie.
Our girl is Silvia, which I love so so much, especially the Italian spelling. It shortens to Silvie which sounds a little like Evie, a name I was keen on but decided against.
Interested to see Cicely on the list- I love it but would spell Sicily like the place. I also love Serafina for a girl- clearly obsessed with Italy and s names.
For a boy I’m totally stuck though. I just can’t find a name I really like. The only one is Alexander and hubby not keen so that’s that!
I love all the names mentioned in the comments- and think you were so clever Lottie to choose your girls names so wisely. I always think imagine how it sounds on a Christmas card… Love from x, x and x. Alice and Molly sound so good together! Ditto Juliet and Jemima. Jules and Jem as nicknames is super cute too.
On and on I could go… But I will stop ?
Silvia is a gorgeous name and nothing wrong with a bit of a theme (Italy and S!) when it comes to baby names. It is funny how names seem to sit together isn’t it. We actually didn’t plan it that way but now I can’t imagine it any other way. I think if you go with names you like they will automatically work as most people have a sort of style of name they favour. xxx
A well timed post for me. As awful as it sounds, one of the first questions I asked my partner in the early days of our first dates was “what names would you call your children?”. There was a bubbling fear inside me that he would mention an out-of-bounds names. Luckily he didn’t! As a teacher I am finding it ridiculously hard to not put a face to any name my partner mentions. I think we have finally decided on Willow for a girl – my partners Grandfather was a Mr Williamson and his nickname was Willo – he was very influential in his life so it’s rather apt. As for a boy we like Huxley, Jaxon and Rocky! I’ve never taught any of those!
Willow is the prettiest name and I’ve not heard of Huxley before but it’s great. Must be hard to find one that doesn’t remind you of a pupil so well done! xxx
This post is very well timed! I’m currently 28 weeks with our second baby, a boy and were struggling with picking a name!
Our little girl is called Elsa Violet (Elsa wasn’t chosen from Frozen, but before we even knew Frozen was a thing) and it suits her so much.
Choosing a boy name is tricky as it is but also we want to make sure that his name sounds good with Elsa. Our current faves are Stanley and Otto.
Otto is a little controversial though as one of Hitler’s right hand men was called Otto, however On the flip side, Anne Frank’s dad was also called Otto.
I’m just glad that we have a while to mull it over!
I love Stanley. Cute name for a baby but also a great name as an adult. Something I think is a must when choosing a name. Elsa is a gorgeous name. I went to school with an Elsa (long long long before Frozen!) and always thought how pretty it was xx
I have a Stanley! Hes 18 months now, and I still don’t know any other children with the same name, but maybe it will become more popular!
Our boy is called Ivo (pronounced eye-vo ). It’s actually an old fashioned name but not very common at all anymore. I find people either react that they love it or are confused…”what’s that? Ivor, Ivan?” I’ve loved it for ages but didn’t tell anyone when I was pregnant as I knew it might get some quizzical looks. It really suits the little man though.
I have a 3 year old girl called Millie Pearl and a baby boy who is 5 months old called Rupert Joseph. We chose not to find out the sex with both of them. In my second pregnancy I always said if it’s a boy he will be called Rupert. Many people tried to put us off but I absolutely love the name and they have all warmed to it now. I’m yet to meet another Rupert.
Oh my gosh. Rupert was on our shortlist for a boy. I loved it. Randomly we once used a plumber called Rupert and I always thought I’d like it if we had a boy x
Our little Miles Anthony was born 6 months ago. I wanted to call him Sachin as both our families love cricket and it was a nod to my Asian heritage but my hubby wasn’t keen! He came up with Miles, as he’s a jazz fan. It took me a few months during my pregnancy to come around to it but once Miles was here it was clear he was a Miles! It still surprises us that Miles has never been that popular, but we’re glad it’s not too common! Anthony is Miles’s Grandad’s name, who sadly died 3 months before he was born.
The timing of this post couldn’t be better – I’m 21 weeks pregnant with our first – a little girl – and our partner and I have have been using some of the down time over Christmas to go over names. He likes more traditional – Emilia & Milly which I think are pretty but Id really like something more unusual – currently favouring Eddie (yes for a girl) or Saffi – thoughts?
Oooh, I like both options. I do favour traditional and Milly was a favourite of mine but Saffi is adorable. I actually think Saffi and Eddie have a timeless feel to them as well as being a bit more unusual so surely that should keep your partner happy. Saffie is actually a version of Sophia so maybe you could opt for that as the traditional and shorten to Saffi for your more unusual? x
Ooh, love Eddie, Edie would also be quite cute (pronounced E-di) xx
Saffi and Eddie are both VERY cute! You will just need a Patsy to complete your Ab Fab set!
I know! Totally accidental too…! X
I found names so tough, largely because my son is mixed race and religion – although we don’t practice my husband is of Asian Muslim heritage and we wanted his family to be comfortable with the name. We ended up with Noah and we love it. Even though it’s very popular we haven’t come across another Noah. As its a name popular in Hebrew and Arabic it works for both sides of his heritage. Middle name is Nicholas after my grandfather. I think we will find t very tough if we have another boy!
Any unique British names