Parents-to-be across the UK are set to embrace a fresh wave of vintage classics and celebrity-inspired monikers for their newborns in 2026, according to new predictions. A study by the retailer My 1st Years has forecast the names expected to rocket in popularity, blending old-fashioned charm with modern star power.
Celebrity Couple Revival Leads the Charge
Jude and Sienna are tipped to become the go-to choices for babies next year, over twenty years after they were first popularised by the romance of actors Jude Law and Sienna Miller. The name Jude is enjoying a significant comeback, driven by a perfect storm of cultural influences. The enduring appeal of The Beatles' song 'Hey Jude' is being bolstered by the upcoming all-star biopic, featuring actors like Paul Mescal. Furthermore, the phenomenal success of England and Real Madrid footballer Jude Bellingham has cemented the name's cool factor.
For Sienna, the original style icon, Sienna Miller, has thrust the name back into the spotlight by announcing her own pregnancy. Its fashionable status is reinforced by choices like Love Island's Olivia Bowen, who named her daughter Siena (after the Italian city) in August, and previous selections by Princess Beatrice and Millie Mackintosh.
"We've seen a huge swing towards shorter names this year, particularly names which can't be shortened – and Jude is a great choice for this," explained Molly Ejdowski, spokesperson for My 1st Years. "While it's slightly longer with three syllables, Sienna ticks a lot of boxes because it has both modern and timeless qualities, it's difficult to shorten, and it's a pretty, Italian-inspired choice."
Vintage Classics & Literary Inspirations
The trend for Ye Olde names shows no sign of slowing down. Bonnie, stemming from the Scottish word for 'pretty', is a charming vintage pick. Matilda has quietly entered the mainstream, buoyed by the enduring Roald Dahl classic and its musical adaptation, as well as being chosen by celebrities like Kaley Cuoco. The sophisticated French name Margot continues its surge, thanks in no small part to actress Margot Robbie.
Meanwhile, the world of literature is providing fresh inspiration. Names from the bestselling romantic fantasy series A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) are predicted to soar. Feyre, the heroine's name, offers an unusual choice for girls, while the boys' name Lucien is gaining traction, partly due to actor Lucien Laviscount's return to Emily in Paris on 18th December.
Short, Snappy & Celebrity-Approved
Ejdowski noted that one or two-syllable names are having a real moment. Two prime examples set to be big in 2026 are Ziggy and Palma, both recently chosen by celebrity parents. Ziggy, picked by Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing for their newborn in early December, resonates with David Bowie fans and saw searches for its meaning spike by over 5,000%. It ranks a lowly 603rd on recent lists, making it an uncommon choice.
Palma, chosen by Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright for their baby girl in March, evokes the sunny capital of Mallorca and holiday vibes. Another short favourite, Elphie – a diminutive of Wicked's Elphaba – fits the trend perfectly, with interest in the full name Elphaba also skyrocketing.
Teen drama The Summer I Turned Pretty continues to influence choices, with Isabel (the full name of protagonist Belly) and Jeremiah (Conrad's brother) expected to rise alongside the previously popular Conrad.
Reigning Champions Holding Strong
Some names are simply unstoppable. Freddie (with that spelling) secured the top spot on My 1st Years' boys' list for 2025 and is expected to remain a firm favourite into 2026. For girls, Lily has now dethroned the long-reigning Olivia to take the number one position, showing every sign of maintaining its peak popularity among UK parents next year.
