Yesterday, Babycenter unveiled its annual list 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 names themselves are the emerging trends in baby naming. One surprising trend? Instagram filters are influencing the names parents choose for their little ones.
Consider names like Lux, Juno, Reyes, Ludwig, Amaro, and Valencia. Fascinating, aren’t they? But their origins might not be what you expect. These names don’t stem from renowned historical figures or legendary musicians but rather from the everyday technology we use. According to Babycenter, the name Lux has surged by 75% among baby boys and has gained popularity among girls as well. While it’s not a filter per se, it represents a photo-editing tool that enhances light exposure and vibrancy in images.
Another filter-inspired name, Ludwig, saw a striking 42% increase in boys’ names. Other names like Amaro (up 26%), Reyes (up 10%), Hudson (up 4%), and Kelvin (up 3%) also made their mark. For baby girls, Juno experienced a 30% jump in popularity—thanks to the filter that beautifies outdoor photos. Valencia, which lends a warm glow to pictures, rose 26%, and Willow increased by 13%.
It’s amusing to think that when parents are exhausted and seeking inspiration, they often find it in the palm of their hand. After all, when you’re expecting and overwhelmed, why not let a name like Amaro catch your eye? It worked for me, as my first child was named after a suggestion from a tipsy customer at the bar where I worked during my pregnancy. “Lucien is a beautiful name,” he declared, and I thought, why not?
These names are undeniably cool, and it’s worth noting that Instagram didn’t create these names; they merely brought them back into public consciousness.
Another notable trend is the increasing popularity of names inspired by television characters. The hit show Empire has particularly struck a chord with parents. Names like Dre (up 77%), Lyon (up 61%), and Hakeem (up 55%) are climbing the charts, with Luscious making its first appearance in three years.
Clearly, our TV habits and smartphone usage are shaping the names of the next generation.
Top Baby Names of 2015
For those curious, here are the top 10 names for girls and boys, based on data from over 340,000 babies born in 2015 to parents registered on BabyCenter. If these names seem familiar, it’s because they have remained consistent for the past three years:
Girls
- Sophia
- Emma
- Olivia
- Ava
- Mia
- Isabella
- Zoe
- Lily
- Emily
- Madison
Boys
- Jackson
- Aiden
- Liam
- Lucas
- Noah
- Mason
- Ethan
- Caden
- Logan
- Jacob
This year, Mia has overtaken Isabella for the fifth spot, while Madison has replaced Madelyn at number ten. The only shift in the boys’ list is the swap between Logan and Jacob. If these naming trends persist, we could see even more diverse lists in the coming years.
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Summary
The 2015 baby naming trends show a notable influence from Instagram filters, with names like Lux and Juno rising in popularity, as well as a surge of names inspired by TV characters, particularly from Empire. Consistency is evident in the top names, with only minor changes over the past few years.