Before babies say their first words, parents Google hundreds. And at the top of those searches? Baby names.
We dug into Google Trends data from January to May 2025 to see which names are capturing parents’ curiosity this year. Some names are rising fast (hint: a certain anime character might be behind one). Others are holding strong thanks to nature, nostalgia, or Netflix. And in one spelling showdown, a Game of Thrones heroine briefly stole the spotlight before giving it back to a musical name favorite.
Guess which name is topping the celestial list. Or which language of origin is leading in 40+ US states? Whether you’re expecting, name-obsessed, or just here to see which names are trending in your state, this mid-year snapshot has the answers.
Let’s dive into the fascinating, sometimes surprising world of baby names in 2025.
Everyone’s Googling baby names
Each year, millions of parents turn to Google in search of the name, something meaningful, unique, and just the right mix of modern and timeless. And in 2025, interest in “baby names” has reached an all-time high.
According to Google Trends, April is when “baby names” hits its peak search popularity across the U.S. Coincidence? Not quite. Many babies are born in summer, which means parents are deep in their name-hunting phase during the spring.
From blog posts and TikTok lists to AI-powered name generators, the search for the perfect baby name is a full-blown internet ritual. And with some parents starting the hunt before they’ve even shared the pregnancy news, one thing’s clear: naming a baby is serious (and seriously fun) business.
Here are the highlights:
- Romeo was the top-trending “names that sound like” searched in 2025 so far, followed by Olivia
- “unisex girls names” were searched 4x more than “unisex boys names” in 2025 so far, and “gender neutral names” hit an all-time high in 2022
- “classic girl names” hit an all-time high in 2025, and “one syllable girl names” rose +110% in the past 90 days
- Anora and Siobahn are the top-trending “name meaning” searches in 2025 so far
- Search interest in “nature girl names” doubled in the past month, and “earthy girl names” and “whimsical girl names” were breakout-related searches
- “polish boy names” search interest doubled in the past 90 days, and “slavic boy names” was a breakout-related search
The names stealing the spotlight in 2025
From swoon-worthy baby names to what people are naming their sourdough starters (justice for Carbdashian), 2025’s name searches are giving main character energy. Let’s peek into what names are trending and why they’re stealing the spotlight.
Top trending baby names
So far in 2025, across the U.S.:
- Sutton: It’s giving “rich mom in a Netflix reboot.” A posh pick that means “from the southern homestead.”
- Theodore: Classic. Regal. Full of nicknames like Teddy (Roosevelt vibes?) or Theo (hello, teen heartthrob energy). Meaning? “Gift of God.”
- Sadie: A vintage name that feels like it belongs to both your grandma and your favorite indie-pop playlist. It means “princess.” Crown included.
- Amelia: Think Amelia Earhart meets Amelia Shepherd. Meaning “industrious”, aka she works hard, plays harder.
- Athena: Goddess of wisdom, war, and looking fierce in a toga. A total power name.
- Aria: For the drama queens and melody makers. Whether you’re thinking Pretty Little Liars or opera, Aria means “song.”
- Violet: A flower, a color, and a whole vibe. Also the name of that one kid from Willy Wonka who turned into a blueberry. Timeless and a little wild.
- Zion: Strong, spiritual, and slightly mysterious. Zion means “highest point”, basically, top-tier vibes only.
- Milo: Soft boy charm with cool-kid edge. It means “merciful” or “soldier”, depending on whether you’re team cuddle or combat boots.
- Lincoln: Presidential, polished, and ready to run for student council. Meaning: “town by the pool.”
Top trending “nicknames for…”
So far in 2025, across the U.S.:
- Laura: She’s been in every 90s rom-com and probably owns a bookshop. Rooted in “laurel tree,” which symbolizes honor and classic vibes.
- Clementine: Part fruit, part French girl chic. Meaning “merciful,” but she will absolutely ghost you if you spell her name “Clemmy.”
- Adrian: The name you scream at the end of a boxing match (Rocky, anyone?). Originates from “Hadria,” but he’s not just from somewhere, he’s from somewhere important.
- Genevieve: Regal, mysterious, and probably fluent in at least two languages. Meaning: “woman of the people,” but make it aristocratic.
- Jeremiah: Deep thinker, soulful eyes, possibly writes poetry by candlelight. Means “exalted by the Lord”, yes, he’s that guy.
What type of baby name is winning in 2025?
It’s not just about what name you choose anymore—it’s about the vibe. According to Google Trends, parents today aren’t just naming babies; they’re naming future CEOs, novel heroines, and indie band frontpeople. And each name type is telling its own story.
Here’s what the graph reveals:
Old money names are having a Gossip Girl-level resurgence
This category has exploded since 2023. The curve shoots up like it just closed on a summer estate in the Hamptons. Names like Margot, Winston, or Lillian are bringing vintage luxury energy to the nursery.
What this could mean: Parents are chasing that “trust fund baby” aesthetic. If you can’t inherit a yacht, you can at least sound like you did.
Timeless names: Always trending, never basic
Steadily climbing since the early 2000s, these names are the Audrey Hepburns of the baby world—classic, elegant, and eternally cool. Think Elizabeth, James, or Charlotte.
What this could mean: In a world of fast trends, some parents are doubling down on names that age like fine wine—and won’t raise eyebrows on a resume.
Old people names are back—and they brought Werther’s Originals
A slow but steady rise, these names have officially hit their moment. Edith, Bernard, Ruth—names once tucked into retirement homes are now lighting up birth certificates.
What this could mean: Parents are leaning into cozy-core. These names have charm, history, and a whiff of lavender-scented nostalgia.
Normal names: the biggest plot twist of all
The curve here jumps dramatically post-2021. After years of everyone trying to out-unique each other, we’re circling back to the classics. Emma, Jake, Sarah—hello again.
What this could mean: The rebel move of 2025? Naming your kid something refreshingly… normal. Like, no need to explain the spelling at Starbucks-level normal.
One baby name, five different vibes
In 2025, it’s not just what you name your baby—it’s how it fits into a whole aesthetic. Google Trends broke down the most searched names within specific dreamy categories, and the results are giving Pinterest board IRL.
- Plant name: Elowen
A name with leafy energy and forest fairy vibes, Elowen is Cornish for “elm tree.” It sounds like someone who writes poetry in a moss-covered journal and makes tea from foraged herbs.
- Celestial name: Estelle
French for “star,” Estelle brings a touch of vintage glam with a dash of astrology TikTok. She probably owns a telescope and a vintage Chanel blazer.
- Ocean name: Marin
Simple, fresh, and salty like sea spray—Marin (pronounced like “Karen” with an M) literally means “of the sea” in Latin. It’s the name equivalent of coastal grandma meets Baby Gap.
- Flower name: Aster
Aster is giving main-character energy with petal power. It’s a bold little bloom that sounds part botanical, part indie film heroine.
- Moon name: Shashi
This Sanskrit name means “moonlight” and carries soft, serene energy. Perfect for a baby born under a full moon—or destined to lead a lunar yoga retreat someday.
What language is your baby name speaking?
In 2025 so far, Americans have been name-curious, and it shows. Here’s what Google Search reveals about our naming wanderlust:
- Japanese names are the most searched in 38 states!!
- Spanish names dominate in the Southwest, including California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.
- Italian names are topping the charts in parts of the Northeast, like New Jersey and Rhode Island.
- French names reign in Vermont.
What this trend is really saying
Japanese names are having a major moment, likely driven by the global rise of anime, J-style aesthetics, and a growing love for soft, gender-neutral names like Ren or Aiko. These names feel fresh, minimal, and culturally rich, aligning perfectly with Gen Z and millennial naming preferences.
Spanish names trending in the Southwest is expected given the strong Latinx roots in the region, but the appeal is going national. Names like Mateo and Luna are now modern classics: bilingual, melodic, and widely embraced across cultures.
Italian names bring drama, charm, and heritage, and that’s a hard combo to beat. With a renewed interest in “old world” elegance and names that sound luxe (think Giulia or Enzo), Italian baby names remain timeless and trendy.
French names, popular in places like Vermont, reflect the rising search interest in “cottagecore” and “whimsical” aesthetics. Think Éloise, Lucien, and Juliette, names that feel like they belong in a dreamy period drama or your favorite indie novel.
Same name, different spelling? It matters.
Pop culture, phonetics, and a little extra flair can send one spelling soaring above another. Let’s take a peek at two name duos that prove how a single letter can make all the difference.
Jayden vs. Jaden
In August 2024, “Jayden” officially overtook “Jaden” in search interest. While both spellings have trended neck and neck over the years (especially during Jaden Smith’s peak fame), it looks like the extra “y” is finally winning hearts, and Google searches.
Why? It could be that “Jayden” feels more phonetically intuitive or modern to new parents. This mirrors a broader trend: parents leaning into longer, stylized spellings that feel distinctive without being too unconventional.
Aria vs. Arya
Game of Thrones fans remember the moment: In May 2019, during the series finale, “Arya” was searched more than “Aria”—for the first and only time. Outside of that cultural spike, “Aria” consistently leads in popularity.
Why? “Aria” hits the sweet spot for parents—it’s musical, elegant, and easy to pronounce. Meanwhile, “Arya” may be beloved by fans of fierce TV characters, but it carries a niche association that hasn’t translated into long-term search dominance.
