Parents are turning to cult documentaries and chilling podcasts for baby name inspo, and they might not even realise it.
| With true crime content dominating streaming charts and podcast playlists, it’s more popular than ever – and its influence may be spreading further than we think. Could your favourite Netflix docuseries or true crime drama be inspiring your baby’s name shortlist? From unsettling podcast binges to cult crime documentaries, BabyCentre UK , announcing its Top 100 Baby Names of 2025, reveals a surprising new influence on modern baby naming. | |
| TRUE CRIME NAMES: | |
| A darker trend is creeping into this year’s Top 100 baby names. Names linked to infamous criminal cases, true crime celebrities, and viral scandals are trending, and many parents might not even realise their origins. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Alongside this, we’re also seeing a rise in classic, celestial, and high-society-inspired names, which are also emerging this year, offering a softer, more traditional counterbalance. BabyCentre UK’s Baby Naming Expert, and author, SJ Strum, explains: “These names aren’t being chosen because of crime. More often, parents are unconsciously absorbing popular culture, and these names creep in to our minds via gripping TV, podcasts and viral content. It’s a fascinating lens on how culture shapes language, and by extension, baby names.” True Crime-inspired names in BabyCentre’s top 100 baby names making headlines (and head counts) in 2025 are: Anna – The “Fake Heiress” Anna Delvey Arthur – Arthur Lee Allen, Zodiac Killer suspect Bella – Inspired by Belle Gibson, wellness scammer Erin – Erin Patterson, dubbed “The Mushroom Cook” Freddie & Rose – The story of Fred and Rose West Joseph – A nod to ‘Joe Exotic’, Tiger King Luca – From the viral doc Don’t F** with Cats* Teddy – A surprisingly soft spin on serial killer Ted Bundy Ruby – From viral doc ‘Devil in the Family’, Ruby Franke Ronnie & Reggie – The Kray twins | |
| It’s not all crime and consequence…other name trends include: | |
| COSMIC CRIB NAMES: | |
| This one’s for the girls! Parents-to-be are gazing skyward for inspiration, with celestial baby girl names soaring in popularity. From constellations to planets and cosmic mythology, the universe is proving a rich and meaningful source of name ideas. With lunar cycles, astrology, and spiritual symbolism now more popular than ever, names like Luna, Nova, Aurora and Maryam are booming. These names carry power, beauty, and a touch of magic, everything parents are looking for in a name. Say “I love you to the moon and back, and all around the stars” with one of these radiant, rising baby girl names. Cosmic-inspired girl’s names trending in 2025: Arabella – Beautiful like a star Ayla – Moonlight Aurora – Goddess of the dawn Eliana – Helios sun god Layla – Night beauty Luna – Moon Maryam – Start of the sea Nova – New star Nur – Light Thea – Goddess of light | |
| SUCCESSION CHIC: | |
| Inspired by the rise of high-society TV dramas like Succession and The White Lotus, today’s parents are leaning towards timeless name nobility. We’re seeing a resurgence of names that carry aristocratic weight, exuding elegance, heritage, and lasting sophistication. With the fashion aesthetics of Quiet Luxury and Old Money dominating TikTok for the past few years, it’s no surprise that baby names are following suit. Think Elodie, Nathaniel, Zara, and Sebastian, names that wouldn’t be out of place on a trust fund registry or a marble family crest. These aren’t just names; they’re legacy statements for the next generation. Succession Chic names rising this year include: | |
| Girl’s Names:Amelia – Striving, Ada – Nobility, Alice – noble, Aria – Noble Melody, Elodie – wealth, Freya – Lady, Gianna – gracious, Penelope – Weaver, Zara – Princess/Lady | Boy’s Names:Albie – Noble, Eli – Ascension, Ibrahim – Father of many, Nathanial – God has given, Otis – Fortune, Reuben – Behold a son, Rory – Red King, Sebastian – Revered, Theodore – Gift |
| GEN X,Y & Z | |
| Letters X, Y and Z may be at the back of the alphabet, but this year, they’ve leapt to the front of the Baby Naming Charts. Names featuring these letters bring a bold, modern edge to a name, which many parents are finding irresistible. Girls’ names like Maya, and Zoe offer a lyrical softness, balanced with strong visual appeal, while boy’s names such as Syed, and Zion carry a powerful, almost majestic quality. These letters are the secret stars of the show, offering an aesthetic of mystery and strength that helps names stand out visually, with style and impact. | |
| Girls’ Names: Anaya – Free, Ayra – Noble, Emily – Rival, Hazel – Hazelnut, Maya – Mother, Robyn – Bright, Ruby – Red, Zoe – Life | Boys’ Names: Dylan – Of the sea, Enzo – Home ruler, Ezra – Helper, Max – Greatest, Syed – Lord, Yahya – Gracious, Zane – Beauty, Zion – Highest place |
| SJ Strum explains: “Names flow in and out of style, and popular culture plays a huge role in shaping the baby names we see rising. We often choose names in tune with what’s happening in the world around us as we welcome our little ones. For example, Evie, the newest addition to Peppa Pig’s family, is a perfect short and sweet vintage pick that’s now soaring in popularity. “We’ve also seen an uplift in names honouring the late Queen, like Eliza, Elsie, and Elizabeth. Royal-inspired names remain strong year-on-year: from Charlotte, Zara, and Mia, to George, Harry, William, Charlie, and Archie. Even Princess has seen a surprising comeback, as the nation rallied around Princess Kate during her recent cancer treatment.” | |
| Faye Mingo, Chief Marketing Officer at BabyCentre, adds: “As one of the UK’s most trusted sources for baby name inspiration, we’re uniquely placed to spot the shifts in naming trends as they happen. Baby names often serve as a time capsule of the world babies are born into, so it’s fascinating to watch how these trends unfold each year, and even more so when unexpected influences, like true crime, begin to make an impact.” | |
| BabyCentre, the UK’s go-to destination for pregnancy and parenting reaching millions of new and expectant parents each month. The Top 100 Baby Names List reveals the biggest baby name themes capturing parents’ imaginations in 2025. Download the free BabyCentre app and explore their new Baby Name Shuffle tool to discover the perfect baby name and build your personalised shortlist. | |
