Noah and Olivia remain the most popular baby names, according to BabyCenter's 2026 ranking and data, which also highlights other trendy names influenced by hockey TV shows, Greek epics, and E-names.
While the most popular name for both genders remains the same as last year, the digital parenting resource said in an Oct. 20 news release that some old favorites returned to the top 10, along with some new names. For example, in girls, Eliana surged to No. 2 this year from No. 7 in 2025, while Evelyn reclaimed a spot in the top 10 after falling off in 2024.
On the boys' side, Elias entered the top 10 for the first time at No. 7, alongside Leo, who returned to the top 10 after it fell out last year. Other new names gaining popularity include Magnolia
for girls and Stetson, Archer, Milo and Dean on the boys' list.
Dean entered the top 100 for the first time this century, after falling from its peak in the 1950s and 1960s.
Steph Coffield, baby name advisor for BabyCenter, said in a statement that the most surprising name trend this year was "Eliana’s meteoric rise to become the second most popular name for girls," adding that if its momentum continues, it may become the top name next year, dethroning Olivia.
BabyCenter said its insights come from its "proprietary name data, sourced from more than 350,000 babies born in 2026 to parents registered on the BabyCenter app." The organization noted that because names are "submitted in real time, BabyCenter can spot emerging trends before the Social Security Administration releases its annual list."
Top 10 most popular girl names for 2026
- Olivia
- Eliana
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Emma
- Aurora
- Evelyn
- Mia
Top 10 most popular boy names for 2026
- Noah
- Liam
- Oliver
- Elijah
- Mateo
- Lucas
- Elias
- Levi
- Ezra
- Leo
Trends driving baby names
BabyCenter's latest report found "E" is the most popular first initial for girls, with names beginning with the letter making up 15% of the top 100 girl names. Meanwhile, "J" is the most popular first letter among boys, with 14% of the top 100 names starting with the letter.
Data also showed that names are getting longer, with 29% of the top girl names and 31% of the top boy names having 7 or more letters. According to BabyCenter, the longest name amongst the most popular is Christopher, with 11 letters.
Meanwhile, some longtime favorite names dropped in popularity, including Leah and Brooklyn for girls and Christian and Ryan for boys. Taylor also registered a sharp drop in popularity among both girls and boys as parents experienced what BabyCenter said was "Taylor fatigue," presumably fueled by Taylor Swift’s wedding, Taylor Farms' lettuce recalls, and "even the Taylors Lautner having a baby, with the middle name Taylor."
Trends that will influence baby names in 2027
Hockey TV dramas, Greek epics, and Western aesthetics are expected to drive baby name trends for 2027, according to BabyCenter, which also notes that longer names and names starting with "E" for girls and with "J" for boys will continue trending.
Here's what BabyCenter is predicting for the upcoming year:
- As hockey TV dramas dominate the TV landscape and ESPN recorded its most-watched NHL playoff season, names inspired by the game have risen in popularity, with parents choosing names like Garrett, Allie, Beau, and Jules from Prime Video's hit show "Off Campus."
- Western names inspired by hit shows like "Yellowstone" continue to dominate pop culture and baby names as parents embrace the vibe. Stetson, for example, rose 46 spots to No. 95, entering the top 100 for the first time, with Walker, Callahan, Wilder, and Gunner following closely behind.
- Names inspired by Greek mythos and the Mediterranean also gained popularity, "thanks to their grandiose personas and 'The Odyssey' blockbuster," BabyCenter said. Atlas, Orion, Troy, Ares, Evander and Perseus all saw a surge among boys, while girls are being named Iris, Lydia and Daphne.
- Ahead of a newly announced documentary, "Gilmore Girls" inspired names are already driving a major spike for Stars Hollow favorites, including Lorelai, Rory, Christopher, Luke and Dean.
- High-impact, edgy names featuring the letter X are also popular, with Bexley, Alexandra, Xena and Ximena trending for girls, and Braxton, Knox, Daxton, Maximilian and Jaxson for boys.
"The trends this year show parents are ready to dig into the archives with some modern appreciation for the ancient, the vintage, the classic," Coffield said. "BabyCenter’s data shows names from the Greek mythos and the Wild West are conquering the Gen Beta baby name frontier. And these names are getting more elaborate by statistically using more letters as parents maximize and embrace longer names."
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: BabyCenter's unveils most popular baby names for 2026
