Baby names predicted to be big in Britain in 2025

Picking a baby name for a brand new human is a big responsibility. While some parents opt for traditional monikers passed down through generations, others take inspiration from alternative sources.

To help parents-to-be strike a balance between unusual and on-trend, the experts at BabyCentre UK have pulled together their prediction of the baby names which look set to shape the pre-school registers in 2025 and beyond.

From cultural influences, such as the Cambridge Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year, "manifest", a growing connection to nature, and the enchanting aesthetic of Castlecore, it seems parents will be thinking outside the baby naming box this year.

Baby names set to be popular in 2025

1. Castlecore

Pinterest predicts has highlighted the huge rise in Castlecore, marking the medieval movement in Britain as a major aesthetic. The report forecasts we'll take home décor inspiration from ancient castles, while fashion and accessories will be gothic-inspired. And there’s no doubt that this influence will also feature in baby naming trends too.

"Castlecore-inspired names transport us to a world of chivalry and fantasy, allowing parents to weave a sense of wonder into their children’s identities,” Strum explains.

She says names that are recognised for their strength, with a dark and dramatic vibe are already moving up the name charts. "The romantic aesthetic of Castlecore, with its medieval-inspired charm and fairy-tale allure, is set to influence a wave of regal and whimsical baby names."

Strum predicts other historical names yet to hit the most popular lists, but that could see a rise include Eowyn, which means bravery/heroism and Percival, which means rich with Arthurian romance.

Castlecore-inspired girl’s names:

• Delilah - Delicate or weaken

• Maeve - She who rules

• Orla - Golden Princess

• Lyla - Night beauty

• Clara - Clear and bright

Castlecore-inspired boy’s names:

• Rory - Red King

• Albie - Noble/bright

• Louie - Famed warrior

• Myles - Soldier

• Chester - Fortress

• Rupert - Fame and glory

2. Manifested monikers

The word manifest was looked up almost 130,000 times on the Cambridge Dictionary website last year, making it one of the most-viewed words of 2024. But according to baby name expert SJ Strum this optimistic and empowered movement is also set to inspire baby names.

"I see this trend growing and in 2025," she explains. "Parents will be picking names that bring this spirit of positive thinking, plus hope, dreams and visions of a wonderful future."

Whilst the girls’ name, Nova, previously favoured in the most popular list, has dropped out of this year’s top 100 list, Strum predicts 2025 could see its return to favour, alongside other positive monikers, such as Everest, which symbolises ambitious heights and strength and Amara, meaning ‘grace’ or ‘unfading’.

"Parents will continue to look for names that carry an aspirational quality, which align with the values of self-belief and positivity," Strum adds.

Manifest-inspired girl’s names:

• Mila - Miracles

• Arabelle - Invokable

• Ottlie - Riches

• Evelyn - Wished for

• Thea - Divine

• Ophelia - To help or aid

Manifest-inspired boy's names:

• Jude - Thankful

• Ezra - Helper

• Ronnie - Advise

• Felix - Lucky

• Bodhi - Enlightenment

3. Nature's renaissance

As we increasing integrate natural elements into our lives, Strum predicts it will have an impact on baby names too. "Our commitment to sustainability and celebration of the beauty in the natural world means that nature-inspired names are flourishing," explains Strum.

She suggests keeping an eye on earthy classic monikers such as Cedar, meaning, grounded and strong and Rivera, which combines nature and sophistication.

Nature-inspired girl's names:

• Margot - Pearl

• Willow - Tree

• Daisy - Flower

• Olive - Tree

Nature-inspired boy’s names:

• Oakley - Oak Tree Woods

• Arlo - Hill

• Brody - Muddle Place

• Jasper - Precious Stone

• Stanley - Stone Clearing

Read more about baby names:

• Popular 1970s baby name drops out of top 100 list for boys (Manchester Evening News, 3-min read)

• The most popular baby names have been released and there's a change at the top (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)

• How to pick a unique baby name (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)