Yahoo Lifestyle 
Unlikely baby names Gen Z parents are resurrecting from 100 years ago: 'Taking risks'
A baby name consultant tells Yahoo Lifestyle why Gen Z is following certain trends when it comes to baby names in 2025.
Choosing a name for your baby can be one of the hardest decisions you can make for your newborn and it often comes with a lot of debate and opinions from people around you. Is it too unique, or is it too traditional? Will they be bullied because of their name?
Well, it seems as though Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, is "rewriting the rulebook" for baby names in 2025, with an expert revealing to Yahoo Lifestyle that Gen Z is more "willing to take risks" where other generations might not. While previous generations relied on tradition, they value more individuality.
Gen Z parents 're-writing the rulebook' for baby names in 2025
Baby name consultant Michelle Casey of Grow Little Wildflower, tells Yahoo Lifestyle, "Gen Z parents are incredibly creative and bold in their baby name choices - but I also see a real love towards the vintage names too, as they dive into their family tree and find names that feel connected to them.
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"They gravitate towards names that feel fresh, unique and personal. Some popular trends are nature names like River, Ivy, Jasper and Aurora alongside the gender neutral names like Charlie, Billie, Phoenix and Frankie!"
She adds, "There is also a growing love for the shorter, punchy names like Kai, Leo, Max, Mia and Cleo and of course the vintage 'names from 100 years ago' like Hazel, Dorothy, Evelyn and Ruby for girls and Arthur, Jack, August and Charles for boys.
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Michelle explains, "Gen Z is, in a way, 'rewriting' the rulebook - although I always say there are no rules when it comes to baby names, previous generations tended to rely heavily on tradition - Gen Z parents value individuality and self-expression.
"They are more willing to take risks, choose a name that reflects their personal values and are less worried about what people might think. No name is too 'out there' for Gen Z and with the rise of social media - we are seeing more name reveals and unique names being celebrated than ever before."
The surprising baby name trend Gen Z is embracing
It might come as little surprise, but one trend among Gen Z parents is to use the letter 'Z' within the name. Names like Enzo, Hazel, Ezra, Zayn and Zara are rising in popularity thanks to this trend.
Nameberry says, "It’s a move away from the spiky Vs and Xs that dominate among children of Millennials," adding we'll likely see fewer children named Jaxon and Avery, for example.
They added, "We predict that Z will be the letter on every parent’s lips in 2025."
Michelle tells us her thoughts on why this is, saying, "The 'Z' appeal - well there is a certain buzz around names that have a Z in them - they feel strong, yet soft and a little edgy - perhaps offering that perfect balance of individuality and familiarity too.
"The letter Z feels rare, but recognisable. Zachary, Ezra, Zoe and Zara all made the top 100 names in Australia in 2023 and I predict they will remain in the top 100 when our 2024 data is released!"
What names will be popular in 2025?
The baby name consultant shared her predictions for 2025, including the pop culture influences we'll like see.
"I predict a rise in nature-inspired names like Willow, Hazel, Sky, Summer, River, Ocean, Jasper," she says. "Vintage revivals such as Maeve, Margot, Nora and Penelope alongside August, Jack, Jude, Archer and Owen. Playful nicknames will also be very loved - names like Birdie, Sunny, Teddy/Teddie, Ollie, Lottie, Hallie, Winnie, Rosie and I really think we will see a rise in little Gracie's thanks to the pop culture influence of Gracie Abrahms!
"I also see strong names like Atlas, Freya, Caspian, Romeo, Florence and Sylvie being very loved alongside our growing love of word names like - Story, Poet, Journey, Bloom, Ever and Love rising especially for middle names."
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What names are 'out' for 2025?
However, the names that will likely drop in popularity include "trendy 2010-style names" such as Aidan, Jayden and Zaiden, with Michelle explaining this is because parents will "shift towards names that feel more timeless or super bold."
"Overcomplicated spellings may also be in the past with parents preferring simplicity and clarity," she adds.
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