These are my picks for the Best New Baby Names 2026.
There are plenty to choose from. In the May 2026 data update, 43 girls names’ debuted in or returned to the rankings, along with 49 new boy names.
From those lists, here are the eight boys’ names and eight girls’ names picked as the best of the best.
What does that mean?
It’s hard to explain, but they’re the names that seem bigger than just their letters and sounds. They’re interesting. These choices seem like they’ll influence trends into the future. Names that should keep on rising, into the Top 500 and beyond.
Of course, these predictions aren’t always right.
But that’s the fun!
These sixteen names are the basis for every July’s New Name Showdown. More on that later this summer.
For now – the names!
Table of Contents
BEST NEW BOY NAMES
BECK
Call it Beckett with a dash of Jack. Beck isn’t new exactly, since it’s been a surname name for ages. But it feels fresh and vibrant, a brief name with the same brisk sound as timeless Jack.
BOAZ
Some ages see parents shaking the Old Testament until every last wearable name falls out. The 2020s feel like one such moment, both because they offer strong meanings and appealing sounds, but also because there’s history and backstory to names like Boaz. Another factor putting Boaz on the best new baby names 2026 list? Spirited nickname Bo.
COAST
Words are names are words, especially when it comes to nature-adjacent possibilities. Another reason new name Coast is so appealing? The laid-back energy of the verb, and the idea of gently coasting, carefree, feet off the pedals as our bicycle glides downhill.
HAZIEL
Given the rise of boys’ names ending with -iel, it felt like one had to make this list. Haziel, with its Hayes-meets-Gabriel sound, might be one of the best options of the moment.
JASAI
Names ending with AI are a serious trendlet. Jasai seems like a reworking of Biblical Josiah with a more global, even space age vibe.
MARCELLO
Romance language name boosted by Saturday Night Live cast member and comedian Marcello Hernandez. It’s an elaboration of Marcus, a cousin to Mark, and thus related to Mars, the Roman god of war. But Marcello is smooth, friendly, approachable – a very different vibe. Both Marcello and Marcella returned to the US Top 1000 this year.
MONTGOMERY
A little gentleman name quietly gaining for years, Montgomery has finally broken through.
STONE
This name has ranked in the US Top 1000 previously. But that was when television news anchor Stone Phillips was near the peak of his career. He’s since retired, and his name faded. (If you were naming a fictional television journalist, could you pick a better name?) Now Stone is back on its own merits, a nature name that projects strength. It’s a surname-style choice, too, easy to spell and pronounce. It’s slightly more conventional than Coast, but appeals for all the same reasons.
BEST NEW GIRL NAMES
DARLA
There’s a retro spark and energy to darling Darla. That’s not just wordplay – Darla and Darlene were both influenced by the term of endearment. Though Darla also feels a bit like Carla, another name that’s out of favor now – but could be due for a renaissance.
ELARA
Elara rhymes with Darla but has a very different vibe. While Elara comes from Greek myth, this name feels effortlessly global and very current in our Eliana/Adhara/Clara moment.
ELIORA
With Eliana in top ten, this Hebrew choice feels like an obvious name to watch. It also benefits from a powerful meaning: my God is my light.
KYOMI
A Japanese import that feels like a Kyra/Naomi successor, except it’s completely distinct in terms of origin and meaning. While the kanji chosen to write the name ultimately determine its meaning, pure and beautiful are popular. Also worth noting: Kiyomi also debuted in the US Top 1000 this year.
LAKEN
A 1990s soap opera name, Laken has a new vitality thanks to the name’s Nature Plus status. She’s a sister for Wrenlee and Oaklyn, but with Lakelynn and Lakelyn also ranked in the US Top 1000, Laken has competition.
MARIEL
A pretty elaboration of Marie, surprisingly rare. Less aquatic than Ariel, not as predictable as Maria.
ODETTE
Once vaunted as the next big thing for hipster parents, Odette never quite caught on earlier in the 21st century. Today, though, with Colette and Juliette trending, this gently French import could be ready for the spotlight.
WINIFRED
Pretty, antique Winifred is finally back in favor. Nickname Winnie helped lead the way.
I love Winifred but I hate Coast, Stone and Laken. I once had a tropical fish called Montgomery.