From Myth to Magic: Fantasy Baby Names Set to Rise in 2026

2025’s best-selling fantasy novels are predicted to have the biggest influence on baby names in 2026, as parents-to-be take inspiration from leading fictional characters.

Fantasy fiction:
For girls, experts predict a sharp rise in the name Violet, inspired by the main character of the highest selling book of 2025, Onyx Storm, by Rebecca Yarros. The name was already ranking amongst the top 50 most popular, but with over 2.7 million copies of Onyx Storm selling this year, it’s anticipated to make it into the top 30 for 2026.

For boys, the name Rhys, inspired by the character Rhysand in fantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, is expected to rise in popularity. With over 1.8 million TikTok posts dedicated to the series, and the majority of Google searches for Rhysand recorded after February 2024, despite the first book’s release in 2015, the recent increase in interest is clear

Also inspired by fantasy fiction, the name Maysilee – after the character in Sunrise on the Reaping, one of the best-selling books of 2025 – is set to climb the ranks in 2026. With a film adaptation set for release in November 2026, experts are predicting this Hunger Games prequel will influence expectant parents who are fans of the franchise.

Music:
After fictional characters, musicians will have the biggest influence on baby names in 2026, according to British name label manufacturer mynametags.com.

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s single from her recently released album, The Life of a Showgirl, the name Ophelia is expected to see a resurgence in popularity. The albums’ release in October 2025 sparked an 89% spike in Google searches for the name, which ranked 73rd in 2024.

Viral singer, Alex Warren, is set to inspire the next generation of children named Alex, after his album You’ll Be Alright Kid (Chapter 1) topped the global charts. With over 3.5 million streams in 2025, the name is expected to rise significantly next year.

Fuelled by the buzz of the Oasis reunion tour, the name Liam is also expected to climb in popularity. Having previously peaked in the top 10 following the release of the band’s best-selling album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? in 1995, the name is predicted to come into favour again after the success of the tour and resurging fandom across the UK.

The big and small screens:
2026’s wild card, Lilo, is inspired by the highest grossing film of 2025 – Disney’s live adaptation of Lilo & Stitch. Although the name is currently near the bottom of the ranks, another Disney-inspired name, Elsa, rose an impressive 79 places following the release of Frozen in 2013, so experts predict to see a similar result with Lilo. The release of Lilo & Stitch marked a 91% increase in Google searches for the name, which could prove popular amongst celebrities who love to think outside of the box when it comes to naming their children.

Conrad is also expected to rise in popularity after Conrad Fisher, the ultimate boy next door from drama series, The Summer I Turned Pretty. Google searches for Conrad rose 71% during the summer of 2025, and with over 70 million viewers globally, the character is set to leave a lasting impact on the next generation.

Sporting heroes:
Sports star and Lioness, Chloe Kelly, is expected to impact baby name trends in 2026. Chloe scored the England team’s winning penalty against Spain in the UEFA European Women’s Championship 2025, and, with the name currently ranking 72nd, the footballer is anticipated to spark a new generation of Chloes.

Winner of the Masters in April 2025, My Nametags’ final prediction is inspired by Rory McIlroy. As the sixth golfer to achieve a career Grand Slam, and an inspiration to aspiring golfers, experts anticipate to see a resurgence of his name, entering the top 20 in 2026.

Lars B Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com, comments: “We’ve been tracking name trends for over twenty years and see how time and again parents’ choices are influenced by the media and pop culture. 2025 has been the year of escaping reality and leaning into the whimsical and otherworldly. Fiction has always been a strong indicator of baby name trends, but with younger parents more active on social media than ever before, ‘BookTok’s obsession over fantasy novels has taken it to new heights.

“Of course, other cultural moments from the past year will also be front of mind for expectant parents, with those who prefer sports or music looking to the Euros, major tournaments, and record-breaking tours for inspiration.”

Top baby girl name predictions for 2026:
Violet
Ophelia
Maysilee
Lilo
Chloe
Top baby boy name predictions for 2026:
Rhys
Conrad
Alex
Liam
Rory
Whether you’re a sports fanatic, fantasy lover, or film nerd, uncover more baby name inspiration for your little one.