Baby name trends for girls have waxed and waned since time immemorial. From ultra-traditional choices to the million girls named Brittany and Ashley in the ’80s and ’90s to more masculine names taking center stage, it’s hard to even really guess where trends are headed. But choosing less popular names is definitely one trend that’s here to stay, which is why so many “dad-centric” baby names pop up in search results for parents of soon-to-be girls.
Babylist editorial director Karen Liardanz says gender-neutral names for girls don’t just include standard names like Taylor or Alex, or even “boyish” nicknames.
“Names like Charlotte (Charlie), Amelia (Mills), and Josephine (Joey) allow parents to blend tradition with a more modern, playful edge. These names offer a timeless vibe with a fresh, gender-neutral edge,” she tells Scary Mommy. “But now, many parents are opting for daddy-centric nicknames as first names, rather than using formal full names at all. Benny, Scotty, and Stevie, as seen on Babylist Babes, a list of recently born Babylist babies. , is becoming more popular with girls. This reflects a shift towards cool names that are short, playful, and easily stand on their own. Classic names with boyish nicknames are still popular, but dad-centric nicknames have become a trend in their own right.
Leardanz points out that celebrities may be influencing this trend. “Celebrity influence on baby names is undeniable, but parents still look for originality. Stars may not start trends, but they certainly help fuel them. We’re seeing an increase in father-centric nicknames for girls among celebrity families, like Benny (Kylie and Jason Kelsey’s youngest son) and Scottie (Allison Cucci’s daughter),” she says.
Parents are looking for a “sweet spot, a name that feels familiar but unique enough to avoid having to share a classroom with three other people by kindergarten,” Leardanz said. After all, 31% of parents say they reject a name outright because it’s “too popular,” according to Babylist data.
Alongside papacore names, which are often shortened versions of more masculine names, Babylist has found that giving a first name as a first name is also a trend that is becoming more popular among girls. Boys were often given this nickname, but now names like Parker and Miller are making their way onto girls’ popular lists.
Are there other gender-neutral trends on the rise? Boys’ names with soft consonants (like Everett and Murphy) and more “boyish” nature-inspired girls’ names like Atlas and Denver.
We all know that baby name trends can come and go quickly, but I love the idea of a world full of little girls named Mattie or Scottie. If you’re also interested in the dad-centric baby name trend, read on for more ideas.
No matter what name you choose, from a boyish nickname to using your last name as your last name, your baby girl will feel truly loved. nice.
