Predicting baby names isn't a crystal ball exercise — it's math. When a name climbs consistently for 3–5 years straight, it almost always keeps climbing for at least another year or two. Momentum is real in baby naming. Parents are influenced by the names they hear around them, and rising names get more exposure, which drives more use.
We dug into five years of U.S. Social Security Administration data (2019–2024) to find the names with the strongest upward trajectories. These are our picks for the names most likely to keep climbing in 2026.
Boys to Watch in 2026
Breaking Into the Top 50
Thiago — This is the one. Thiago went from #184 in 2019 to #55 in 2024 — a jump of 129 spots with no sign of slowing down. The Latin flavor, the strong sound, and the rising Hispanic population in the U.S. all point to Thiago cracking the top 40 in 2026.
Enzo — From #219 in 2019 to #74 in 2024. Enzo has that Italian effortless cool, and it's been climbing steadily every single year. Expect it in the 50–65 range by 2026.
Luka — The K spelling (vs. Lucas) gives it a fresh European edge. Luka went from #221 to #94 in five years and should keep pushing upward.
The Fast Climbers
Stetson — The biggest surprise on this list. Stetson jumped from #545 in 2019 to #155 in 2024 — that's 390 spots. It's riding the Western/cowboy name wave and shows no sign of slowing. Prediction: top 120 by 2026.
Callum — Scottish, clean, and climbing fast. From #448 to #159 in five years. Callum has the same energy that made Liam and Declan hits — Celtic roots with mainstream appeal.
Walker — Surname-as-first-name continues to be a winning formula. Walker jumped from #230 to #82. It sounds confident and presidential.
Hayes — Another surname pick with momentum. From #296 to #160. Hayes has a single-syllable punch that pairs well with almost any middle name.
Atlas — Mythology names are having a moment, and Atlas is leading the charge. From #226 to #101 in five years. The "carrying the world" metaphor resonates with parents.
Colter — The sleeper pick. Colter rocketed from #973 to #218 — the biggest percentage climb on our boys' list. It fits the rugged, outdoorsy trend perfectly.
The Top 10 Shake-up
Theodore is the story here. It jumped 32 spots in five years to reach #4, and its trajectory suggests it could challenge for #3 or even #2 by 2026. Meanwhile, William has been slowly sliding (from #4 to #10) and Elijah dropped from #5 to #8. The top 3 — Liam, Noah, Oliver — look stable, but Theodore is coming for them.
Girls to Watch in 2026
The Rockets
Lainey — The fastest-rising girl name in America, full stop. From #381 in 2019 to #38 in 2024. That's a 343-spot climb, and it jumped 120 spots in the last year alone. Lainey could be a top-25 name by 2026.
Maeve — Irish names continue to dominate. Maeve went from #244 to #75 — a 169-spot climb. It's short, literary, and distinctive without being weird. Top-50 material for 2026.
Margot — The Margot Robbie effect is real. From #306 to #126 in five years. Margot has that French sophistication that parents can't resist. Prediction: top 100 by 2026.
Steady Climbers
Hallie — From #398 to #148. Hallie has the same friendly energy as Hailey but feels more polished and less 2005. A strong bet for the top 120.
Daphne — Greek mythology meets quirky charm. Daphne climbed from #435 to #192 and has been accelerating. It hits the sweet spot of "unusual enough to be interesting, familiar enough to not be confusing."
Oaklynn — The nature-name trend meets the -lynn suffix trend. From #506 to #156. Love it or not, Oaklynn has serious momentum and isn't going anywhere.
Stevie — Retro cool at its finest. From #524 to #209. Stevie has that Fleetwood Mac energy and benefits from the gender-neutral naming trend.
Mabel — The vintage revival pick. From #440 to #222. Mabel feels like it's about to have its Hazel moment — the year it goes from "rising" to "everywhere."
Celeste — Heavenly (literally) and climbing fast. From #374 to #198. Celeste has a timeless elegance that should carry it well into the top 150.
The Top 10 Outlook
The girls' top 10 has been more volatile. Ava dropped from #3 in 2019 to #9 in 2024 — a significant slide. Sofia climbed from #17 to #10, taking Ava's spot. Amelia rose from #7 to #3. The top 2 (Olivia and Emma) look secure for now, but Amelia and Charlotte are closing the gap.
Names We Think Will Slow Down
Not every name rises forever. These names are still popular but showing signs of deceleration:
- William — Still top 10, but has dropped 6 spots in 5 years. The decline is gradual but consistent.
- Ava — Similar story. From #3 to #9. Still hugely popular, but the peak is behind it.
- Isabella — Dropped from #5 to #7. The Twilight generation is aging, and the name is cooling off.
- Harper — Was #11 in 2019, now outside the top 10 at #12. The Beckham effect has fully played out.
To be clear: these are all still beautiful, popular names. "Slowing down" from #3 to #9 is not the same as falling off a cliff. But if you want a name that's trending up rather than down, the earlier picks in this article are your best bets.