Looking Ahead: Baby Name Predictions for 2027

Our 2026 predictions focused on names already in the fast lane — names that have climbed hundreds of spots and are likely to keep going. But for 2027, we're looking further out. These are the names in the 200–500 range that are building momentum right now and could break into the mainstream within two years.

Think of it this way: today's #250 is tomorrow's #80. That's exactly what happened with Theodore (went from #266 in 2009 to #4 in 2024) and Maeve (#537 in 2013 to #75 in 2024). The names below are at similar inflection points.

Boy Names Poised for 2027

The Next Wave

Ares — The Greek god of war is surging. From #573 in 2019 to #295 in 2024, Ares has climbed 278 spots with the trend accelerating. Mythology names like Atlas paved the way, and Ares is next in line. It's bold, short, and memorable. Prediction: top 200 by 2027.

Rory — Climbing for both boys and girls, but the boys' side is where the action is. From #358 to #226. Rory has Irish charm, works internationally, and the Gilmore Girls nostalgia factor hasn't hurt. Top 180 by 2027.

Otto — We flagged this in our classic names article, and the data backs it up. From #429 to #274. Otto is punchy, palindromic, and has strong European appeal. It's following the exact path Felix took a few years earlier.

Cyrus — Ancient Persian royalty meets modern cool. From #408 to #254, with a steady climb each year. Cyrus has the same exotic-but-familiar quality that made Silas a hit.

Harvey — British charm hitting American shores. Harvey was stalled around #400 for years, then suddenly jumped to #245 in 2024. The acceleration suggests this name is hitting a tipping point.

Saint — Controversial? Sure. But the data doesn't lie. From #737 to #282. The Kardashian effect is real, and "virtue names" (Saint, King, Messiah) are a genuine trend. Saint could hit the top 200 by 2027.

Wildcards to Watch

Koa — Hawaiian for "warrior" and also a beautiful tree species. Koa jumped from #740 to #292. It's short, powerful, and culturally rich — the kind of name that can go mainstream fast once it hits critical mass.

Callan — Riding the coattails of Callum and Calvin. From #525 to #242. The "Cal-" prefix is red hot right now.

Tatum — Traditionally more of a girls' name, but it's skyrocketing for boys (from #487 to #195). Channing Tatum probably has something to do with it.

Girl Names Poised for 2027

The Next Wave

Antonella — The biggest sleeper on this list. From #543 in 2019 to #233 in 2024 — and it jumped 147 spots in the last two years alone. Antonella is huge in Latin America and is now crossing over into the U.S. mainstream. It has the length and elegance of Isabella with a fresher feel. Top 150 by 2027.

Celine — French, sophisticated, and climbing fast. From #491 to #227. The death of Celine Dion brought renewed attention to the name, and its timeless quality means it won't fade with the news cycle.

Daphne — Already in our 2026 picks, but the 2027 trajectory puts it solidly in the top 150. From #435 to #192, with acceleration in recent years. Daphne has the mythology angle, the classic feel, and the right number of syllables.

Mabel — The vintage revival continues. From #440 to #222. By 2027, Mabel could be where Hazel was in 2018 — the moment it went from "rising" to "everyone knows one." Top 170 by 2027.

Celeste — Jumped from #374 to #198 with a big acceleration in 2024 specifically. Celeste has a celestial elegance (literally — it means "heavenly") that feels both current and timeless.

Blair — Scottish, preppy, and climbing. From #402 to #218. Blair benefits from the gender-neutral trend and the one-syllable girl name wave (see also: Wren, Sage).

Wildcards to Watch

Selah — Biblical and melodic. From #445 to #280. Selah (pronounced SEE-lah) has a spiritual quality that resonates with religious and non-religious parents alike.

Poppy — Huge in the UK, still climbing in the U.S. From #494 to #289. Poppy is cheerful, floral, and has a playfulness that's hard to resist.

Rory — Rising for girls too. From #460 to #286. If it breaks the top 200 for both genders simultaneously, that's a rare achievement.

The Bigger Patterns

Zooming out, here's what the data tells us about where baby naming is headed:

• Latin and Mediterranean names are surging. Thiago, Mateo, Enzo, Antonella, Camila — this is the biggest demographic shift in American baby naming right now.
• Celtic names keep winning. Callum, Rory, Maeve, Declan. Irish and Scottish names have been climbing for 15+ years with no sign of stopping.
• Surname-first-names for boys. Walker, Hayes, Stetson, Colter, Brooks. This trend is fully mainstream now.
• Vintage girls' names. Mabel, Margot, Celeste, Daphne. The 1920s–1940s revival is picking up speed.
• Short, punchy girls' names. Wren, Blair, Sage, Maeve. One and two syllable names are gaining ground against the Isabellas and Evangelines.

Want to check any of these names yourself? Use our trending tool to compare years, or fire up the generator and see what combos BabyBot builds with them.