Most Popular, Vintage & Fastest Rising Baby Names for 2025
Based on What Brits Are Actually Buying
When it comes to popular baby names, the official baby name rankings (ONS rankings) only tell part of the story. If you want a sneak peek at the names really on the rise, look no further than what people are personalising.
Here at My 1st Years, we’ve crunched the numbers on 12 months of personalised baby gift sales, from embroidered baby blankets to engraved keepsakes – to reveal which names are quietly becoming the most popular and new favourites in UK homes.
And the results? Let’s just say the next playground roll call might sound a little different.
Baby Names With the Biggest Glow-Up (March 2024–March 2025)
These names saw the biggest percentage growth in custom orders over the past 12 months – a strong signal they’re gaining momentum in real time.
| Name | Gift Order Growth | ONS Rank (2023) | What's Driving The Trend |
| Luca | +21% | #28 | Stylish, international appeal; Pixar legacy |
| Teddy | +7% | #12 | Soft vintage comeback; music star influence |
| Jude | +4% | #45 | Football association with Jude Bellingham |
| Milo | +6% | #67 | Short, quirky, increasingly popular |
| Sienna | +5% | #19 | Elegant and fashion-forward |
These names may not all appear in the official top 10 yet, but if personalisation trends continue, they could be there soon.
Sports-Inspired Baby Names
Sports stars continue to play a huge role in shaping baby name trends. Whether it’s a headline-making footballer or a tennis legend, names from the world of sport carry strength, cool factor, and cultural clout. When it comes to baby gifting or planning for a new arrival, many parents are inspired by sporty, standout names that feel both modern and meaningful, making them popular choices for personalised baby gifts, keepsakes, and even custom baby clothes.
| Name | Star Influence | ONS Rank (2023) | Why Parents Love It |
| Jude | Jude Bellingham | #45 | Quiet strength, national pride |
| Kai | Kai Havertz | #49 | Short, modern, stylish |
| Leo | Lionel Messi | #5 | Always a global favourite |
| Rafael | Rafael Nadal | #101 | Classic, international credibility |
| Serena | Serena Williams | #431 | Strong, elegant, iconic |
As we head into a big year for international tournaments, names like these will only continue to rise.
Music and Pop Culture Inspired Baby Names
From TikTok hits to Grammy performances, music and pop culture inspire and shape baby name trends in subtle but powerful ways. Our data shows clear upticks in names linked to today’s top performers. These culturally charged names are also proving popular when it comes to baby gifting, with personalised items, nursery decor, and custom baby hampers reflecting parents' love for music icons and viral chart-toppers.
| Name | Cultural Connection | ONS Rank (2023) | Why It’s Catching On |
| Teddy | Teddy Swims | #12 | Emotionally warm, musically current |
| Luca | Pixar’s Luca, pop crossover | #28 | Gentle, melodic, cinematic |
| Noah | Noah Kahan | #2 | Soft, familiar, and folk-inspired |
| Ariana | Ariana Grande | #89 | Glamorous, feminine, pop-infused |
| Ezra | Ezra Collective | #39 | Edgy, creative, rising in style circles |
Pop culture continues to move baby names from niche to mainstream in just one season.
TV, Movie and Streaming Inspired Baby Names
On-screen names – especially those attached to bold, loveable, or stylish characters – often leave a lasting impression. These are the baby names trending upwards thanks to movie and television exposure. When it comes to baby gifting, names from beloved shows and movies are increasingly featured on personalised baby blankets, toys, and keepsake gifts, making them a popular choice for fans and parents alike.
| Name | Influence | ONS Rank (2023) | Why It Resonates |
| Luca | Pixar’s Luca | #28 | Wholesome, adventurous, global |
| Isla | Actress Isla Fisher | #4 | Polished, classic, high-ranking |
| Maeve | Sex Education | #42 | Confident, Irish, character-driven |
| Theo | The Bear, Bridgerton | #14 | Sleek, modern, literary feel |
| Otis | Sex Education | #94 | Offbeat, charming, vintage edge |
Expect more movement here with upcoming 2025 TV debuts and film releases.
Vintage, Old Fashioned Baby Names Making a Comeback
Vintage, old-fashioned baby names with soft sounds and rich history are making a quiet return. Our sales data shows these names are being personalised more than ever – part of a clear vintage revival. From monogrammed baby blankets to classic wooden toys and heirloom-style keepsakes, these timeless, old-fashioned baby names are becoming go-to choices for thoughtful, nostalgic baby gifting.
| Name | Gift Order Growth | ONS Rank (2023) | Why It's Back |
| Teddy | +7% | #12 | Friendly, traditional, newly popular |
| Albert | +6% | #69 | Old-school royal with modern potential |
| Florence | +5% | #18 | Feminine, floral, elegant |
| Elsie | +4% | #27 | Playful, retro, easy to personalise |
| Arthur | +4% | #3 | Kingly, timeless, top-three mainstay |
These vintage baby names work beautifully for heirloom-style gifts, keepsakes, and engraved treasures – blending heritage with heart.
While the ONS rankings from 2023 still crown Olivia and Oliver as the top names, My 1st years’ personalised gift data offers a different – and often more current – perspective. After all, these are the names people are celebrating right now with thoughtful gifts, keepsakes, and announcements.
“When it comes to real-time baby name trends, gift sales often beat the birth certificate,” says Molly Ejdowski spokesperson at My 1st Years. “Luca’s rise is especially interesting – it’s stylish, pan-European, and growing fast. Meanwhile, Jude and Teddy continue to benefit from pop culture and softness that parents love.”
So if you’re looking for name inspiration – or curious about what’s trending – these gift tag favourites might just hint at the next big baby name wave.
Falling for one of this year’s rising names? Make it even more meaningful with a thoughtful keepsake from our personalised new baby gifts collection.
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