Looking for a baby name that's elegant yet edgy? Dive into the world of dark academia. https://t.co/ACOXJ3Op5o

— SheKnows (@SheKnows) October 28, 2023

They’re vintage classics, like Amelia, Benjamin, or Rose, but not as sweet; these names have more bite. If you’re looking for an approachable-sounding name that’s not extremely dark (no Lucifers or Blades here!), but still gives off a bit of a “don’t mess with me” vibe, these dark cottagecore names are the perfect choice. They’re unique, so there won’t be three or four different Sabines or Sorens in your child’s grade at school — but they’re also recognizable enough to not sound “out there.”

Dark cottagecore names bridge the gap between light and shadow, between the mundane and the mystical. Whether your little one is brewing potions or catching fireflies, give them a name that encompasses the best of both worlds.

Like most popular aesthetic trends, cottagecore has made its way into our baby naming patterns, just like the “coastal grandmother” aesthetic did. But where coastal grandmother names are preppy and refined, cottagecore names are rustic and rugged; think cottage in the woods versus cottage in the Hamptons. Think a cozy wool sweater and a cup of herbal tea from the garden, and hand-hewn logs for the fire; a hearty soup bubbling in an iron kettle and bread baking in a wood-burning stove. That’s the cottagecore aesthetic.

Unlike the coastal grandmother trend, which obviously skews feminine, cottagecore baby names aren’t just female … there are plenty of male and gender-neutral options as well. Here’s a list of some of our homespun cottagecore baby name favorites.

Cottagecore Baby Names for Girls

Hattie

Laurel

Olive

Jessamine

Elinor

Amelia

Beatrice

Elsie

Lettie

Clover

Tillie

Rosemary

Willow

Sylvie

Maggie

Flora

Eliza

Wren

Ruby

Daisy

Hazel

Nellie

Meadow

Mabel

Willa

Lucy

Sadie

Polly

Cressida

Birdie

Faye

Josie

Fern

Violet

Adeline

Poppy

Cottagecore Baby Names for Boys

Declan

Arlo

Shepherd

Finnegan

Atticus

Thatcher

Eamon

Brendan

Tobias

Auden

Elias

Alder

Simon

Matthias

Ambrose

Jasper

Alfie

Gideon

Fletcher

Silas

Theodore

Josiah

Emerson

Holden

Wilder

Benedict

Eldon

Thaddeus

Henry

Asher

Gender Neutral Cottagecore Baby Names

Sage

Sparrow

Briar

Shiloh

Rory

Linden

Sylvan

Sawyer

Rowan

Indigo

Emery

River

If you embrace small comforts and your ideal life is simple and lived close to nature, these cottagecore baby names might just be your cup of (chamomile) tea.

From Brisa to Wayra, here are a fewbaby names inspired by air and wind.

These fascinating shifts have led to many baby name “flip flops”. There are so many names that are so firmly entrenched in modern society as girl names that it’s hard to even imagine them ever being used for a boy (Margaret, anyone?!). But it has happened more often than you might think — and some of the names are completely surprising.

Many of these girls names that were once boy names — the majority of them, actually — began as surnames, which were then transferred to use as first (or “given”) names for males. Then sometime along the line, usually thanks to a female character in a novel, movie, or TV show being given a “male” name, it becomes popular for girls. And sometimes, as in the case of the names you’ll see here, the popularity for girls surpasses the original use so much that it almost entirely eclipses the fact that it was once used for boys.

We’re likely to see this happen more and more often. As societal norms and expectations around gender roles change, parents are increasingly opting to give their kids names that transcend traditional gender boundaries. There’s also the added factor of more and more parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their children; since traditionally-masculine names can be a fresh alternative to more common feminine names, we’re seeing a lot of those used for girls — and they’re catching on. For example, Frankie, Collins, Murphy, and Noah were some of the fastest-rising names for girls last year, per the SSA.

Interestingly, you almost never see girl names becoming more popular for boys, with one notable exception: Tatum. It gained popularity as a female name thanks to child star Tatum O’Neal, and has been in the top 1000 girl names since 1994. But in 2010, it appeared on the boy charts as well, and has consistently risen since that time. As of right now, it’s nearly as popular for boys as it is for girls — and since Khloé Kardashian used it for her son in 2022, we’re predicting a bump in usage that will equal, if not surpass, its standing on the girl name charts.

For now, though, we’re examining some of the girl names that were boy names … and wondering which will be the next to make the shift completely. Taylor? Harper? Addison? Only time will tell.

TikTok user Amber Cimiotti (@ciaoamberc) made this startling revelation after having a conversation with her 5-year-old daughter, Scarlett. In a now-viral video that has racked up nearly 9,000 comments, she laid out the convo — and opened it up to the laments of oldsters everywhere.

“The other day, my daughter told me the names Ashley or Amanda — or my name is Amber — are like old people names,” she revealed, effectively blowing our minds. “She’s like, ‘Yeah, my teacher’s names are like, Ms. Erica, Ms. Samantha. There are Amandas and Ashleys,'” Cimiotti said. “She’s like, ‘Those are just old people names.'”

When I think of Ashleys, I think of the perky, popular blonde I aspired to be in junior high. But apparently when the kids of today think of Ashleys, they think of someone who is less “junior high” and more “senior living.” They see Jessica and Erica in the same way as we saw Phyllis, Debbie, Sharon, and Cindy: people who are our parents’ age, which is — from a kid’s perspective — old as hell.

One commenter brought late-’90s musical phenomenon Lou Bega into the mix: “If you got a shout out in Mambo Number 5, congrats you now have a granny name lol.” A deflating realization: I remember jamming gleefully to that song, probably while wearing my Steve Madden slip-on platforms, singing extra-loud during the part that mentions my name. Sob.

Sadly, they’re not wrong; the female names mentioned in “Mambo No. 5” were — in order of appearance — Angela, Pamela, Sandra, Rita, Monica, Erica, Tina, Sandra, Mary, and Jessica. And I’m pretty sure all of us need eye cream … if not Dentu-Creme.

Per the U.S. Social Security Administration, which tracks baby name data and releases a list of the top 1000 most popular names every year, Jennifer, Jessica, Ashley, Amanda, and Brittany were among the top five most popular names given to girls born between 1980-1990. Which means those girls are now in their mid-thirties to mid-forties. Which means that when the kids of today grow up, these will indeed be the names of the little old ladies in front of them doing 25 mph in a 45-mph zone.

Still, other TikTok users pointed out that the popular names parents are giving their kids now — names like Alice, Frankie, Evelyn, and Florence — were the “grandma” and “grandpa” names of our day. “Little do they know we just repurposed old people names lol,” said one commenter. Such is the nature of baby naming, and there’s even a term for this phenomenon: it’s been dubbed the “Hundred-Year Rule.” Basically, the most popular names from any decade will experience a resurgence in popularity in almost exactly 100 years, and you can look to today’s hot names as proof. We’ll use Hattie, for example; 100 years ago, in 1924, it was #149 on the SSA’s list of most popular girl names. It dropped off the charts completely in 1968, but it has rebounded with a vengeance — and as of the most recent count, was at #411 and rising.

Like everything else (Steve Madden platform slides, anyone?), names go in and out of fashion. We will accept, if a little grudgingly, that we now have “old people names.” But we’ll have the last laugh when, somewhere down the line, we’re introduced to our great-granddaughter … Erica Ashley.

From Afton to Whitney, here are a few perfectly posh and preppy names for your baby girl.

Just ask Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, whose daughters’ names, James, 8, Inez, 6, and Betty, 3, are all mentioned in Swift’s “Betty” from Folklore. The song isn’t about the little girls, but Swift did use their names to enrich the story, which is pretty cool.

From an autumn aesthetic on her Evermore album to the bubblegum pastel vibe of Lover, the edgy style of Reputation to the timeless style of 1989, there is so much material from which to score baby names for both boys and girls. Even casual Taylor Swift fans can find something unique and beautiful for their little one.

Baby names are special, and what’s more special than your love of Taylor Swift? You listened to her through heartbreaks, first love, and anger at sexist double standards (looking at you, “The Man.”) You’ve scream-sung her songs in the car and danced at her concerts and watched her beautiful, award-winning All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) on repeat. So, it’s the logical next step to bestow a Swift-inspired name to your newborn baby.

The Grammy winner is a clever storyteller and beautiful lyricist, so it’s no surprise that her songs would inspire the perfect baby names. If you’re a huge Swiftie, this list is for you (and make sure to come back after we listen to her new album The Tortured Poets Department)!

Pop Culture

Taylor

Alison

Swift

Travis

Joe

Harry

Jake

Calvin

Tom

Selena

Sophie

Blake

Brittany

The Tortured Poets Department

Clara

London

1989 (Taylor’s Version)

Dean

Cherry

Alice

Rose

Heaven

Dream

Skye

Faith

Midnights

Lavender

Scarlet

Janet

Daisy May

Rain

Sapphire

Diamond

Karma

April

Paris

Evermore

Willow

Marjorie

Dorothea

Este

Ivy

Ever

Folklore

James

Inez

Betty

Rebekah

August

Carolina

Lover

Cornelia

Archer

Summer

London

Drake

January

Leo

America

Stella

Reputation

Bonnie

Clyde

Goldie

Day

King

Hart

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

Honey

John

Clark

Emma

Cleopatra

Red (Taylor’s Version)

Grace

Ronan

Autumn

Wednesday

Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

Abigail

Stephen

Romeo

Juliet

June

Debut

Cory

Mary

Drew

Tim

See the meaning of our favorite royal baby names from around the world.

Thunder, George, and Jupiter now join a generation that already includes Powerful Queen, Lyra Antarctica, Buddy Dessert, X Æ A-12, and Raddix Madden. And all of them are part of a pack that stretches back to the likes of Moon Unit Zappa (the daughter of the late musician Frank Zappa), showing us just how ahead of the curve Hollywood kids have been for generations now.

Choosing a name for your child can be a thrill, especially if you get creative with it (although we do advise steering clear of naming your babies Covid and Corona. Yikes). But it can also be overwhelming — the name will follow your little for the rest of their life. Plus, when it comes to names, everyone seems to have an opinion.

The good news? Baby names are constantly changing and evolving, which means you have a lot of options out there. And luckily for us regular folks, celebs tend to be major pioneers in choosing truly out-there baby names people love to discuss — plus unusual names that are just super-cool and avant-garde.

And hey, there’s no shame in getting some baby-name inspo from Celebland and stashing it away for your own kids (whether they’re currently gestating or just imagined in your distant future). If you started considering fruit names after Gwyneth Paltrow named her daughter Apple or ran through all the colors of the rainbow when Beyoncé named her daughter Blue, we won’t judge.

For every beyond-weird celebrity baby name out there, there’s another one that’s just wacky and cool and beautiful enough, we might even pick it for our own kids. You decide which is which ahead.

A version of this article was originally published in August 2016. 

Boho style encourages self-expression and embraces a relaxed, free-spirited approach to life. It’s creative and artsy, nonconformist and nomadic; those who embrace the boho aesthetic appreciate travel, experiences, and individuality and consider themselves free-roaming citizens of the world. Inspired by nature’s most calming aspects, the boho aesthetic prizes soft, natural colors and organic materials — both in clothing and in decor.

These sweet baby names are inspired by the wind, air, and sky — see this unique list! https://t.co/mSQoNmFJFS

— SheKnows (@SheKnows) December 27, 2023

When it comes to baby names, those same earthy elements come into play: boho names are gentle- and natural-sounding (and often nature-inspired). They’re distinctive, so they’ll stand out among the seas of Liams and Olivias, but they’re not weird or eyebrow-raising — just nontraditional, like boho itself! Boho names can skew spiritual (like Bodhi), vintage (like Hazel), or spark a sense of adventure or even whimsy (like Journey or Story).

Here are a few of our favorite boho names that perfectly capture the independent spirit of the aesthetic.

Some of these iconic couples bucked social norms, braved fierce criticisms, or went to astonishing lengths just to be together. Some were tumultuous but passionate, and could never truly let each other go. And some simply have the sweetest stories that warm our hearts and prove that true love is ever-enduring. Through intimate letters and accounts from those who knew them (and sometimes the couples themselves!), we get a glimpse of love stories so all-encompassing that they could defy any odds.

These romantic names are a meaningful and beautiful way to celebrate the ultimate human connection. They’re a tribute to relationships that embody love, loyalty, sacrifice, and sometimes, overcoming huge challenges.

Discover the perfect blend of grace and strength with these enchanting ballet-inspired baby names. https://t.co/KOvdFn7y4k

— SheKnows (@SheKnows) November 18, 2023

When you think “coquette,” think ultra-feminine. Think pale pink bows, lace, and frills; diamonds and pearls; antique vanity tables strewn with vintage perfume bottles and delicate powder puffs. But it’s not just a romantic vibe — it’s also playful, whimsical, and fun.

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The charming, lighthearted spirit of the coquette aesthetic lends itself well to lots of areas, and baby names are no exception. Like the movement they’re named for, coquette names are beautiful, flowery, and feminine — but they also have an air of boldness about them. Girls with these names are outgoing and charismatic; no awkward, introverted wallflowers here! They know exactly what they want and aren’t afraid to go after it. That’s what’s so fun about the coquette trend: it’s a way to reclaim traditionally feminine elements without the societal expectations that so often go along with them. It’s about owning and enjoying femininity without conforming to stereotypes.

Check out our list of coquette names below — and see if you think they fit the feisty and spirited (but still oh-so-pretty) coquette vibe.

Discover the perfect blend of grace and strength with these enchanting ballet-inspired baby names. https://t.co/KOvdFn7y4k

— SheKnows (@SheKnows) November 18, 2023

Looking for a baby name that's elegant yet edgy? Dive into the world of dark academia. https://t.co/ACOXJ3Op5o

— SheKnows (@SheKnows) October 28, 2023

You may want to pay homage to your own college days, and the places and activities (and hard work!) that defined your early adulthood. Maybe your family prides itself on a long lineage of proud university grads. Or maybe no one in your family has gone to college at all, but you’re hoping that giving your child a college baby name will inspire them to change things for the next generation. That’s not really so farfetched; according to a 2023 article in Psychology Today, “[T]he study of names can provide valuable insights into phenomena ranging from cultural change to stereotypes. Our names may also be cues that shape not only others’ perceptions of us but also our personality and (perhaps) our choices about where to live and what to do for a living.”

Will naming your child after a prestigious college or university impart a love of learning and a drive to achieve great things academically? Will it serve as a constant reminder of their potential and encourage them to strive for excellence? Who knows — but whether your baby is a future Rhodes Scholar or ends up embarking on a no-college-required career path, they’ll have a distinctive name with a dignified vibe.