35 pop culture baby names: Trendy picks for modern parents

Have you ever been binge-watching a show, heard a name, and thought to yourself, “This is definitely going on my baby name list”? If so, don't feel ashamed, we've all been there!

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It’s completely okay to snag up a name from a movie, TV show, or even a book. After all, everyone gets inspiration from somewhere.

In recent years, popular culture has introduced us to so many compelling characters and influential personalities, providing a whole lot of baby name inspo. And, with many unique and intriguing characters out there, it’s not hard to find a name that resonates with you.

Top pop culture-inspired names

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Here’s a curated list of 35 trendy and meaningful names from the big and small screen in the past decade, each with a brief explanation of its appeal, significance, and pop culture origin.

1. Milo

• Source: “This Is Us”
• Meaning: Soldier
• Why it’s great: Milo Ventimiglia’s portrayal of Jack Pearson adds depth and warmth to this name.

2. June

• Source: “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Meaning: Youthful
• Why it’s great: June Osborne’s resilience and fight for freedom make this a name symbolising strength and courage.

3. Maisie

• Source: “Game of Thrones”
• Meaning: Pearl
• Why it’s great: A lively and strong name, thanks to connotations from Maisie Williams’ spirited portrayal of Arya Stark.

4. Ragnar

• Source: “Vikings”
• Meaning: Warrior or judgment
• Why it’s great: This is a bolder take on pop culture but brings ideas of strength and adventure thanks to Ragnar Lothbrok’s legendary status and fierce character. 

5. Freya

• Source: “The Originals”
• Meaning: Noble-woman
• Why it’s great: Freya Mikaelson’s powerful witch character adds mystique and strength to this name.

6. Ariel

• Source: “The Little Mermaid” live-action adaptation
• Meaning: Lion of God
• Why it’s great: Ariel’s adventurous spirit and determination are perfect qualities for a little girl with big dreams.

7. Jasper

• Source: “Twilight” series’ continued popularity
• Meaning: Treasure holder
• Why it’s great: Jasper Hale’s calm and protective nature gives this name a soothing energy – and millennial Mums will be all over it. 

8. Elsie

• Source: “Westworld”
• Meaning: Pledged to God
• Why it’s great: Elsie Hughes’ intelligence and resilience add depth to this charming name.

9. Rey

• Source: “Star Wars”
• Meaning: King
• Why it’s great: Rey’s journey from scavenger to Jedi embodies empowerment and strength.

10. Clarke

• Source: “The 100”
• Meaning: Scribe or scholar
• Why it’s great: Clarke Griffin’s leadership and bravery in a post-apocalyptic world make this a strong and modern name.

11. Bellamy

• Source: “The 100”
• Meaning: Fine friend
• Why it’s great: Bellamy Blake’s protective and loyal nature are the perfect qualities for any baby name. 

12. Serena

• Source: “Gossip Girl” 
• Meaning: Tranquil
• Why it’s great: Serena van der Woodsen’s elegance and charm make this a name of serenity and sophistication.

13. Elliot

• Source: “Mr. Robot”
• Meaning: The Lord is my God
• Why it’s great: Elliot Alderson’s complex and brilliant character incorporates depth and intrigue into this name.

14. Sophia

• Source: “Modern Family”
• Meaning: Wisdom
• Why it’s great: Sophia Vergara’s character, Gloria, brings humour and warmth to a classic name we all know and love.

15. Lyra

• Source: “His Dark Materials”
• Meaning: Lyre (a musical instrument)
• Why it’s great: Lyra Belacqua’s adventurous spirit and bravery make this a poetic and strong name.

16. Kamala

• Source: “Ms. Marvel”
• Meaning: Lotus
• Why it’s great: Kamala Khan’s character as a young, empowered superhero represents diversity and resilience.

17. Riley

• Source: “Inside Out”
• Meaning: Courageous
• Why it’s great: Riley Anderson’s emotional journey in the animated film makes this a name full of heart and bravery. It’s also the perfect show to watch with your kid. 

18. Tessa

• Source: Tessa Thompson (Actress known for “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Westworld”)
• Meaning: Harvester
• Why it’s great: Tessa Thompson’s strong and versatile performances bring a modern and vibrant feel to this classic name.

19. Kylo

• Source: “Star Wars”
• Meaning: Created name
• Why it’s great: Kylo Ren’s complex character adds depth and modernity to an already fresh and unique name. 

20. Ren

• Source: “Star Wars”
• Meaning: Lotus
• Why it’s great: Short and sweet, Ren is a versatile name with a strong cultural reference to the “Star Wars” character Kylo Ren.

21. Chandler

• Source: Friends
• Meaning: Candle-maker
• Why it’s great: This name holds humour and heart, while paying tribute to a character and actor that has made families laugh for decades.

22. Nova

• Source: “Guardians of the Galaxy”
• Meaning: New
• Why it’s great: Nova Corps’ association with intergalactic heroism makes this a stellar and futuristic name.

23. Artemis

• Source: “Ready Player One”
• Meaning: Goddess of the hunt
• Why it’s great: Artemis is a strong and adventurous name inspired by the female protagonist’s gaming alias.

24. Cassian

• Source: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
• Meaning: Hollow
• Why it’s great: Another Star Wars shoutout – Cassian Andor’s bravery and leadership in the rebellion add a heroic touch to this distinctive name.

25. Elio

• Source: “Call Me by Your Name”
• Meaning: Sun
• Why it’s great: Elio’s sensitive and artistic nature in the film makes this a poetic and charming name.

26. Ada

• Source: “Peaky Blinders”
• Meaning: Noble
• Why it’s great: Ada Shelby’s strong and independent character brings a vintage yet timeless appeal to this name.

27. Ciri

• Source: “The Witcher”
• Meaning: Created name
• Why it’s great: Distinct, unique, and mystical, this name carries the sense of destiny from Ciri’s character as a powerful princess. 

28. Xander

• Source: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (continued cultural relevance through comics and reboots)
• Meaning: Defender of the people
• Why it’s great: Xander Harris’ loyal and humorous character makes this a strong and charismatic name.

29. Yara

• Source: “Game of Thrones”
• Meaning: Small butterfly
• Why it’s great: Yara Greyjoy’s fierce and determined nature adds a unique and strong vibe to this name.

30. Magnus

• Source: “Shadowhunters” (also the Mortal Instruments book series)
• Meaning: Great
• Why it’s great: Magnus Bane’s powerful and charismatic character makes this a name full of magic and grandeur.

31. Nadia

• Source: “Russian Doll”
• Meaning: Hope
• Why it’s great: Nadia Vulvokov’s sharp wit and resilience ensure this name is fresh, modern, and compelling. 

32. Beckett

• Source: “Castle”
• Meaning: Bee cottage
• Why it’s great: Kate Beckett’s intelligent and determined nature in the crime series adds a strong and sophisticated touch to this name.

33. Sansa

• Source: “Game of Thrones”
• Meaning: Praise
• Why it’s great: Sansa Stark’s evolution from a naive girl to a powerful leader makes this a name of growth and strength.

34. Kara

• Source: “Supergirl”
• Meaning: Dear
• Why it’s great: Kara Danvers’ superhero persona adds a powerful and heroic feeling to this approachable and warm name.

35. Andy

• Source: “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Toy Story”
• Meaning: Shortened from ‘Andrew’ meaning man or warrior
• Why it’s great: Whilst there’s nothing stereotypically manly about a fashion magazine or a kids movie about toys, the screen connotations of this name suggest a warmth and groundedness. 

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Tips for choosing the pop culture baby names

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As fun as pop culture inspired names can be, there are a few things you should probably consider. You want your baby’s name to age as gracefully as they will, so here are some of our top tips:

1. Consider the source: Before you settle on a name, think about where it comes from. Is it from a beloved movie, a TV show that makes you laugh, or a book that sparked your imagination? For example, names like Arya from Game of Thrones or Rey from Star Wars not only carry cool character vibes but also come with strong stories. Make sure the source resonates with you and your family!
2. Think about popularity: While some pop culture names are rising stars on the popularity charts, others may have peaked and faded into obscurity. Names like Bella from Twilight and Jacob have reached peak popularity, so if you’re looking for something unique, consider less common options like Lyra from His Dark Materials.
3. Get creative with spellings: If you love a name but want to give it a twist, consider playing with spellings! For instance, instead of the classic Sophie, why not try Sofee? This adds a personal touch while still keeping the pop culture connection intact.
4. Avoid overly trendy names: While it’s tempting to choose the hottest name from this season’s blockbuster hit, remember that trends can be fleeting. Names like Kylo from Star Wars might seem cool now, but think about how they’ll age. Will your child still love being named after a character who was popular in 2023 when they’re in high school? Aim for names that have a bit of staying power.
5. Check for nicknames: Some names lend themselves to adorable nicknames! If you choose a name like Magnus, your little one could easily become “Maggie” or “Gus.” Think about how the name will sound when shortened or turned into a playful nickname.
6. Involve your partner: Choosing a baby name is a team effort! Sit down with your partner and share your favourite pop culture baby names. You might discover new favourites together or find common ground on names inspired by shows you both love—like Friends or The Walking Dead.
7. Test it out: Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, try saying the name out loud! How does it sound when paired with your last name? Does it flow well? You could even pretend to call out for your child in the park—does it feel natural? This little test can help you avoid any awkward combinations.
8. Think about future implications: Consider how the name might be perceived as your child grows up. Will they appreciate being named after a character from The Hunger Games or Vampire Diaries? Names like Finn from Adventure Time or Harper from Proud Family can carry positive associations that will resonate throughout their lives.
9. Have fun with it! Ultimately, choosing a baby name should be an enjoyable experience! Whether you’re leaning toward classic names like Forrest (from Forrest Gump) or celebrity names like Ariana (inspired by Ariana Grande), let your personality shine through in your choice.

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Wrapping up

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These names, inspired by recent pop culture moments on the big and small screen, offer a modern and meaningful choice for your baby. They not only capture the essence of beloved characters and influential personalities from recent popular culture but also carry meanings that can inspire and shape the identity of your little one (or maybe not – which is also fun to find out).

So, whether you’re a fan of epic adventures, futuristic tales, or heartwarming dramas, there’s a unique name on this list waiting to (unashamedly) become the name of your baby.