Baby Names Predicted to Take Off in 2023

It’s been a pretty big year in the baby-naming world. We’ve seen some seriously interesting trends take over, from heroic and strong names like Ajax and Asta to woodsy names like Silas and Oakley.

Our resident baby-naming expert has spent the majority of 2022 analysing baby naming trends and checking into birth wards to see what names are rising, falling, and predicted to become the talk of the playground.

So, without further ado, here are baby names predicted to take off in 2023, according to Mum Central.

Big risers – 23 names to watch in 2023

1. Wednesday – This name is everywhere right now, thanks to the hit Netflix show of the same name. Calendar baby names are becoming more and more popular and I reckon Wednesday is the next “it” name. Snap twice if you agree.

2. Elio – Elio is the name of the newest Disney-Pixar hero and it comes with a lot of ticks. It’s cute, quirky, and fun to say. It’s also a colourful choice and means “the sun”. Watch Elio rise!

3. Everly (Everlee) – All EV names are on the up (Evie, Everest, Evelyn) but Everly is the one I predict to see the most of.

4. Sterling – This is a name I’ve heard a lot lately and it’s a goodie. It’s bold, powerful, regal, and means “of the highest quality.”

5. Ivy – This botanical baby name has been slowly climbing to the top for a while now. It rose into #14th place in 2022, up 53 spots. I expect it will move a few more places in 2023.

6. Archer – On the boy’s front, Archer is my predicted name to continue to rise. Currently, at #28, it rose 63 places last year. Archer comes with that woodsy adventurous vibe that parents are loving.

7. Cosmo – Celestial names are nothing new. Cosmo is a unique choice and Scarlett Johansson recently named her son that, so it could be a sign of what’s to come.

8. Apollo – Another celestial name that I’ve heard a lot lately. It’s a bit out there but, I can see it becoming big.

9. Harper – She’s sitting at #11 on the Most Popular List. Will she make it to the top 10 in 2023? I would say so.

10. Soren – Nameberry predicts this is going to be a big one in 2023 and I have to agree.

11. Esme – Vintage and elegant, Esme could very well be the next “Rose”.

12. Remi – Part regal, part hipster – a pretty good combo for the next-gen. Remi was also one of the biggest risers in 2022 so I think she’ll keep this momentum for another year.

13. Sage – This name has a lot going for it. It’s earthy, it’s colourful and it also means “wise”.

14. Koa – Koa is actually my first dog’s name, but it’s also short, sweet, and comes with a cool meaning of “warrior”.

15. Oakley/ Oaklynn – Organic and earthly, I predict this name will be huge very soon.

16. Zayn – This name was recently crowned the most beautiful-sounding name in the world for boys. That’s a pretty cool award to take home!

17. Adley – The reason Adley makes my list is because there’s a child on YouTube named Adley with who my four-year-old is OBSESSED with. I’ve never heard the name but it’s quite pretty It’s made an uphill climb in popularity since 2012 in America but still isn’t heard much over here. Until now.

18. Myla – The next Mia perhaps? This strong name means “soldier”.

19. Arlo – Not for boys, but for girls. Old man names for girls are also meant to be a big trend for 2023.

20. Elodie – I don’t think Elodie is going to break into any top 100’s this year but watch this space. This cute little option is light, lyrical and lovely.

21. Maevin/Maevyn – Okay, hear me out. Maeve has made a massive climb in 2022, heading into the top 100. Maeve will continue to soar but I think alternatives are coming soon. Enter Maevyn. Because, if baby naming history has taught us anything, it’s that adding a unique ending to a shorter name is the cool thing to do. It’s a little bit dark and edgy – like Raven. I like it!

22. Sadie – Stranger Things may have something to do with this one, but, I personally think Sadie will gain popularity because it’s a bit old-school cool. Sadie is sitting at #56 on the top 100 baby girl names charts in 2022.

23. Leni – Punchy “i” names are predicted to be big in 2023 and Leni is one of my faves.