Ladies and gents, it’s official. We’re entering our Beta era. Gen Beta officially starts on 1 January 2025, ending the previous Gen Alpha and beginning a whole world in baby name trends.
As a Gen Xer, I’m far from any future babies but I have always been really into names. It’s a pretty big deal if you think about it – I mean this name is something that will follow your kid everywhere they go.
While I grew up surrounded by Jessicas, Jennifers and Megans, my kids’ classrooms are filled with Rubys, Liams and Charlottes. So what’s next?
According to two different baby name experts – Nameberry and Dream Baby Names, here’s what we can expect as we make the switch from Gen Alpha to Gen Beta.
Neo Cowboy Names
We’re going to be seeing a whole new world of baby names including “neo-cowboy” names (inspired by Cowboy Carter) which combine country with cool.
Neo-cowboy names include the likes of Rhodes, Dutton, Denver and Dakota. You may also find a few Elsies, Cades and Louellas in the mix. A few other neo-cowboy names that may crop up include Western wonders like Nash, Crue and Waylon. Wild Wild West, here we come! Yee haw.
BFF Dad’s name
These names are usually nicknames and were popular back in the Gen X era. We’re hoping our next-gen refrains from going too bogan by adding an O to the end of every name.
A few BFF dad’s names to watch out for include Drew, Scottie, Benny, Billie, Mattie and Lennie. You may see these names for baby girls more than baby boys.
Short Names
Another nickname baby name trend is to use short and sweet names. We’ve compiled heaps of cute four-letter baby names and three-letter baby names in the past but ones to watch for in 2025 include Cub, Van, Mack, Ozzy, Gus, Ted, Ali, Eli and Rae.
Atmospheric Names
In terms of atmospheric names, our next-gen may be considering names like Aire, Clover, Solana, Zephyr and Orion.
In addition to atmospheric names, you can also expect the rise of earthy baby names including Wilder, Meadow and Eden as well as something called “Save Haven” names such as Mecca, Halo, Cove and Oasis.Â
Otherworldly Names
These names transcend our earthly realm but stop short of full-blown space names. Think gods and goddesses, sci-fi, demons and witchy vibes. This is where we’re heading, according to the experts – into the realm of the otherworldly.
You can expect names like Demi, Cerces, Ember, Elvin, Cielo, Ender, Faye and Mars.Â
Vintage Revival Names
The 100-year-old rule is set to strike with baby names that were popular 100 years ago returning to Gen Beta.
These include names like Vernon, Dorothy, Birdie, Gideon and Otis.
Croc Names
This may be the funniest baby name trend I’ve come across. Croc names are named after the one and only Croc shoes that are so ugly they are trendy. And thus, enter Croc baby names- names are so unexpected and, let’s say, unattractive, that they are borderline cute.
What are some expected Croc Names? Murphy, Murray, Morris, Clarence, Clyde, Enid, Virgil, Ernest, Ethel, Gilbert, Ines, Helen, Selma, Mildred and Joan.
Will Ethel replace Charlotte, for real??
Only time will tell! I’m curious to know though – what do you think of these names? Would they be something you’d consider for your child (or have already selected). Or are they simply too much?
What to Read Next
If you are a fan of baby names and baby name trends, take a look at our baby name section. We have thousands (and I mean thousands) of names to choose from including meanings and more.
We also have names inspired by various things including cars, animals, star signs and colours. And don’t miss our baby names starting with every letter of the alphabet.Â
Not sure what to name your baby? Take a look at our baby name generator.Â
