If you're expecting in 2025 or just dreaming up your future favorite names, this guide is for you! We've gathered the top baby name trends, themes, and ideas straight from the Little Sleepies VIP community to help you find a name that feels just right.
While we went through our community’s baby names — over 13,000 of you added your stories! — one thing became clear: choosing a baby name is such a personal journey. It’s one filled with meaning, memories, or inspiration specific to that family. Some parents honor family members, passing down names or giving them new life in the middle spot. Others are inspired by favorite books, movies, or historical figures that hold a special place in their hearts. And sometimes, it’s just about finding a name that sounds beautiful to you! There’s really no right or wrong way to do it.
Before you explore this baby name guide, take a moment to think about the whole name — first, middle, and last (or skip the middle entirely!). Say it out loud, write it down, see how it feels. This process is all about finding what feels just right for you and your growing family.
Now, let’s dive in!
Vintage Baby Names Making a Comeback
Old-school charm never really goes out of style, does it? Vintage names are having a major moment as parents lean into timeless picks that feel both familiar and fresh. There’s something so special about names that carry a little history — whether it’s honoring a beloved family member or simply falling in love with a name that’s stood the test of time.
These classic gems bring a sense of tradition, love, and legacy, while still feeling right at home in today’s world. Here are some of our favorite vintage names from our VIP group making a comeback in 2025:
Hazel
Vera
Sylas
Elio
Ophelia
Magnolia
Clementine
Franklin
Adeline
Harvey
“Benjamin, a classic, after my husband's grandfather. And my Rainah, which means Queen 👑”
~ Katrina Clancy, VIP mama
Nature-Inspired Baby Names
There’s something so grounding about nature-inspired baby names. These picks capture the beauty, serenity, and strength of the outdoors — ideal for families who live (or feel most at home) in wide-open spaces, by the water, or somewhere with a gorgeous green view! Maybe you’re drawn to earthy vibes, floral beauty, or the spirit of adventure that comes with mountain peaks or ocean waves. Whatever speaks to you, these nature-themed names will bring a peaceful, natural touch to your little one’s story:
River
Ivy
Forrest
Rowan
Aspen
Atlas
Sage
Poppy
Wilder
Fern
“I have a Mila ( like MELUH) & a Canyon ( like Grand Canyon). If we have another we love Isla 🩵”
~ Hannah Mckenzie, VIP mama
Short & Sweet Baby Names
Short baby names are having a big moment, and these picks pack plenty of personality into just a few letters. They’re easy to say, easy to spell, and pair beautifully with both longer last names or more elaborate middle names!
Whether you love a sleek, punchy sound or something soft and sweet, these (mostly) one-syllable baby names prove that sometimes less really is more:
Rue
Bryn
Zane
Liv
Tate
Beau
Ezra
Reid
Elle
Leo
“Rio. Short and sweet just like him!”
~ Denisse Rodriguez Negrete, VIP mama
Gender-Neutral Baby Names for 2025
Inclusive and effortlessly cool, gender-neutral names continue to rise in popularity. They offer freedom for your child to grow into their identity, and whether you’re breaking away from tradition, choosing to keep the gender a surprise, or just loving the sound of these unisex picks, there’s no denying they bring a fresh, timeless feel!
Here are some gender-neutral baby name favorites for 2025 that work beautifully for any little dreamer:
Avery
Rowan
Emery
Sutton
Ellis
Lennon
Quinn
Sawyer
Remi
Blake
“Banks! For my daughter. I see it for lots of boys, but I just knew she was going to be Banks Renée 😊 Banks was my grandfather’s first name and Renée is my middle name.”
~ Courtney Hildebrand, VIP mama
Pop Culture & Character-Inspired Baby Names
Pop culture always finds its way into the baby name charts, and 2025 is no exception. From beloved book characters to iconic movie heroes, these names carry a spark of imagination and adventure. If you’re a fan of stories, shows, or fandoms that have left a mark on your heart, why not pass that magic along to your little one?
These names bring a touch of star power to the nursery:
Luna
Maverick
Saylor
Jax
Ryder
Knox
Ezra
Arya
Banks
Daisy
“Our little guy’s name is Luke! We fell in love with it shortly after we found out that we were pregnant. We are also big Star Wars fans so that was a motivating factor.”
~ Nikki Olson, VIP mama
Coastal Baby Names
Dreams of sandy adventures and salty air on repeat? Coastal baby names are perfect for parents who feel most at peace by the sea. They carry breezy, sun-soaked energy and a sense of adventure that’s hard to resist.
Here are our favorite names with coastal charm:
Kai
Waverly (Waves for short!)
Bay
Cove
Sailor
Ocean
Dune
Marina
Reef
Sea
Top Baby Names From Our VIP Community
One of the sweetest parts of working at Little Sleepies is hearing the stories behind the names our customers choose. Whether it’s honoring a loved one, picking a name from a favorite book, or finding something that just felt right, these names are full of heart.
Top Boy & Girl Names from VIP
These are the names that popped up again and again in our community (because who better to trust than fellow parents?):
Girls:
Charlotte
Olivia
Harper
Amelia
Evelyn
Paisley
Penelope
Mia
Sophia
Ellie
Boys:
Liam
Hudson
Grayson
Levi
Carter
Beckett
Maverick
Jackson
Easton
Ezra
By now, you’ve probably gathered a list of names that feel special to you — but how do you narrow it down? Try saying the full name out loud (first, middle, and last) and writing it down to see how it looks. Think about how the name might grow with your child, from their first steps to their biggest adventures. Maybe there’s a meaning behind the name that makes your heart sing, or maybe it just feels right when you say it.
And remember — whether you choose a name that’s rich in tradition or one that’s totally unique, trust yourself. The perfect name is the one that feels like home for your little one.
We hope this guide helps spark inspiration as you begin (or continue) your baby naming journey. What names are on your list? Let us know in the comments below!
