Expectant parents have plenty to get excited about and there’s no doubt that excitement builds each week, but when it comes to decisions to make during pregnancy – choosing a name is right near the top of the list. Many couples often have a list of names ready to go once the baby has been born, ensuring they can pick the one that best matches their new bundle of joy. But for some, choosing a baby name can be rather difficult.
Perhaps you want to pick a name that feels more unique and isn’t quite as popular. If that’s the case we’ve got you covered because we’ve gone ahead and compiled some of the most unique baby names for 2024. Some are best for females, some are best for males and then some names can work for either, which is what makes them even more unique. So let’s get right to it.
How to choose the perfect name
For some parents, it's a very simple decision. Perhaps you've had the perfect name ready for a long time, or there is a member of your family or friends that you'd like to name your little one after. For others, it is a much harder decision!
Apps like Kinder can be a really useful tool for you and your partner to choose a name. By presenting you with lots of options and allowing you to swipe left or right, you can see the names that both you and your partner love!
It's also useful to think of your family and friends in case there is a first or middle name that may have a sentimental meaning to you.
Popular Boys' Names for 2024
Boys names not only change from year to year, but it also depends on where you live. For example, the trending names for the US are very different than those in the UK.
Taking a closer look at popular boys' names in the UK for 2024, it is a pretty extensive list. Here are some of the notable ones that could end up being perfect for your little one:
- Otis
- Otto
- Lucas
- Beau
- Jude
- Reuben
- Enzo
- Rupert
- Ronnie
Some of these will seem familiar, as they have been around quite a while and seem to come and go where popularity and trendiness are concerned. Then some names feel a bit more unique such as Otto and Beau.
Popular Girls' Names for 2024
And what about the girls' names that will be trending in 2024? Just like the boys' names it depends on where you live, and let’s face it – everything goes in cycles so what’s old will eventually be new again. That ultra-unique name that you have come up with might have been one that was considered trendy in a previous decade or era.
Looking popular for 2024 are the following baby girl names:
- Harlow
- Maeve
- Nora
- Delilah
- Anastasia
- Ophelia
- Indie
- Margot
Baby Name Trends for 2024
Outside of the list of names, some trends are showing signs of starting in 2024. Look for names that act as surnames to be used by parents. This works for those who aren't sure what sex the baby will be since most of them are gender-neutral.
Gender-neutral names in general are proving to be popular for 2024, again thanks to their flexibility. Not every expectant parent wants to know the sex of their baby before they are born, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to be prepared with a list of potential names.
Some popular examples of gender-neutral names include:
- Avery
- Willow
- Harper
- Sage
- Finlay
- Rowan
You can see how these would work for boys and girls, and they sound more unique too.
Another trend that may not be a welcome one is the unique spelling of names. That means even the simplest most popular name can take an unexpected twist in spelling. Some parents use the spelling as the unique factor rather than choosing a less popular name.
Then there is the "luxury name trend" which may surprise you, but again is making waves. The idea is that you name your child after a luxury designer or label. That can mean something like Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, and so forth. If you want unique, this is a great way to achieve it.
What Isn't Trending in Baby Names for 2024?
Now that we've taken a look at the popular and unique baby names for 2024 as well as some of the baby naming trends, what isn't trending for 2024? You may be surprised to hear that the least popular names are the standard ones that you would expect to show up from year to year. These are often referred to as "evergreen names" in that they are always around, and always popular. However, in 2024 even these evergreen names are dropping off the lists.
Some examples of the names that are fading in popularity and have previously been considered as "evergreen" names include:
- Michael
- Jane
- Elizabeth
- William
Plenty of Help Picking the Best Name for Your Baby
By scrolling through these lists of unique baby names for 2024, and looking at the names that aren’t trending there’s a good chance this has inspired you and helped you to create a list all your own. Just remember, regardless of what’s popular, what’s unique, and what’s different – the name you pick needs to reflect your baby best. Although hearing the opinions of your loved ones can be useful, it's important to remember that you need to love the name, and not let others influence your decision if you have fallen in love with a specific name!