Choosing a baby name isn't just an item to check off the parenting to-do list — it's an emotional journey with profound implications.
The process stirs up a lot of feelings, as parents grapple with the weighty task of moulding their child's future through a single, significant word.
Because names aren't just labels, they are arguably powerful markers of identity.
They shape perceptions, influence stereotypes, and carve out the pathways of our lives.
The name you give your child can echo through their career choices and, quite astonishingly, their professional triumphs.
In a world where individuality and creativity are celebrated more than ever, it’s no surprise that baby names are reflecting this cultural shift. Gone are the days when John, Mary, and Michael ruled the roost.
Today’s parents are drawing inspiration from art, nature, myth, and even their favourite TV shows to craft unique, whimsical and heartwarming names for their bundles of joy.
@sambucha Top Baby Names of 2023
Nature-inspired names are making a huge splash. Names like "Willow," "River", "Sky", and "Ocean" evoke a sense of tranquillity and wonder, reminding us of the beauty of the world around us.
Parents want their children to carry the spirit of freedom and adventure that these natural elements represent.
Hollywood’s luminaries and music’s finest are at the forefront of this beautiful movement. For instance, Ed Sheeran, the beloved singer-songwriter known for his soulful melodies, followed a similar path.
Last year, he revealed the name of his second child: Jupiter Seaborn. This choice continued the poetic tradition set by their first daughter’s name, Lyra Antarctica, reaffirming their penchant for names steeped in wonder and significance.
@naraazizasmith comment your favorite names! #babynames #babynameideas #babygirl #babyboy #pregnancy ♬ original sound - Nara Smith
We’ve seen a number of unique names like Apple, Blue Ivy and Storm. Baby name inspiration TikToks have gone ever more niche: You can find viral videos that suggest any name you may desire from rare baby girl names to main character names.
We live in the era of social media, where there's always someone making waves with their unique take on things.
Right now, that someone is none other than the infamous South African-born TikToker, Nara Aziza Smith. Known for turning family meals into a delightful spectacle, Nara is also married to the modern style icon, Lucky Blue Smith.
Our favourite social media influencer had taken to TikTok, sharing a few names she had considered but didn't end up using for her third baby, whom she welcomed in April.
Nara, celebrated for choosing more "unique" names for her kids, admitted that some of her options might be "a little bit out there".
“Our kids have pretty unique names,” she explained in the video. Our daughter is Rumble Honey Smith, our son is Slim Easy Smith, and we just had little Whimsy Lou Smith.”
Known for her unconventional choices, Nara admitted that these names might be “a little out there” or “a little bit controversial”, but she offered them as inspiration for other parents.
While holding her new baby, Whimsy Lou, Nara revealed, “We were almost gonna name her Tank.”
She went on to list other names she loves: “I love the name Bow, spelt B-o-w, as a second name. I also really like fruit names like Lemon, Plum, and Clementine.”
@naraazizasmith who else has a list of names on their phone?🤍 #babynames #babyboy #babygirl #babynameideas #pregnancy #fypツ ♬ original sound - Nara Smith
Her list continued with charming names like Pippin (or Pip for short), Dottie (or Dot for short) and Ivy.
“Ivy almost became my name,” she shared.
Some of the unique unusual names circulating in 2024, according to TikTokers are:
- Windy
- Vin'nyla
- Arielle
- Starlette
- Snowdrop
- Baby
- Precise
- Pluto
- Royal
- Khaleesi
- Elara
- River
- Amethyst
- Ziora
- Rain