The Rise of Celebrity-Inspired Baby Names: Why Modern Parents Are Naming for Identity
It is widely believed across many cultures that a baby’s name can shape how they are perceived socially and even influence aspects of their personality. In today’s naming landscape, we’re seeing a marked shift toward unique baby names that are often inspired by celebrities or media figures that aim to project distinction, strength, and individuality.
Rather than traditional family names or top-chart standards, more parents are choosing star-like baby names as intentional, identity-defining statements. These names are being used not just to sound beautiful, but to reflect aspirations and values, becoming a child’s first public expression of self.
Contrary to the idea that celebrity baby names are rare or too eccentric for mainstream use, recent research suggests otherwise. A U.S. survey found that nearly 40% of parents named their child after a celebrity or fictional character. Millennial parents led the trend at 41.4%, with Gen X at 37.3% and Baby Boomers at 31.9% (The Bump, 2024).
Unique Baby Names are on The New Wave
Popular social media influencers have taken up the trend. Sometimes, they have even initiated discourse over name appropriateness. Many have called out potential opportunities for bullying in their daily life or professional settings. Some of pop cultures most discussed baby names include:
Aquaman Moses – Trisha Paytas & Moses Hacmon
Malibu Barbie – Trisha Paytas & Moses Hacmon
Elvis Paytas-Hacmon – Trisha Paytas & Moses Hacmon
Saga Blade Fox-Baker – Megan Fox & Machine Gun Kelly
Julian Francis Moore – Kate Wasserbach Moore & Travis Moore
Riot Rose – Rihanna & A$AP Rocky
RZA Athelston Mayers – Rihanna & A$AP Rocky
X Æ A-12 – Elon Musk & Grimes
Exa Dark Sideræl (Y) – Elon Musk & Grimes
Blue Ivy Carter – Beyoncé & Jay-Z
Rumi Carter – Beyoncé & Jay-Z
Sir Carter – Beyoncé & Jay-Z
North West – Kim Kardashian & Kanye West
Saint West – Kim Kardashian & Kanye West
Chicago West – Kim Kardashian & Kanye West
Psalm West – Kim Kardashian & Kanye West
Stormi Webster – Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott
Aire Webster – Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott
True Thompson – Khloé Kardashian & Tristan Thompson
Tatum Thompson – Khloé Kardashian & Tristan Thompson
Bear Blaze Winslet – Kate Winslet & Ned Rocknroll
Oonagh Paige – Amber Heard
Daisy Dove Bloom – Katy Perry & Orlando Bloom
Naming your baby is one of the most notable responsibilities of every to-do parent. What are your thoughts? Do you think names should be more traditional? Or is it important to embed more of your personal interests/aspirations?