The most popular baby names for 2026 shows a number of new trends - and Olivia is no longer number oneNeil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)12:53, 29 Jun 2026Baby naming experts say that after 20 years at the top, Olivia is no longer the most popular name for baby girls in the UK. The latest data from parenting platform BabyCentre found a major shake-up in the UK's baby name charts‌Eliana (pronounced Ellie-Ah-Nah) has become the UK’s new number one girl’s name, overtaking Olivia for the first time in 20-years - rising four places to reach the top spot.‌Eliana, meaning ‘God has answered’, has become the name of 2026. BabyCentre baby naming expert and author SJ Strum said: “It's no surprise to see Eliana reach the top of the charts. Parents are increasingly looking for names that feel special and memorable, that will also grow effortlessly with their child. Eliana captures the ‘Riviera Chic’ mood perfectly: elegant, meaningful and timeless.‌"’Riviera Chic’ names have a sense of ease about them. From lemon-print interiors to relaxed European style, it reflects a move towards names that feel bright, elegant and full of optimism. These are luxury names that have taken a first-class ticket to the top of the baby name charts – imagine a jumper casually slung over their shoulders and a perfectly poised parasol in hand."Names rising within the trend include:‌Otis (up 38), Christian (up 62), Elliott (up 26), Rio (up 102), Nico (up 26), Liora (up 309), Iris (up 1), Eliana (up 4 to *no1), Ottilie (up 38) and Talia (up 22)SJ says Gothic Romance has also moved from niche subculture into the mainstream, fuelled by renewed interest in romantic period dramas and literary classics such as Wuthering Heights.‌Names rising within this trend include:Azriel (up 59), Dhruv (up 112), Ezekiel (up 83), Levi (up 30), Zane (up 82), Noor (up 71), Imani (up 176), Zahra (up 25), Rosa (up 87) and Aurora (up 8).And the ‘Grandmillennial’ trend represents a return to nostalgic, traditionally styled names.‌Names rising within this trend include:Hazel (up 53), Joy (up 62), Winnie (up 96), Penelope (up 43), Daphne (up 103), Rupert (up 110), Finn (up 26), Robin (up 68), Jasper (up 50) and Jonah (up 62).Television continues to play a powerful role in shaping baby naming trends, with the UK’s TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals fuelling a renewed appetite for retro and character-led names.‌Rising five places, Freddie is the standout name in BabyCentre’s Top 10 Baby Boy Names. Rupert has risen 110 places, Sarah up 36, and Valerie has entered the BabyCentre charts for the first time.SJ said: “Baby names have always reflected the world around us, and in 2026 that influence is coming from an increasingly wide range of cultural sources. Parents are not choosing in isolation, they’re absorbing names from the shows they’re watching, the aesthetics they’re saving online, and the cultural moments that define everyday life.”Article continues belowFaye Mingo, Chief Marketing Officer at BabyCentre, added: “As one of the UK’s leading sources of baby name data, we continue to see how wider cultural influences are reflected in naming patterns." Faye added: "Our data reflects not just naming choices, but the world parents are preparing to welcome their children into. That’s why it’s so interesting to see how strongly culture, from entertainment to lifestyle aesthetics, is now shaping those decisions.”Top girls' names 2026Eliana – Rank: 1 (2025 Rank: 5 | Movement: +4)Olivia – Rank: 2 (2025 Rank: 1 | Movement: -1)Lily – Rank: 3 (2025 Rank: 3 | Movement: 0)Amelia – Rank: 4 (2025 Rank: 2 | Movement: -2)Isabella – Rank: 5 (2025 Rank: 13 | Movement: +8)Sophia – Rank: 6 (2025 Rank: 11 | Movement: +5)Freya – Rank: 7 (2025 Rank: 7 | Movement: 0)Poppy – Rank: 8 (2025 Rank: 8 | Movement: 0)Ava – Rank: 9 (2025 Rank: 9 | Movement: 0)Top boys' names 2026Muhammad – Rank: 1 (2025 Rank: 1 | Movement: 0)Noah – Rank: 2 (2025 Rank: 2 | Movement: 0)Leo – Rank: 3 (2025 Rank: 3 | Movement: 0)Luca – Rank: 4 (2025 Rank: 5 | Movement: +1)Theo – Rank: 5 (2025 Rank: 4 | Movement: -1)Oliver – Rank: 6 (2025 Rank: 6 | Movement: 0)Ethan – Rank: 7 (2025 Rank: 7 | Movement: 0)Elijah – Rank: 8 (2025 Rank: 8 | Movement: 0)Freddie – Rank: 9 (2025 Rank: 14 | Movement: +5)