We know a trending name when we hear it creeping into our ears more and more. We can watch the charts and see these names moving up in popularity. But you might be looking for a name that hasn’t quite made it into the mainstream. For this list, we gathered up our favorite trend-forward baby names, those that follow current trends without being trendy in themselves. All the names on this list are outside the US top 1000, though they may not be for long!
Here are our ahead-of-the-curve choices for a 2020 baby:
Ansel
Vintage and artsy Ansel has stayed under the radar in the US, never ranking in the top 1000 baby names in the 20th or 21st century. Famous associations are photographer Ansel Adams, of course, and actor Ansel Elgort (who was likely named for Adams, as Elgort’s father is a photographer).
Auden
This one isn’t just for the literary set anymore. The last name of poet W.H. Auden, this English name means “old friend.” Literature has always inspired great baby names, but we’re particularly loving Auden right now. Its soft sound and unisex appeal make it a trend-forward 2020 choice.
Baker
Thank you, Baker Mayfield, for putting this name in our ears. We can almost guarantee this surname-inspired moniker will rise in popularity in the coming years along with other “occupation names” like Harper, Archer, and Deacon.
Bea/Bee
Bird names are everywhere in 2020 (think Birdie, Paloma, and Wren), but we think it’s time for the bee! Adorable Bea is a short-and-sweet vintage pick that makes a great alternative to Mae. And the Bee spelling has us daydreaming about a bumblebee-themed nursery.
Billie
Billie is back in a big way after its former heyday of the 1920s. It follows the rising trend of “boyish” nickname names. And with the popularity of Billie Eilish and Lourd, Billie couldn’t be more of-the-moment. For now, though, it’s still a relatively unused pick.
Cassian
Like the currently more popular Cassius, Cassian has a sound we’re seriously falling for. A Latin name meaning “hollow,” Cassian is full of substance. It’s one of the more obscure saints’ names, making it an unexpected option that even non-religious parents can appreciate.
Delphine
We’re loving all things French, and Delphine is an underused stunner. Meaning “dolphin,” this name could be an ocean-enthusiast’s tribute to the water. And it has some history, as an ancient place name with Greek roots.
Evander
This bold and handsome name combines the -ander ending of names like Alexander and Zander with the trending first syllable Ev-. Evander seems more popular than it is, probably because of namesake Evander Holyfield. We think it’s a perfect choice for the modern parent in search of something rare, distinctive, and distinguished.
Harriet
While nickname Hattie has cruised up the charts, full-version Harriet remains outside the top 1000. We adore “nickname names” as much as the next person, but Harriet has some added formality. And namesakes Harriet Tubman and Harriet the Spy make it that much more appealing.
Hollis
Hollis embodies two trends at once: as a surname-style first name and as one with botanical associations. It’s a name that works equally across genders and has a tailored sophistication that will age well.
Leopold
The name of kings, saints, and artists, Leopold rides the wave of vintage names ready for a revival. We like the name’s regal and formal feel. While Leo sits pretty as the 50th most popular name in the US, you’d be unlikely to meet a Leopold in your school district.
Lucinda
Lucy has been huge in the 21st century, but lovely Lucinda has been underused since the late 1980s when it was last on the SSA top 1000 chart. Meaning “light” or “illumination,” we adore its meaning and love the strength and power conveyed by this name that is just itching to be noticed.
Marceline
This Latin name’s meaning is “warlike,” which brings just a bit of edge to the elegant and refined Marceline. It’s a style-forward name that feels both timeless and high fashion (think Céline).
Mathis
Henri Matisse’s art is having a moment right now in the design world, and French name Mathis (pronounced like Matisse) is on our radar. We love the name, meaning “gift of God,” as an alternative to Matthew. Very popular in France, the name has yet to be ranked in the US.
Maude
One-syllable names often get relegated to the middle name spot. But when used as a first name, names like Maude become exponentially more sophisticated and fashion-forward. Maude, also spelled Maud, is an unexpected vintage choice that gets its polish from the name’s “ah” sound.
Nell
Often used as a nickname, Nell as a stand-alone first name is far less common. But its sweet vintage vibes have won us over. The name means “bright, shining one,” and Nell feels just as exuberant as its meaning suggests.
Ottilie
With German roots (it’s the feminine version of Otto), Ottilie means “prosperous in battle” or “wealthy.” It’s a sweet name with equally sweet nicknames options: Your little Ottilie can go by Lottie or Tilly for short.
Navy
Following on the heels of military-inspired names like Saylor (#363), Navy is also an up-and-coming color name. It has yet to hit the popularity charts, but it’s surged in interest amongst baby-name enthusiasts.
Rhodes
A “smart” baby name, Rhodes has all the makings of a popular name… without being popular. It’s an underused take on the “surname with an -s ending” baby name style we’re seeing so much of now, especially for male babies. Though the name works for baby girls, too, as a nickname for Rhoda or all on its own.
Romilly
Romilly is romantic with a touch of cuteness in its nickname potential of Milly, Romy, Ro, or Rom. So far, Romilly has been favored by parents naming their daughters, though the name actually means “man of Rome.” Used more in the UK than in the US, Romilly hasn’t yet hit the mainstream there, or for that matter, anywhere else in the world.
Rosalind
Shakespeare’s heroine in As You Like It first popularized this vintage beauty, which means “pretty rose.” But unlike the other “rose” names (Rose, Rosalie, Rosa), it has yet to climb the charts. Movie star Rosalind Russell lends the name some glamour, while chemist Rosalind Baker lends it some smarts.
Zinnia
Another floral pick, Zinnia, rounds out our list. Flower-inspired baby names have been hot lately, and the trend isn’t slowing down. Instead, we see a new crop of floral names coming into the mix. While Violet and Lily have been done, Zinnia is an underrated beauty. Z- names are zooming in popularity, and we’re big fans of nickname Zinn.
That rounds out our list of trend-forward baby names! Readers, what do you think makes a trend-forward name? Agree with our picks? Got a name to add? Let us know.