The Ultimate Baby Name List for 2026

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Choosing your baby’s name is one of the sweetest, most exciting parts of pregnancy. It’s a name you’ll say a million times, write on birthday cards, whisper during lullabies, and see proudly printed on little backpacks someday. And let’s be honest—it’s a name they’ll carry for life, so it deserves a bit of magic.

If you’re anything like me, you want a name that feels special—something that’s timeless yet fresh, unique but not too “out there.”

So I’ve rounded up the ultimate baby name list to help you find the one. From charming vintage revivals to cool, modern classics, these names are perfect for your tiny love.

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Boy Names

Congratulations on your baby boy on his way! I have three sons myself and know the joy that a little boy brings to a family. I’m so happy for you! Now, let’s get to the big deal of naming that little boy. In this list, you’ll find classic names, vintage names, and unique names to choose from.

Classic Boy Names That Never Go Out of Style

These names have stood the test of time — steady, strong, and effortlessly handsome. They’re the kind of names that sound good on both a baby and a grown-up man in a crisp shirt heading to work.

James
William
Henry
Benjamin
Samuel
Andrew
Charles
Thomas
Joseph
Alexander
Matthew
Daniel
Christopher
Nicholas
Michael
Luke
David
Peter
Jonathan
Patrick
Anthony
George
Edward
Nathan
Simon
Stephen
Timothy
Paul
Robert
John

Why these work:
They’re traditional and timeless, names that feel familiar and comforting. They age gracefully, have strong historical roots, and come with easy nicknames if you want flexibility.

Vintage Boy Names That Deserve a Comeback

There’s something about vintage boy names — they feel warm, nostalgic, and full of soul. Think dapper grandpa names with just the right amount of charm.

Arthur
Theodore
Walter
Jasper
Silas
Franklin
Edmund
Felix
Amos
Clyde
Ira
Otis
Leo
Calvin
Rufus
Everett
August
Wesley
Harvey
Chester
Vincent
Bernard
Clyde
Albert
Hugh
Ellis
Milton
Cecil
Oscar
Leonard

Why these work:
They carry an old-fashioned soul but feel fresh again thanks to modern naming trends. Vintage names bring personality, depth, and a bit of literary-meets-heritage charm to any little boy.

Unique (But Not Weird) Boy Names

Want something that stands out but still feels grounded? These names strike that perfect middle ground — distinctive without being confusing.

Beckett
Archer
Rowan
Callum
Milo
Finnian
Wilder
Elias
Rhys
Soren
Bodhi
Griffin
Atlas
Caspian
Lennox
Matteo
Everett
Sawyer
Jude
Ronan
Huxley
Declan
Caius
Dorian
Thatcher
Alder
Abram
Finn
Bennett
Colson

Why these work:
They’re modern yet approachable — think soft, stylish sounds, often with nature or literary roots. These are the names that make you think, “Oh, that’s cool,” not “Wait… how do you spell that?”

Girl Names

Congratulations on the little girl on her way. What a precious joy that is! I don’t have any girls, but imagine you’re feeling excited and happy and maybe a little overwhelmed with all the name options. No worries, I’ve carefully gathered girl names for you to choose from in categories like classic, vintage, and unique names.

Classic Girl Names That Will Always Be Beautiful

These names are the definition of timeless. Elegant, soft, and endlessly graceful, they’ve been favorites for generations — and for good reason.

Charlotte
Elizabeth
Katherine
Anna
Grace
Caroline
Julia
Eleanor
Clara
Sarah
Margaret
Jane
Victoria
Emily
Mary
Laura
Rebecca
Alexandra
Lucy
Olivia
Audrey
Hannah
Abigail
Rachel
Emma
Leah
Madeline
Isabel
Catherine
Naomi

Why they work:
Classic names are graceful and adaptable — lovely on a baby, strong on an adult. They fit any personality and never feel trendy or dated.

Vintage Girl Names With That Cottagecore Charm

If you love florals, lace, and all things cozy and nostalgic, these old-fashioned names will steal your heart. They’re romantic, full of character, and totally timeless again.

Violet
Mabel
Hazel
Beatrice
Louisa
Cora
Matilda
Florence
Edith
Josephine
Rose
Ivy
Eliza
Adelaide
Willa
Celeste
Nell
Clementine
Opal
Elsie
Thea
Nora
Harriet
Pearl
Daphne
Frances
Lillian
Marion
Effie
June

Why they work:
Vintage girl names have this romantic, storybook quality — like they belong in an old novel or embroidered on a linen baby bonnet. They feel soft, feminine, and full of heart.

Unique (But Not Weird) Girl Names

If you want your daughter’s name to feel special — something she won’t share with five classmates — these are unique but totally wearable.

Maeve
Isla
Wren
Maren
Elowen
Sienna
Lila
Freya
Tessa
Juniper
Zara
Daphne
Celine
Indie
Fallon
Briar
Cosette
Isola
Aurelia
Romy
Esme
Calla
Ophelia
Marigold
Lennon
Sutton
Seraphina
Poppy
Clover
Amelie

Why they work:
These names feel modern but approachable — whimsical without being over-the-top. They’re poetic, soft, and often nature-inspired or globally influenced, giving them that “effortlessly cool” vibe.

Unisex Names That Shine on Anyone

More and more parents are drawn to gender-neutral names that feel modern, fresh, and full of charm. These names work beautifully for any baby — sweet on a newborn and confident on an adult.

Rowan
River
Sage
Avery
Finley
Quinn
Riley
Blair
Ellis
Emery
Lennon
Jordan
Taylor
Morgan
Parker
Reese
Eden
Remy
Skylar
Cameron
Tatum
Casey
Spencer
Peyton
Marlowe
Jamie
Rowan (yes, it’s worth listing twice!)
Dakota
Jules
Sutton

Why they work:
Unisex names bring a lovely versatility and modern edge. They’re balanced — soft yet strong — and perfect for parents who love a name that’s creative and contemporary.

A Few Naming Tips to Make Your Choice Easier

You’ve got your list — now how do you pick the one? Here’s what helps most parents narrow it down:

Say it out loud — Try it with your last name and imagine introducing your baby for the first time.
Check initials — Always a good idea (we’ve all seen unfortunate ones).
Imagine it through life stages — Does it suit a baby, a teen, and an adult?
Look up meanings — Sometimes a name’s meaning seals the deal.
Don’t stress trends — What’s “popular” today might shift, but a name you love stays timeless.
Keep a running list — Use your phone’s notes app or a dedicated baby name journal for spontaneous favorites.
Go with your heart — When you say the one, you’ll just know.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of baby naming is that there’s no single “right” choice — just the one that feels perfect for your family. Whether you gravitate toward a classic like Henry, a vintage darling like Mabel, or a unique gem like Maeve, remember: the best baby name is the one that makes your heart light up every time you say it.

So trust your gut, play with sounds and meanings, and enjoy this sweet chapter of dreaming up a name for your little one. Because someday soon, you’ll whisper it in their ear — and it’ll feel like it was meant to be all along.

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