Somewhere in a delivery room, a new parent is weighing a name that sounds like a Greek hero, a Montana ranch hand or a brooding hockey player from a streaming series. According to BabyCenter’s latest data, they’re far from alone.
\n\nBabyCenter, a digital parenting resource that’s been reporting on baby names and trends for more than 20 years, just released its annual lists of the most popular baby names of 2026 and the trends it expects to shape 2027. The findings, shared with NBC News, draw on more than 350,000 babies born this year to parents registered on the BabyCenter app. Because parents submit names in real time, the company can predict trends before the Social Security Administration releases its official list.
\n\nAt the very top, little has changed from last year. Noah and Olivia both keep their No. 1 spots.
\n\nJust beneath them, though, one name is making a lot of noise. Eliana has shot up to No. 2 for girls, a remarkable climb from No. 14 in 2024 and No. 7 last year. BabyCenter’s baby name advisor, Steph Coffield, calls it the year’s most surprising trend and predicts that if the momentum holds, Eliana could take the top…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/