Most popular lockdown baby names revealed
Parents are looking to more 'positive' sounding names
Last updated 15th May 2020
Lockdown baby names is something most expectant parents weren't considering a few months ago but things have changed quickly. In light of the recent pandemic, it seems parents are changing their ideas about what they want to call their newborns and looking to more positive sounding names, according to a survey by ChannelMum.com
Of 2000 parents, 43% believed the coronavirus pandemic would change how we name our babies in future with 7% of parents already changing their choices due to the pandemic.
Parents are looking for 'virtue' names with monikers such as Hope, Faith, Charity and Patience and Constance rising through the ranks for girls.
For boys, 'strong and secure' names are popular so expect to see a few children called Bravery, Maverick, Haven and Harbour in playgrounds in a few years.
Celebrities are still having an influence on baby names but a surprising contender gaining in popularity is Wickes or Wix, inspired by PE hero Joe Wicks.
The trend for honouring our NHS heroes has also influenced baby names with 54% saying they'd consider the name Rainbow and Indigo, with Blue also proving popular. Currently number 15 on the most popular girl's name list and gaining even more traction is Florence, with parents wanting to use the name due to its links with the Nightingale hospital.
Positive and uplifting sounding names are also raising a smile with parents. If you're looking for some inspiration why not go for Joy, Felicity, Blythe or Bliss for a girl or Pax or Sol for a boy.
Speaking about the changes in names due to the lockdown, Channel Mum's baby name expert SJ Strum said, "Baby names reflect changing times and never more so than when the world is facing a catastrophe.
The current crisis means parents are understandably stressed and anxious, so are using new-borns' names to celebrate new life and joy. Positive names are a wonderful way to keep focusing on the future and means that the child knows their name has real meaning.”
Check out all of the celebs expecting babies in 2020:
Oritsé and Kazz Williams
JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz announced in October they are expecting their first child together.
Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney
Actress Jennifer Lawrence is expecting her second child with her husband Cooke Maroney, with the pair already sharing their two-year-old son, Cy. The news was confirmed to Vogue in October by a representative for the actor.
Adam Aveling and Tayah Victoria
After welcoming their baby girl Beau in October 2022 and getting married for real during Christmas 2023, Married At First Sight 2021 stars Adam Aveling and Tayah Victoria announced in November 2024 that they are expecting their second child together!
Arabella Chi
Love Island star and model Arabella Chi announced in early December that she's expecting her first child with her boyfriend Billy Henty. Arabella announced she's due in May 2025.
Joss Stone
In December 2024, singer Joss Stone revealed she was expecting her fourth child, just weeks after adopting a newborn. Saying in the post 'shocked is an understatement', she told fans... 'nothing and no one can take our joy now. We are so chuffed !!!! Maybe we should call the 'less is more tour the preggo tour 😆 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️' (sic).
Oliver Proudlock and Emma Louise Connolly
Former Made In Chelsea star Oliver Proudlock and his wife Emma Louise Connolly announced on New Year's Eve they are expecting their second child together! The pair shared the news on Instagram with a cute video, writing: '2024, thank you for the greatest gift ever! Our hearts and hands are gonna be fuller than ever in 2025, and we couldn't be more excited! Sending love and wishing you all the happiest of New Years. Yeah Baby! ❤️'. (sic)
Teddy Swims and Raiche Wright
'Lose Control' singer Teddy Swims and his girlfriend, fellow singer Raiche Wright, announced in January they are expecting their first child together. The pair shared this photo on Instagram, writing: 'We can't wait to meet you baby 🤍✨'. (sic)
Jesy Nelson and Zion Foster
Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson announced in mid-January that she's expecting twins with her boyfriend Zion Foster. The singer shared this cute photo showing off her bump, alongside the caption: 'She's eating for 3 now 👶👶'.
Tiffany Watson and Cameron McGeehan
Made In Chelsea star Tiffany Watson and her footballer husband Cameron McGeehan announced in January that the pair are expecting their second child together. Sharing a post on Instagram, Tiff told her followers: ''A best friend for Jude. Blessed to say we are growing our family'. The couple welcomed a baby boy called Jude in 2023.
Rozz Darlington
MAFS UK series eight star Rozz Darlington announced in early February that she's expecting her first child with boyfriend Jordan Morris. The reality star announced her lovely news on social media, sharing a photo of her baby scan and revealing she's due in August.
Olivia and Alex Bowen
Love Island's fan favourites Alex and Olivia Bowen, who found love on the 2016 series of the hit reality show, have announced they are expecting their second child with a cute video. A few weeks after the announcement, Olivia revealed she was originally pregnant with twins, but sadly lost one.
Caggie Dunlop
Made In Chelsea OG Caggie Dunlop announced in February that she's expecting her first child with her boyfriend. Taking to Instagram, Caggie wrote: 'It still feels surreal to say. Pregnancy has been a wild ride, and in just three months, we'll be meeting this new little soul. I keep looking at my tummy grow and am in awe of my body and of women and what we do and what we create, It's pure magic.'
Anne-Marie and Slowthai
Anne-Marie has announced she's expecting her second baby with husband Slowthai. The singer showed off her baby bump in a video promoting her new song 'Don't Panic'.
However, it's not all good news. Some parents have changed their minds drastically about their choice of name due to the Coronavirus. Names such as Cora, Corina, Rona, Viola and Violet are falling out of favour due to sounding similar to the word 'Coronavirus'.
Parents are also avoiding Lockie or Lochlan due to sounding too similar to 'lockdown'.
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