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:
Finn Tapp and Jess Hale
Love Island series six winner Finn Tapp and his girlfriend Jess Hale announced in July they are expecting their first child together. Finn shared the lovely news on Instagram, just a month after they picked up the keys to their first home.
Perrie Edwards and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Singer and Little Mix star Perrie Edwards announced in September she's expecting another baby with her fiancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The couple announced the news in a cute video on Instagram.
Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg
Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell and her boyfriend Joe Sugg, who she met on the show back in 2018, announced in September they are expecting their second child together! Sharing the news in a cute Instagram video, the pair revealed they are expecting a baby boy in 2026.
Cardi B
Just days before dropping her album 'Am I The Drama?', American rapper Cardi B announced in September that she's pregnant with her fourth child! The new arrival will be her first with her boyfriend, NFL star Stefon Diggs.
Paloma Faith
Singer Paloma Faith announced in October that she's expecting her first child with her boyfriend Stevie Thomas. Sharing the lovely news in an Instagram post, the 44-year-old confirmed she's 18 weeks pregnant. Paloma is already a mum to two children with her ex Leyman Lahcine.
Joel Dommett and Hannah Cooper
TV presenter Joel Dommett and his wife Hannah Cooper announced in November that they are expecting their second child together! The couple, who are already parents to their son Wilde, shared the news on social media, writing: ' 'Baby in mumma tummy. Hard to keep secrets with a toddler around'.
Ellie Goulding and Beau Minniear
Singer Ellie Goulding has revealed she is expecting her second child, her first with boyfriend Beau Minniear. The singer appeared on the red carpet at The Fashion Awards 2025 showing off her baby bump, wearing a cropped top.
Sienna Miller and Oli Green
At the same event as Ellie Goulding, actress Sienna Miller also announced her pregnancy, alongside her boyfriend Oli Green. Sienna is already a proud mum to her 13-year-old daughter Marlowe, whom she shares with her ex Tom Sturridge, and her 23-month-old daughter with Oli. The new arrival will be Sienna and Oli's second child together.
Sophie Kasaei and Jordan Brooks
TOWIE stars Sophie Kasaei and Jordan Brooks announced in December they are expecting their first child together! The couple have publicly documented their struggles to conceive, but announced the amazing news on social media that they are going to be parents. The pair revealed on the 2025 TOWIE Christmas special that their bundle of joy is due in mid-June 2026.
Ramona Agruma and Rebel Wilson
Ramona Agruma and Rebel Wilson announced in December that they are expecting their second child together! Ramona, who is carrying the couple's second child, shared the news on Instagram, writing: 'The happiest news in our family 🥰 it will be 4 of us soon! Baby number 2 is on her way ❤️❤️❤️❤️I love you @rebelwilson'. (sic)
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'.