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:
Ashanti and Nelly
After rekindling their romance, American singers Ashanti and Nelly are now expecting their first child together. The couple confirmed the news in April 2024.
Cam Merchant and Jules Robinson
MAFS Australia couple Cam Merchant and Jules Robinson announced in February 2024 that they are expecting their second child together! The couple welcomed their son Ollie in 2020. Cam and Jules' second baby is due in July 2024.
Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker
High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens announced she was pregnant with her first child at the Oscars in March 2024. Vanessa was glowing as she showed off her bump on the red carpet. The news arrives one year after she married Cole Tucker.
Ashley Tisdale and Christopher French
Disney star and American actress Ashley Tisdale announced in March she's expecting her second child with husband Christopher French. The pair welcomed a daughter called Jupiter Iris French in March 2021.
Lea Michele and Zandy Reich
Glee actress Lea Michele and her husband Zandy Reich announced in March they are expecting their second child together. Lea posted the most stunning photo of her bump to social media, writing: 'Mommy, Daddy and Ever are overjoyed. 💛'. (sic)
Francesca Farago and Jesse Sullivan
After announcing they were engaged in May 2023, Too Hot To Handle star Francesca Farago and her partner, TikTok star Jesse Sullivan, confirmed they were expecting twins!
Megan McKenna and Oliver Burke
Reality TV star and singer Megan McKenna announced she's pregnant with her first child with her footballer fiancé Oliver Burke. The pair revealed their lovely news on social media at the beginning of April.
Henry Cavill and Natalie Viscuso
Henry Cavill and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso are expecting their first baby together, with the actor revealing the exciting news at the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare premiere in April, admitting he's very excited.
Adwoa Aboah and Daniel Wheatley
Adwoa Aboah has announced she is expecting a child with her partner Daniel Wheatley. The Top Boy actress took to social media to share some photos of her baby bump before appearing on the red carpet at the Met Gala.
Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallett
Reality stars Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallett announced in May they were expecting their second child together. Following a tragic miscarriage last year, Georgia and Tommy confirmed on social media they are expecting a rainbow baby in December.
Jorgie Porter and Ollie Piotrowski
Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter and her fiancé Ollie Piotrowski announced at the end of May that they are expecting their second child together! Sharing a cute video including a baby scan, Jorgie told fans on Instagram: 'We've been keeping a little secret 👀'. The pair are already parents to their son Forest.
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Daisy Wood-Davis and Luke Jerdy
Former Hollyoaks stars Daisy Wood-Davis and Luke Jerdy announced in June they are expecting their second child together! The pair, who got married in 2022, are already parents to Asa, who they welcomed in 2021.
Jenna Coleman
Actress Jenna Coleman announced in June she's expecting her first child with her partner Jamie Childs, showing off her stunning bump at the opening of a new exhibition called 'Imaginary Conversations: An ERDEM Collection Inspired by Duchess Deborah', at Chatsworth House.
Georgia Bell
Gogglebox star Georgia Bell announced in June she was expecting her second child with her boyfriend Josh Newby. Sharing the news on Instagram, Georgia wrote: 'One more to adore…🤍 Baby Newby #2 Nov 24✨'. (sic)
Joanne Froggatt
Actress Joanne Froggatt, known for roles in the likes of Downtown Abbey, Liar and Breathtaking, announced in June she's expecting her first child! The 43-year-old proudly showed off her bump as she walked the red carpet at the Into Film Awards in London.
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'.