Top baby name predictions for 2023 with inspiration from Netflix and football

England’s 2022 World Cup squad and Netflix’s biggest TV shows are anticipated to have a significant influence on baby names in 2023.

There was a large spike in Google searches for the name ‘Jude’ during the opening days of the World Cup, after young England ace Jude Bellingham. The name is expected to rise in the baby name popularity charts.

The name Jack, inspired by Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, is also expected to spike after the star’s goal celebration for Finlay, a young fan with cerebral palsy.

Past baby name data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that England footballers are some of the most influential figures over baby name choices in the UK.

For example, both David Beckham and Peter Crouch had a significant impact on children’s names in the UK following the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The Lionesses’ success at the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro has also influenced baby name predictions this year. 

Names like Beth, Ella and Alessia are all expected to grow in popularity in 2023. Searches around the origin of the name Alessia spiked the day Alessia Russo scored a backheel goal against Sweden.

The predictions list by British name label manufacturer, My Nametags, showed that popular characters in film and television will also influence 2023 baby names.

The Netflix show ‘Wednesday’ became the second-most watched English language show ever. There has been considerable spike in the number of Google searches for the girls’ name ‘Wednesday’.

Peaky Blinders characters ‘Arthur’ and ‘Tommy’ have had an influence on baby names since the release of the first series in 2013.

Following the airing of Peaky Blinders’ final episode in 2022, the names are predicted to remain popular throughout 2023.

The Kardashians’ choices of names are also expected to influence 2023 baby names.

In England and Wales, Kim Kardashian’s choice of the name ‘Saint’ for her firstborn son in 2015 influenced the baby name charts, according to ONS data.

The sisters’ name influence is predicted to continue this year once sisters Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner reveal the names of their newborns.

Lars B Andersen, managing director at My Nametags, said: “We know from experience that baby name trends are often influenced by pop-culture, including TV, film, and celebrities. 

“Sporting personalities make excellent role models, so it’s no surprise that parents continue to be inspired by their generation’s biggest heroes when it comes to naming their children. 

“2022 was a huge year for football fans, we can definitely expect the men’s World Cup and Women’s Euros teams to have a significant impact on the name charts over the next year, especially with the Women’s World Cup taking place this summer. 

“Popular TV shows and artists continue to have a major influence over the popularity of certain names as they give inspiration but also confidence to parents, especially with unusual names like Wednesday.”