Halfway through 2023, exciting baby name trends are emerging! While some 2022 favorites remain popular, fresh trends are taking hold. BabyCenter, analyzing data from hundreds of thousands of parents, reveals five key themes: nature names, short names, vintage names, nicknames, and names with strong meanings. Let's explore three of these trends in detail.

Nature-Inspired Names Bloom

Nature names continue to flourish, but with a new twist. While 2022 saw celestial names like Nova and Aurora shine, and 2021 embraced tree-themed names like Willow and Aspen, 2023 introduces a fresh crop of nature-inspired monikers.

Daisy

This classic floral name, meaning "Dad's eye," is experiencing a resurgence. After being absent from the top 100 for over a century, Daisy has blossomed back into popularity, currently ranking at number 63.

Iris

Meaning "rainbow" in Greek, Iris is another floral favorite on the rise. This vibrant name reached the top 100 last year and continues to climb, now at number 53.

Leo

While technically a nature name (meaning "lion"), Leo also embodies leadership and dignity. This classic name, popular in the early 1900s, has roared back into the top 10, currently holding the 7th spot.

Rowan

With Irish origins, Rowan means "red-haired one" and is linked to the rowan tree with its red berries. This name has climbed significantly to number 57.

Other trending nature names include Jasmine, Violet, Forrest, and Wren.

Short and Sweet Names Reign

Short names (four letters or less) continue to trend upwards. Names like Mia, Ava, Emma, Liam, and Noah have dominated the top 10 for years. But new short names are also entering the spotlight.

Ace

Meaning "unity" and "first-rate," Ace has soared over 400 spots in the last decade, currently ranking at 108.

Milo

Possibly derived from "milos" (meaning "of the yew flower") or the Latin "miles" (meaning "soldier"), Milo entered the top 100 last year and continues to gain popularity.

Zion

Meaning "a sign" or "excellent," Zion has biblical significance, referring to the Israelites' homeland. It's also the name of a national park and ranks at number 61.

Other trending short names include Emma, Zoe, Ian, and Kai.

Vintage Names Make a Comeback

Vintage and Old Hollywood names are having a moment. Parents are drawn to names popular decades ago, particularly for girls.

Clara

Meaning "bright" or "clear," Clara is a sweet and vintage name poised for a comeback. After peaking in the late 1800s, it's gaining traction again.

Evelyn

With possible meanings ranging from "hazelnut" to a combination of "Eve" (alive) and "Lynn" (lake), Evelyn was a top name in the early 1900s. It's now firmly back in the top 100, ranking at number 12.

Silas

Meaning "wood" and derived from Silvanus ("of the forest"), Silas gained popularity in the early 2000s and entered the top 100 in 2021.

Other trending vintage names include Alice, Audrey, Charlotte, and Theodore.

These trends reflect a mix of classic charm, nature's influence, and a desire for brevity. Which names resonate with you?