Trendiest Untrendy Names

From Archimedes to Ursula

In this week’s blog, we explored the trendiest untrendy names — rare names that seemingly don’t fit modern naming conventions and trends, but nonetheless are on the rise.

These surprisingly trending names are all outside the US Top 1000, some only given to a handful of babies in 2023.

They are not for the safe namer, or for the parent who wants a universally lovable name. Instead these names are beginning to attract attention from parents looking for a bold, distinct, statement moniker for their little one.

Croc Names

We coined one of the biggest emerging trends of 2025 as Croc Names. Like the beloved shoe brand, these retro names are so uncool that they are once again becoming cool. So clunky they become cute.

Here are some of the Croc Names beginning to rise in popularity, albeit in small numbers.

Extravagant Names

Other surprising risers are names that feel so extravagant and over-the-top that for centuries they have been labeled "unwearable". Parents are attracted to these names for their deep-rooted history and powerful aura — names fit for a king, queen, or Roman emperor.

Unexpected Nicknames

Nicknames as full names are not anything new, but these ones in particular feel perfectly quirky in 2024 — from a new wave of boyish nicknames for girls like Martie and Rudy, to midcentury revivals Hal and Ned.

Distintly International

In today's world, where the top of the charts include Spanish Santiago, Hawaiian Leilani, and Arabic Aaliyah, more and more parents are embracing distinctly international names that reflect and celebrate their family's cultural heritage.

These include names with combinations of letters unfamiliar in the English language, as well as names previously deemed "unpronounceable" by a society unwilling to learn.

We are excited to see more parents embracing these distinctly international names in years to come.

What names are you most surprised to see rising in the ranks? What names do you think deserve to make it to the mainstream? Share your thoughts in the comments!