Instagram Filters
What came first, the Instagram filter or the baby name? Either way, parents are using the popular photo-sharing app as inspiration for their offspring's monikers; Lux rose 75 percent in popularity followed by Ludwig, Reyes, Juno and Valencia. What, no Lo-Fi?
'Hunger Games' characters
Parents who want the odds to be forever in their baby's favor are increasingly naming their kids Effie and Primrose. Katniss is popular, too, although Peeta doesn't seem to have caught on yet. Must be an evil conspiracy by The Capitol.
Adjectives
It appears people are taking one look at their babies at birth and naming them the first thing that comes to mind, which explains why Awesome, Majestic and Handsome are becoming increasingly popular. Which is fine until you meet Big and Hairy on the playground one day.
Nouns
Naming your baby a noun is a thing, but please tread carefully. Couture, Boss and Halo have a nice ring to them, but you know people are going to start getting lazy and we'll have a bunch of Hubcaps, Steaks and Extension Cords running around.
Happy Hour
Considering the circumstances during which many babies are conceived, naming your newborn Chardonnay, Cristal or Bellini makes perfect sense! I'm glad this wasn't a trend when I gave birth—Straight Whiskey and Martini would have had a really hard time at job interviews.
'Star Wars' Characters
"The Force Awakens"—the latest installment in the "Star Wars" franchise—opens on December 18, and I predict the number of kids named Anakin, Poe and Jedi will become even more popular than they are now. (Hey, what do you think everyone is doing while they're camped out in front of the theater?)
'Empire' Characters
The successful Fox series is spawning a whole new generation of hip-hop moguls—at least in name. Dre, Hakeem and Lyon are becoming increasingly popular, and Lucious is already making the rounds on baby-name lists. I think Cookie would approve.
Celestial Bodies
Once strictly the domain of bohemians giving birth in their Volkswagon vans, ethereal names have become mainstream (sorry, hippies.) A whole generation of Lunas, Novas and Orions will soon grow up and work for "The Man."
Electronics
For baby name inspiration, some people look no further than … their desks. Parents are naming their kids Kindle, Siri, Mac and Arcade in increasing numbers. My question is—what happens when an upgrade becomes available?
Food
Everyone freaked out when Gwyneth Paltrow named her kid Apple, but it soon inspired a slew of edible names, including Bison, Dijon and Kale. But taking this route is risky—remember that in 20 years little Quinoa might have a hard time being taken seriously.
'Game of Thrones' Characters
Sure, it's an ultra-gory show that regularly features killing and explicit, violent sex, but all that will melt away when you gaze at the sweet face of your Khaleesi or Arya. Just try not to name your little one after a character that's about to be offed. (Sorry, you won't get any spoilers here.)
Superheroes
Ten years ago, Nicolas Cage named his son Kal-El (Superman's birth name) just as the comic superhero genre was taking over the movie industry. Now, little Hulks and Titans constantly see their namesakes on the big screen and can mimic their behavior accordingly.
Royalty
Parents are increasingly taking names from royalty. Literally. The name Royalty is popping up frequently on baby registers, as are royally inspired names like Duchess and Reign. Personally, I just wish my mom had had the foresight to name me The Queen.
Animals
Celebrities are flocking (get it?) to creature names for their wee ones. Alicia Silverstone has her son Bear, Busy Philipps has daughters Cricket and Birdie, and Zooey Deschanel's daughter has Otter for a middle name. Hopefully these kids won't become beasts of burden. (Sorry.)
Brand Names
So, apparently there is a kid out there somewhere named Nutella (until a French judge put the kibosh on that one). Along with a Facebook, a Google, an ESPN and an Ikea. Also, a Lexus, a L'Oreal and a Del Monte. I just want to say to these parents: Please try harder.
