From Paris to Berlin… City-inspired baby names are all the rage among celebrities. Paris Hilton, Reese Witherspoon, Alicia Keys, and Jimmy Fallon have all chosen unique names for their children based on their favorite cities. Paris named her children Phoenix and London, while Reese named her son Tennessee and Alicia named her son Egypt. Jimmy Fallon went with the name Winnie, after Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, where he and his wife spend their summers.
If you’re feeling inspired, a recent study has revealed the most popular baby names inspired by capital cities around the world. For girls, the top choice is Sofia, with over 1.2 million babies given that name. However, it’s likely that many parents chose the name without even realizing it’s the capital of Bulgaria. Lima, Sydney, Manila, and Havana round out the top five choices for girls.
For boys, the most popular city-inspired name is Stanley, followed by Santiago, Wellington, and Hamilton. Other options include Berlin, Amman, and Kingston. These names were determined by Icelandair, who analyzed Google trends data to identify the most sought-after city-inspired baby names among Brits. According to naming specialist Rychel Johnson, the rising popularity of these names can be attributed to our increased travel experiences.
So, if you’re looking for a unique and trendy name for your baby, why not consider a city-inspired option? Whether it’s Sofia, Lima, Stanley, or Berlin, these names are sure to make a statement.
In an era of global travel and social media, parents are increasingly drawn to unique and culturally significant names for their children. Capital city names, in particular, offer a distinctive yet familiar alternative to traditional monikers. These names not only help children stand out but also hold aspirational qualities that parents hope will shape their child’s identity and future possibilities. However, it is important to do thorough research and, if possible, visit the city or country in question to ensure that the chosen name aligns with your personal connection and desired connotations for your little one.
