Gender neutral baby names surge in popularity in Australia

The world of baby names is experiencing a sensational shake up that’s leaving traditional gender norms in the dust.

While vintage names like Vincent and Nora are making a comeback, millennial parents are rewriting baby name rules with a surge in gender neutral monikers.

That’s right, playgrounds may soon be filled with little Charlies, Rileys, and Morgans, as Aussie parents embrace gender neutrality.

According to data from McCrindle Research, names such as Jordan, Jesse, Casey, Jamie and Taylor have made it to this year’s top 100 list, reflecting “a cultural shift in millennial parents, breaking down traditional gender norms often found in the naming process.”

The report also states that while some traditional names like Charlotte and Oliver continue to maintain their popularity, parents are finding unique spelling variations for classic names to “make traditional names stand out.”

Elsewhere in the report, it was revealed that just like in the past, the media continues to play a significant role in shaping parents’ choices when it comes to naming their precious bundles of joy.

Following the tremendous wave of popularity generated by the Netflix sensations Bridgerton and The Crown, baby names inspired by these series have also skyrocketed in popularity.

This year’s Top 100 list also saw an addition of a dozen new names. Joining the ranks are the likes of Remy, Roman, Alfie, Reuben, Koa, Louie, Tomm, Eliana, Thea, Margot, Maisie, and Gracie.

Interestingly, the newest data shows a stark contrast from last year’s research conducted by family history brand FindMyPast, which showed that vintage baby names were making a comeback.

Though baby-naming expert Sherri Suzzane previously claimed new parents were opting for vintage names because they “feel quite modern”, earlier this year old school baby names copped internet backlash with one person calling them “sad beige names, for sad beige children.”

But it’s not just millennials who may dislike old traditional names. A survey conducted across Gransnet in 2021 found that grandparents turned up their noses at more traditional names such as Charlotte, Jack and Tabitha.

30 per cent of participants even revealed that they don’t like some of their grandchildren’s names because they are “ugly”.

But whether you love them or hate them, McCrindle’s 2023 research shows that amongst the gender neutral names, “traditionally English names” still remain very popular in Australia.