Names We Loved in 2025: A Look at Europe’s Most Popular Baby Names and Trends
Now that 2025 has come to an end, it’s time to look back at the baby names that defined the year. Which names were most loved by new parents across Europe? What naming trends shaped this generation of little ones - and what do these choices reveal about our values and hopes for the future?
In this post, you'll find the most popular baby names of 2025 from countries across Europe, plus insights into the naming styles that captured hearts this past year. Whether you're expecting in 2026 or simply love following name trends, there's plenty of inspiration here.
At Maja Kjær Studio, I've had the joy of creating personalised name posters for children all over Europe - and many of the names you’ll find in this blog post found their way into my artwork. Each poster is crafted with love and care, and I’m always curious about the name you’ve chosen: Who is this little person? What kind of energy will they bring into the world?
It’s a true honour to create something so meaningful for your family. So let’s take a look at the most popular names from 2025 - and how these names can be transformed into timeless keepsakes.
What’s Been Trending in Baby Names
Before diving into the country-by-country name lists, let’s take a look at the naming styles that defined 2025 across Europe - from timeless classics to rising new favourites.
🌿 Nature-Inspired & Emotionally Grounded
Names linked to the natural world and gentle emotional themes remained strong in 2025. Choices like Luna, Alma, Sol, Elio, River, and Aurora bring a sense of calm, hope, and connection to something bigger. Virtue names like Grace, Hope, and Sage also reflect the values parents want to pass on.
🕰️ Vintage Names
Old-world charm made a confident return across the continent. Names like Agnes, Alfred, Clara, Leonora, Hugo, and Ottilie feel both familiar and fresh - elegant without being overused.
🤍 Short & Soft
Names with four or five letters, soft sounds, and easy pronunciation were big in 2025. Think Ella, Mila, Noah, Leo, and Luca - all popular across borders and easy to pair with double names or longer surnames.
🌍 International Choices
Parents across Europe are increasingly drawn to names that work well in more than one language. Sofia, Emma, Leo, Noah, and Olivia topped multiple national lists, making them modern pan-European staples.
🍃 The Rise of Double Names
While still more common in countries like Denmark, France, and the UK, two-part names are becoming more popular elsewhere too. Names like Ella Rose, Noah Elias, Lily Mae, and Luca James blend tradition with a personal twist.
✨ Literary & Mythical Influence
Books, fantasy series, and mythology are leaving a mark on name trends. Names like Freja, Atlas, Zephyr, and Rumi reflect this growing interest in names with story, symbolism, and soul.
Top Baby Names Across Europe in 2025
Looking for a name that feels meaningful and travels well across borders? Here's a country-by-country look at some of the most popular baby names in Europe from 2025. Whether you’re inspired by soft Nordic classics, romantic Latin favourites, or modern pan-European favourites, these names reflect the beautiful diversity and trends shaping baby naming across the continent.
Please note that some of these lists are based on early data, name trends, and predictions - for some countries the official statistics for 2025 are not published until later in 2026
Denmark
Girls: Ella, Nora, Emma, Luna, Lily, Leonora, Agnes, Alma, Freja, Olivia
Boys: Noah, Elias, August, Oscar, Oliver, William, Leo, Alfred, Valdemar, Malthe
Names in Denmark tend to blend Nordic tradition with modern minimalism. Double names and vintage comebacks are especially popular, and names like Alma and Valdemar offer a strong sense of heritage.
Norway
Girls: Nora, Emma, Ella, Olivia, Sofia, Maja, Ingrid, Leah, Live, Sara
Boys: Jakob, Emil, Noah, Oliver, William, Aksel, Elias, Filip, Isak, Henrik
Norwegian names often carry strong historical roots with soft, melodic sounds. Names like Nora and Aksel combine Scandinavian charm with international appeal.
Sweden
Girls: Alice, Astrid, Maja, Freja, Ella, Selma, Alma, Ebba, Vera, Wilma
Boys: William, Hugo, Leo, Elias, Noah, Oliver, Axel, Adrian, Arvid, Nils
Swedish names often feel effortlessly stylish and soft - many are short, vowel-rich, and rooted in nature or Nordic tradition. Names like Freja and Leo are as charming on paper as they are in personality.
Germany
Girls: Emilia, Emma, Sophie (Sofie), Lotta, Ida, Tilda, Lilly (Lilli), Sophia, Mara, Paulina
Boys: Emil, Noah, Paul, Elias, Anton, Theo, Levi, Moritz, Ben, Lino
Germany favours classic names with strong, clear sounds. Names like Emilia and Elias have pan-European appeal, making them great choices for modern families who love timeless elegance.
France
Girls: Jade, Emma, Alice, Rose, Ambre, Alba, Romane, Agathe, Jeanne, Louise
Boys: Jules, Raphaël, Noah, Gabriel, Marceau, Liam, Gaspard, Hugo, Paul, Basile
French baby names are effortlessly chic — simple yet full of character. Jade, Louise, and Jules continue to top the lists, adding a soft, poetic touch to any baby name collection.
Netherlands
Girls: Noor, Olivia, Nora, Julia, Mila, Sophie, Emma, Yara, Milou, Sara
Boys: Noah, Liam, Luca, Sem, Mees, James, Lucas, Sam, Finn, Levi
Dutch names are typically short, bright, and upbeat. Mila, Sem, and Noor have become modern favourites that feel both playful and grounded — perfect for little ones full of life.
United Kingdom
Girls: Amelia, Olivia, Lily, Ivy, Eliana, Elsie, Freya, Poppy, Ava, Mia
Boys: Muhammad, Noah, Leo, Theo, Luca, Oliver, Ethan, Eli, Arthur, George
The UK blends vintage revivals with gentle, nature-inspired names. Names like Ivy, Arthur, and Olivia reflect a love of timeless charm - and look lovely in a classic nursery setting.
Portugal
Girls: Maria, Alice, Leonor, Matilde, Benedita, Aurora, Olívia, Carolina, Camila, Francisca
Boys: Francisco, Tomás, Duarte, Afonso, Vicente, João, Lourenço, Martim, Miguel, Gabriel
Portuguese names often carry a sense of elegance and tradition. Maria and Francisco remain beloved classics, while names like Alice, Leonor, Tomás, and Duarte show a strong preference for classic names with gentle, lyrical sounds.
Finland
Girls: Aino, Eevi, Lilja, Sofia, Ellen, Helmi, Isla, Olivia, Lumi, Emilia
Boys: Leo, Eino, Elias, Onni, Oliver, Noel, Väinö, Daniel, Ilmari, Emil
Finnish names are often melodic and minimal, with a soft Nordic charm. Names like Aino and Onni carry meanings like "grace" and "luck," while Leo and Elias show the growing love for international favourites.
Italy
Girls: Sofia, Giulia, Aurora, Alice, Ginevra, Beatrice, Emma, Vittoria, Matilde, Chiara
Boys: Leonardo, Alessandro, Tommaso, Lorenzo, Mattia, Gabriele, Riccardo, Edoardo, Andrea, Francesco
Italian names are full of rhythm, elegance, and warmth. Names like Sofia and Leonardo are popular not only in Italy but across Europe - they carry both beauty and a timeless cultural richness.
Spain
Girls: Lucia, Martina, Sofia, Maria, Julia, Paula, Vega, Alba, Valeria, Carmen
Boys: Mateo, Hugo, Martín, Lucas, Leo, Alejandro, Pablo, Daniel, Manuel, Álvaro
Spanish baby names are known for their lyrical flow and strong tradition. Lucia and Mateo remain consistent favourites, offering both sweetness and strength.
Baby Name Trends to Watch in 2026
While 2026 is just getting started, we can already spot some emerging trends and name styles based on 2025 baby name data, cultural shifts, social media influence, pop culture, wellness, and societal values.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s likely to be on the rise for baby names in 2026:
Celestial & Dreamlike Names
Parents are leaning into soft, poetic names that evoke wonder, space, or dreams. These feel gentle yet expansive - a continuation of the Luna–Nova–Aurora trend.
Rising names:
Celeste, Lyra, Orion, Elio, Nova-Rae, Lumi, Cosmo, Aster, Noa (unisex)
Feels connected to the stars, calmness, and imagination.
Old World Elegance with a Twist
Vintage names are still trending, but in 2026 we’re seeing slightly rarer, more aristocratic or historical-feeling names entering the mix - especially from European languages.
Rising names:
Ottilie, Isolde, Clementine, Anouk, Alaric, Hugo, Casimir, Elvira, Leonce
🕰️ Elegant, slightly dramatic names that stand out without being “out there.”
Soft Gender-Neutral Names
Names that are fluid, gentle, and adaptable are growing - especially with modern parents looking to give their children more freedom of identity.
Rising names:
River, Marlowe, Noor, Lior, Ocean, Eden, Elia, Sol, Koa
🌊 These often sound lyrical and can work in multiple languages.
One-Syllable Cool
Short names that pack punch. Minimalist, bold, and chic - perfect for modern families who like Scandi or design-led aesthetics.
Rising names:
Jude, Lux, Zen, Ro, Kai, Wren, Bo, Faye, Kit, Rue
🖤 Stylish and graphic.
Mythological & Magical
Parents are diving into mythology, folklore, and literary roots to find names with a touch of magic or strength. Think Norse, Celtic, or even Slavic and Greek influence.
Rising names:
Freya, Odin, Eira, Zephyr, Persephone, Atlas, Soren, Rune, Artemis
🐉 These names feel powerful, meaningful, and full of story.
“Uncommon Familiar” Names
A growing group of parents want names that are recognisable but not overused - a balance between unique and safe.
Rising names:
Maeva, Linnea, Caius, Elara, Romy, Milo, Thora, Emil, Leonie
🌿 Often international or regional names just starting to rise in visibility.
Double Names Are On the Rise
One of the biggest shifts in 2025 was the rise of double-barrelled or two-part names. These combinations allow parents to honour multiple family members or blend a classic name with something modern and soft.
Some of the most popular included:
- Ella Rose
- Lily Mae
- Oscar James
- Noah Leo
-
Nora Lee
These names not only feel unique and meaningful but also work beautifully on name posters. They offer great visual balance and elegance when printed. 2026 could see even more creative double-barrelled names, not just traditional ones like Lily Rose, but modern combos like:
- Indie Sky
- Nova Lee
- Rumi James
- Sage Elias
These allow parents to combine personal stories, honour two cultures, or just play with rhythm and style.
Personalising Your Baby’s Name in Art
Your baby’s name deserves to be celebrated - and what better way than with a custom name poster?
At Maja Kjær Studio, each name poster is based on one of my original hand-painted watercolour illustrations. I then digitally customise the artwork with your child’s name and birth details to create a beautiful, high-quality print. The posters are printed at a professional giclée print studio in Portugal, and the results are lasting, vibrant colours on luxurious textured paper, that looks and feels like an original watercolour painting.
You can choose to include just the first name, or opt for the child’s full name - including middle names or double-barrelled names - if you prefer a more complete look. The layout is carefully adjusted for each poster to ensure a harmonious and elegant design, no matter the name length.
The result is a meaningful keepsake that feels personal, artistic, and timeless - whether you prefer delicate florals, soft animal themes, or a more minimalist design.
A Thoughtful Gift for New Parents
Looking for a unique baby shower or new baby gift? A name poster is a beautiful and personalised way to welcome a little one into the world. Made to order and printed on museum-grade paper, it’s a piece of art they’ll treasure for years.
You can browse all available designs in my shop - and if you have a special request, I’d love to hear from you.
Final Thoughts: Let the Name Tell the Story
Whether you’re naming your first child, your third, or just enjoy seeing how trends evolve, the most popular baby names of 2025 offer a fascinating look at what matters to parents today - beauty, meaning, and a sense of belonging.
Each name tells a story - and I’d be honoured to help bring yours to life.
→ View the full Name Poster Collection here.
