Travel baby names 2023
How do you choose the perfect name for your baby? One of the most exciting things about becoming a parent is picking a baby name, but this can sometimes be a daunting task.
For many, you will want to choose a name that means something to you. While some parents choose the name of a loved one, others name their child after a favorite holiday destination, honeymoon spot, or even the city where they were conceived!
Whether you go for something classic or something more modern, a unique name, or something popular, we’ve put together a list of the best travel-inspired names to give you some inspiration.
The most popular travel-inspired baby names for boys in the USA
1. Hudson | Babies named: 77,991
Topping the list of travel-inspired baby names for boys is Hudson. This name, derived from the famous Hudson River in New York, has been a popular choice for parents in recent years, with over 77,000 baby boys born since 2000 in the US with this name.
2. Preston | Babies named: 58,384
Preston, ranking second on our list, is an English name with roots in the town of Preston in Lancashire, England. There are also two towns called Preston that can be found in both Connecticut and Idaho. Over 58,000 families picked this name for their baby boys, a sophisticated and timeless choice.
3. Camden | Babies named: 48,257
Named after London's diverse and vibrant borough, Camden embodies creativity, energy, and worldliness. Appealing to parents seeking a cosmopolitan and unique name for their baby boy, over 48,000 baby boys have been named this since the turn of the century. The London borough also lends its name to a city in New Jersey, which may have inspired American parents.
The most popular travel-inspired baby names for girls in the USA
1. Sydney | Babies named: 107,006
Sydney, inspired by Australia's famous harbor city, tops the list for girls. A top choice for parents seeking a worldly name, over 107,000 baby girls have been named Sydney since 2000.
2. Brooklyn | Babies named: 104,566
Brooklyn, a nod to the iconic New York City borough, is a popular choice for its urban charm and cultural appeal. As a bustling melting pot of art, fashion, and cuisine, Brooklyn is the perfect inspiration for new parents.
3. Alexandria | Babies named: 42,010
Alexandria, inspired by the ancient Egyptian city, comes in third place, albeit some distance behind the top two. Known for its famous library and lighthouse, parents are drawn to Alexandria for its timeless elegance.
The countries that inspire the most baby names in the USA
1. Israel | Babies named: 37,868
The most common US baby name inspired by a country is Israel, with over 37,000 babies sharing a name with the nation. Israel may hold cultural and religious significance for many American parents, which would explain its popularity.
2. India | Babies named: 9,486
India is a country with a rich heritage and diverse cultural background, which could be why it has appealed to so many parents in the US. Over 9,400 babies have been named after India in the US this century.
3. Kenya | Babies named: 9,289
The name Kenya is also gaining popularity in the USA, with over 9,200 babies named this since 2000. Parents are perhaps drawn to this name due to Kenya's natural beauty and captivating landscapes.
The cities and areas that inspire the most baby names in the USA
1. Sydney | Babies named: 108,424
As the top travel-inspired baby name for girls in the US overall, it’s not surprising to see that Sydney is also the most popular name inspired by a city or area. There’s clearly a lot of love in the US for Australia's vibrant harbor city!
2. Brooklyn | Babies named: 106,030
Brooklyn is the second-most popular city or area to name your child after in the US, with over 100,000 babies born since 2000. Parents are likely drawn to this name for its trendy and vibrant connection to the bustling city.
3. Preston | Babies named: 62,563
While perhaps lacking the glamor of Sydney or Brooklyn, Preston remains a popular point of inspiration for parents in the US. The city has a rich history and also evokes the charming Lancashire countryside. It’s also possible that parents were inspired by the smaller cities of Preston in Idaho and Connecticut.
The most popular travel-inspired baby names for boys in the UK
1. Hudson | Babies named: 5,310
Hudson, which is the most popular travel baby name in the US, has become a popular choice on both sides of the pond, with 5,310 babies being named after the New York waterway in the UK. The river spans over 300 miles, serving as a vital natural resource and picturesque setting for both New York and New Jersey.
2. Chester | Babies named: 4,090
Chester, an ancient city in the UK, has lent its name to 4,090 babies. Known for its well-preserved Roman walls and stunning Tudor-style architecture, Chester exudes charm and historical significance.
3. Preston | Babies named: 3,158
Preston, a historic city in Lancashire, has inspired the names of 3,158 babies in the UK. Steeped in history, Preston played an important role during the Industrial Revolution and has since evolved into a modern city with thriving arts and culture scenes.
The most popular travel-inspired baby names for girls in the UK
1. Florence | Babies named: 26,105
Florence, a name inspired by the enchanting Italian city, has become a favorite among parents in the UK, with 26,105 baby girls being given the name. Famous for its art, architecture, and romantic ambiance, Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and boasts iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Uffizi Gallery.
2. India | Babies named: 6,640
India, a name reflecting the diverse and vibrant country in South Asia, has been chosen by UK parents for 6,640 baby girls. Known for its rich history, colorful traditions, and stunning landscapes, India offers a wealth of inspiration, from the iconic Taj Mahal to the bustling markets of Delhi.
3. Paris | Babies named: 3,496
Paris, the renowned City of Love, has inspired the names of 3,496 baby girls in the UK. As the capital of France, Paris is synonymous with romance, art, and elegance, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
The countries that inspire the most baby names in the UK
1. India | Babies named: 6,640
India is the most popular country for parents in the UK to name their children after, with 6,640 babies named after the South Asian country since 2000. The UK has long had links with India, which has likely influenced naming trends.
2. Mali | Babies named: 1,591
Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, has influenced the naming of 1,591 babies in the UK. Known for its ancient history, unique mud-brick architecture, and the fabled city of Timbuktu, Mali offers a rich cultural experience steeped in heritage.
3. Israel | Babies named: 1,108
Israel, a small yet historically and culturally significant country in the Middle East, has inspired the names of 1,108 babies in the UK. With its ancient roots, sacred sites, and modern innovation, Israel offers a fascinating blend of the old and new worlds. Israel is the most popular country-inspired name for boys in the UK, with 1,075 born since 2000.
The cities and areas that inspire the most baby names in the UK
1. Florence | Babies named: 26,105
Florence, a name inspired by the captivating Italian city, has become a favorite among UK parents, with 26,105 babies being given the name. Its undeniable charm and cultural significance have made Florence the top choice for city-inspired baby names in the UK.
2. Phoenix | Babies named: 4,381
Phoenix, a name reflecting the vibrant capital city of Arizona in the United States, has been chosen for 4,381 babies in the UK. Known for its desert landscapes, thriving arts scene, and year-round sunshine, Phoenix symbolizes renewal and resilience, much like the mythical bird that shares its name.
3. Brooklyn | Babies named: 4,117
Having proved popular on both sides of the pond, Brooklyn takes third place here, with 4,117 babies being named this in the UK. Brooklyn is home to iconic attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island, as well as a thriving arts and food scene.
Methodology
We wanted to find the most popular travel-inspired names for children in the US and the UK.
To do this, we sourced the total number of babies born with each travel-inspired name in England and Wales between 2000 and 2021 from the Office for National Statistics: Baby names in England and Wales: from 1996.
We sourced the total number of babies born with each travel-inspired name in the US between 2000 and 2021 from the US Census Bureau: Baby Names from Social Security Card Applications.
We created a list of potential travel-related baby names using various inspirations including country names, capital cities, rivers, mountains, general travel-related terms, and other major cities and travel destinations worldwide.
We then cross-referenced this list with our baby names data to find out which travel terms were used as baby names the most.
The names of several locations were removed as they were too commonly used, making babies with these names less likely to have been named after the location.
