We all love a good holiday, but would you ever consider naming your little one after your favourite destination?
We’ve recently researched the trend of location-based baby names and discovered that many parents do just that. Travel-based baby names are on the rise, with names including Alaska, Olso, Rhodes and Geneva all seeing huge spikes in popularity over the last year. But which names came out top?
From the most popular names to expert insight into why people choose to name babies after cities or countries, here’s everything we found.
The top 40 location-based baby names
Looking at baby name data from the last year, these are the most popular travel-inspired names parents have chosen for their little bundles of joy…
- Austin – 543,200 babies
- Brooklyn – 337,960 babies
- Savannah – 241,360 babies
- Dakota – 192,500 babies
- Adelaide – 188,720 babies
- Phoenix – 148,120 babies
- Paris – 144,760 babies
- Camden – 98,700 babies
- London – 96,460 babies
- Rhodes – 49,280 babies
- Everest – 49,280 babies
- Devon – 49,280 babies
- Milan – 49,280 babies
- Cali – 48,160 babies
- Nola – 48,160 babies
- Florence – 48,160 babies
- Sydney – 48,160 babies
- Bronx – 48,020 babies
- Kent – 48,020 babies
- Rio – 47,460 babies
- Geneva – 47,180 babies
- Alaska – 47,180 babies
- Denver – 46,620 babies
- Bristol – 44,520 babies
- Sierra – 41,020 babies
- Rome – 239,760 babies
- India – 33,180 babies
- Vienna – 31,360 babies
- Egypt – 29,680 babies
- Holland – 29,680 babies
- Boston – 25,900 babies
- Asia – 25, 340 babies
- Raleigh – 16,520 babies
- Arizona – 15, 680 babies
- Ireland – 11,340 babies
- Kenya – 10,360 babies
- Oslo – 5,180 babies
- Berlin – 3,360 babies
- China – 1,680 babies
- Cyprus – 1,680 babies
Topping the list: The USA influence
Austin tops the list of the most popular travel-inspired baby names, with a huge 543,200 babies named after the Texas state capital city in the last year!
However, a love of the location may not have been the only influence at play here. The biopic ‘Elvis’ was also released in 2022 to huge acclaim, with the titular role played by the now BAFTA award-winning actor Austin Butler, which could explain the name’s huge increase in popularity.
It wouldn’t be the first time a celebrity location-based name has influenced the masses. Kim Kardashian named her new daughter Chicago in 2018, leading to a huge four-year spike in parents also naming their children after the city.
Alaska, Oslo and Kent: The travel baby names on the rise
As well as the most popular names, we also took a look at recent trends, seeing which names have catapulted in popularity over the last year – and which have seen a drop. While more recognisable baby names such as Paris, Dakota and Adeline appear at the top of the list, we’ve seen some interesting increases in babies named after more unique travel destinations.
While appearing relatively low on the list at number 22, the baby name Alaska has seen a huge increase over the last year, with an incredible 93% rise! The name Kent has also seen a spike in popularity, increasing by 84% – although Superman may have also had an influence here.
Alongside the usual suspects, unique baby names such as Oslo, Rhodes, Geneva and Bronx have also experienced a rise in popularity over the last year, increasing by 59%, 79%, 80% and 75%, respectively.
There have also been some drops. While still appearing in the list, the US-inspired name Cali dropped in popularity by 62% over the last year. Another US-focused name, Boston, also saw a 27% drop, while Milan (-68%), Bristol (-17%) and Sierra (-12%) also saw decreases in popularity.
Why do people choose travel-based baby names?
So, we know the most popular travel-inspired names from the last year. But why do people choose travel-based names? And what influences the trends?
We spoke to Michelle Giordano (MS), a Community Counsellor with a background in sociology, about why people choose travel-based baby names.
She explains personal connections to a location are usually the driving force:
“People often name their children after places they have a personal connection to, such as a favourite vacation destination or a city they lived in. Naming a child after a place can also reflect a family’s cultural heritage or a desire to pay homage to a specific place or culture.”
As for why trends have changed over time, this comes down to the changing way we travel.
Michelle explains that “travel-name trends have evolved to reflect changing cultural influences and travel experiences. For example, popular names like Paris and London were once associated with sophistication and glamour, but in recent years, names inspired by exotic and far-flung destinations have become more popular. This reflects the increasing availability of travel and a growing desire to experience new and unique cultures.”
Baby name inspiration comes from a huge variety of places. Thinking about a location you fell in love with or somewhere with a significant personal connection to you could be just the inspiration needed when it comes to naming a new arrival.
If all this talk of exotic locations has you craving a trip, why not explore our range of multi-centre holidays?
Methodology
- Data on popularity of baby names taken from Baby Center worldwide user data, using 2023 and 2022 baby name data – https://www.babycenter.com/
- Babies per million from Baby Center calculated against estimated 140 million babies born each year to give total figure – https://www.theworldcounts.com/populations/world/births
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
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Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Hazel
We have recently returned from a multi centre holiday in Thailand. Everything went smoothly as planned, the hotels were all lovely. We would definitely recommend eShores and would book through them in the future. Thanks to Laura who organised the trip for us.
Posted 6 days ago -
Heath
Been using eshore for several years,always come up with requirements we need.Always happy to rearrange. Staff are very knowledgeable and we always use Leanne as our point of contact. Experts for multi centre holidays.
Posted 1 week ago -
DavidHurst
I booked two holidays in 4 months with Dave at eshores. First one a 16 day trip around Vietnam north to south which included numerous flights and taxis. My second holiday was in October traveling around Vietnam again and Cambodia. Every hotel in both countries was spot on, every transfer went smooth with no problems. I'll Definitely use eshores again and thanks to Dave who arranged everything, a fantastic experience 👍👍
Posted 1 week ago -
Parr
Recently booked a four centre holiday to Asia. The process was straightforward and seamless. Rob, the agent who dealt with our requirements was extremely helpful and not pushy. He was very easy to talk with and seemed genuinely interested in our plans. He managed to put together exactly what we wanted and at a great price.
Posted 2 weeks ago -
Horan
Andy at eshores has been great, he worked hard to meet all our needs and went the extra mile for us! We're looking forward to a great Honeymoon!
Posted 2 weeks ago -
Jones
As always Michelle mainly but with some help from Leanne have once again booked an hopefully (as not yet travelled) amazing customised trip to America next September with our family this time.
Posted 2 weeks ago -
Canning
First time I have used eshores and it won't be the last. Emma was so helpful in booking my 3 centre holiday to Portugal. Really pleased with accommodation selected and the overall cost. Emma was very quick to respond with different options and I'm looking forward to our holiday next year. I highly recommend this company
Posted 2 weeks ago -
Hanagarth
We have just booked a trip to the Far East having previously used this company twice, Vietnam/Cambodia and a Road Trip in the USA. Both trips were problem free with all aspects going to plan. Easy to talk to and never pushing for a decision. A lovely company , thank you Dave for your time and assistance.
Posted 2 weeks ago -
BillRoberts
We booked what appeared to be a busy holiday to South Africa and Mauritius. This consisted of five different fights and hotels with the various transfers included. Rachael organised the holiday for us and every aspect of the trip went well. Took a lot of the stress out and allowed us to have a fantastic holiday. Friendly,Professional service with professional staff. Will use them again.
Posted 2 weeks ago -
JulieDavidson
All went well on our recent NY trip booked through Matt at EShores. Worth noting: -Newark Airport and Train Station great with transfers on the NYP Train (about 1 hour) to and from Penn Station/Airport Terminal (easy!) -Sanctuary Hotel great location and staff! Room and breakfast spot on. -Brooklyn Bridge walk back great, 1 stop over on subway as suggested. -United Airlines great - direct to and from Edinburgh! Recommended -weather spot on, temperatures just like here. Thanks for all your help and advice. Julie and Georgia (21st birthday girl!)
Posted 2 weeks ago