There are always names that consistently appear at the top list of baby names for a year, including ones like Liam, Noah, Sophia, and Isabella, which have been recent yearly mainstays. But every so often, a new name pops up. Whether it's something classic or truly unique, it's possible that the rise in popularity can be attributed to a popular TV show or movie.
According to BabyCenter.com and its annual list of the top 100 baby names, 2021 sees some interesting names that were likely influenced by popular shows of the last decade or two. There were also some fascinating baby name trends that, while they didn't crack the top 100, were clearly influenced by television and movies.
Luna (New Amsterdam)
Luna is one of those names that is so beautiful but often forgotten. But it reappeared on television in the form of Dr. Max Goodwin's baby on the hit medical drama best medical dramas airing right now. The child, who was born in incredible fashion following a major mishap only to survive a car crash that took the life of her mother, was a true miracle on the show.
The growth in popularity of the name, which ranks ninth on the list of top female baby names, could very well be linked to this new show, which now has four seasons under its belt.
Asher (How To Get Away With Murder)
Asher was definitely not the most irable character on Asher didn't deserve to die at the end. But he had a good heart, and it would make sense that fans of the Viola Davis-led show might have seen the name and thought it would be a good one for a son.
The name, which ranks eighth among boy names for 2021, could easily be used for a baby girl as well. How to Get Away with Murder ended its six-season run in May 2020, giving fans with newborns a great way to pay homage to the character.
Arya (Game of Thrones)
BabyCenter reports that the name Arya ranks 83rd on the list, while the variation Ariya is up 27 percent for the year to take the 13th spot. Chances are, that might be influenced by the character of Arya from Game of Thrones, suggesting that parents were fans of the show and loved everything Arya represented.
Exhibiting tremendous strength and will, Arya quickly became one of the most popular characters on the show, particularly after she became the one to take out the Night King. It's no surprise a variation of the name appears on the list since it denotes strength and resilience.
Maverick (Top Gun)
It's a sure bet that the popularity of this name, 39th among boy names for 2021, can be attributed to the character from the movie Tom Cruise's best movies.
The movie itself also remains one of the most culturally significant films ever made, selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry. And it has resurfaced thanks to the announcement that a sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, would premiere in May 2022.
Willow (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)
Sure, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been off the air for some time, but lots of fans are only now getting into the show. Not only was the character of Willow a fan favorite, but the name itself is inspired by nature, which might also be why it is rising in popularity, positioned in 38th place.
The name could also be linked to Willow Smith, daughter of A-list actor Will Smith, who has been enjoying a rising musical career over the last few years. It may also be growing in popularity as a gender-neutral name. There may be plenty of things about Buffy that have aged poorly, but clearly, the name Willow is not one of them.
Kai (Cobra Kai)
This name has been popular for some time, but with the massive success of the Netflix series Cobra Kai, it's possible that has influenced even more parents. Indeed, the name ranks 44th among the top 100 baby names of 2021.
Cobra Kai is a continuation of the Karate Kid movies taking place 34 years in the future. While Cobra Kai is the villainous dojo to Daniel LaRusso's Miyagi-do, the way the show has helped redeem the character of Johnny Lawrence means some have a soft spot for the character and the dojo he tried to resurrect and run the right way.
Charlotte (Sex And The City, And Just Like That…)
Could it be the excitement over the HBO Max revival series Sex and the City? Whatever the case, many found Charlotte to be the most relatable and kindest character among the ensemble cast.
Thus, it's no surprise that this name remains on the top list of baby names for 2021, ranked in sixth position. Charlotte graces the small screen once again in the revival, which premiered in early December 2021 but was announced in December 2020.
Ezekiel (The Walking Dead)
In 51st place on the list of the top boys' names, Ezekiel might very well be inspired by King Ezekiel from The Walking Dead. One of the nicer characters with a good heart and a genuine desire to help others, he would be a good character to inspire a name.
Ezekiel not only had a relationship with fan-favorite character Carol, but he also took Henry under his wing as his adopted son and did everything in his power to be a good father to the young boy. The character is one of the ones most likely to appear in the Tales of the Walking Dead anthology series.
Wanda (WandaVision)
While it didn't make the top 100 names, the name Wanda was named among the biggest baby name trends of 2021 by Babycenter.com, up 52 percent this year.
It's no surprise that this can be directly linked to the popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe series WandaVision, which premiered on Disney+ this year. Interestingly, Wanda wasn't the only name linked to the show that rose up the ranks, with Darcy rising 9%, Agatha 30%, and Vision up 20%.
Chadwick (Black Panther)
Attributed more so to the actor who played the character in the movie and not the character's name, Chadwick Boseman is one Black Panther, and some might have chosen to pay tribute to the actor by giving their child his name.
The name Chadwick didn't make the top 100 list, but it was up 21 percent. And it's safe to assume this was in Boseman's honor.