Between activists, directors, actors, singers, and even stars’ own babies, there are so many names from talented individuals that will likely end up short-listed for your little one. No surprise there—pop culture influences everything from music taste to fashion trends to video games played, so it’s no wonder that pop culture also impacts the popularity of baby names! Whether you’re looking for baby girl names or baby boy names, there are celeb-inspired baby names that are sure to stick with you. If you’ve seen a certain celeb name pop up in articles or Instagram and can’t get it out of your head, you’re not alone. These 50 celebrity-inspired baby names for girls and boys will be everywhere in 2021, maybe even in your own nursery!
Celebrity-Inspired Baby Girl Names for 2021
1. Sophia
Between classic Hollywood star Sophia Loren, talented actress Sofia Vergara, and passionate activist/actress Sophia Bush, the celeb-inspiration behind this popular name is top-notch.
2. Olivia
Two famous Olivias making waves these days include actress-turned-director (and Harry Styles’ beau!) Olivia Wilde, as well as actress/singer/Taylor Swift stanOlivia Rodrigo.
3. Ava
Renowned filmmaker Ava DuVernay has been celebrated for her groundbreaking projects like 13th, Selma, and A Wrinkle in Time.
4. Aria
Two characters that have directly influenced this moniker’s rising popularity include Arya Stark from Game of Thrones (played by Maisie Williams) and Aria Montgomery from Pretty Little Liars (played by Lucy Hale).
5. Mila
Actress Mila Kunis (full name Milena Markovna Kunis) is married to Ashton Kutcher and is known for voicing Meg Griffin from Family Guy and starring in recent films like The Spy Who Dumped Me and Bad Moms.
6. Lily
It’s no wonder this first name is climbing the charts as it’s shared by actresses Lily Collins (Emily in Paris), Lily James (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again), and Lili Reinhart (Riverdale), as well as model Lily Aldridge and singer Lily Allen.
7. Gianna
This baby girl name has jumped up on the list of trending names as individuals have been paying tribute to Vanessa Bryant and Kobe Bryant’s daughter, Gianna Bryant.
8. Isla
Isla has been popularized by actress (and Sacha Baron Cohen’s wife) Isla Fisher.
9. Ellie
You might be super-drawn to this name thanks to singer Ellie Goulding and comedic actress Ellie Kemper.
10. Scarlett
Not only starring in the Marvel superhero movies, Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) has been influencing baby names (especially this year) as well.
11. Aubrey
Parks and Recreation’s Aubrey Plaza is one of the reasons this moniker has become more and more prevalent in recent years.
12. Peyton
This name is well-known thanks to actress Peyton List (Cobra Kai and Bunk’d), along with famous football quarterback Peyton Manning (gender-neutral baby names are super-trendy right now!), and One Tree Hill’s infamous character Peyton Sawyer (played by Hilarie Burton).
13. Emilia
You can bet Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke has something to do with this name’s likability.
14. Hailey
It’s no coincidence that Mrs. Justin Bieber’s (AKA Hailey Baldwin Bieber) namesake has been topping the baby name charts this year.
15. Stella
You probably recognize the name from daughter of Paul McCartney/close friend of Taylor Swift/fashion designer Stella McCartney.
16. Willow
Speaking of TSwift, the name of the first single from her recent album evermore, has been climbing the charts (much like the song itself!).
17. Alaina
Country singer (as well as American Idol and Dancing with the Stars alum) Lauren Alaina can easily claim the fame for this trending name.
18. Claire
Thanks to actresses Claire Danes (Homeland), Claire Foy (The Crown), and Claire Holt (The Originals), this is a name that’s garnering a lot of attention in 2021.
19. Gwen
With her presence on The Voice and adorable romance with fellow-singer and Voice-coach Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani has made this an in-demand moniker.
20. Iris
Short and sweet, Iris is becoming more popular thanks to Love actress Iris Apatow (daughter of Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann) and fashion icon Iris Apfel.
21. Maisie
Remember how Maisie Williams’ Game of Thrones character name was listed earlier? Her real name is killing it on the charts as well.
22. Winnie
You can chalk up this name’s popularity to the admiration of model Winnie Harlow.
23. Zoey
Actresses Zooey Deschanel (New Girl), Zoe Saldana (Avengers: Endgame), and Zoë Kravtiz (Big Little Lies) have helped inspire this trending name.
24. Penelope
When you hear this name, it’s almost impossible to not think about actress Penélope Cruz.
25. Violet
Parents who love this moniker are taking after Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, who used this name for their oldest daughter.
Celebrity-Inspired Baby Boy Names for 2021
26. Liam
Fans of Liam are in good company with actors Liam Hemsworth, Liam Neeson, and singer Liam Payne.
27. Noah
With actor Noah Centineo’s rise to prominence due to the successful To All the Boys flicks, it’s no surprise his name is one of the top choices for boys in 2021.
28. Jayden
Will and Jada Smith were ahead of the curve by naming their son Jaden.
29. Sebastian
Captain America: The Winter Soldier’s Sebastian Stan will continue influencing parents looking for trendy boy names this year.
30. Luca
Many people are taking a cue from Hilary Duff, who named her firstborn Luca (with ex Mike Comrie).
31. Jack
Actors Jack Nicholson and Jack Black, as well as notable character Jack Ryan (most recently played by John Krasinski) have made this a strong, go-to baby boy name.
32. Miles
Jazz icon Miles Davis, and actors Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick) and Miles Heizer (13 Reasons Why) have made this moniker super-appealing.
33. Lincoln
Well-known as a surname thanks to Abraham Lincoln and The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln, Lincoln is becoming a more prominent first name option this year.
34. Colton
This moniker has grown in visibility largely in part to Arrow actor Colton Haynes, previous BachelorColton Underwood, and singer Colton Dixon.
35. Nolan
Sound familiar? That’s likely because of renowned director Christopher Nolan (Tenet), as well as Modern Family actor Nolan Gould.
36. Dominic
This trending first name is shared by DC’s Legends of Tomorrow actor Dominic Purcell and Preacher actor Dominic Cooper.
37. Cooper
Singer Alice Cooper, TV personality Anderson Cooper, as well as actors Dominic Cooper (listed again!), Bradley Cooper, and Gary Cooper have brought attention to this moniker, which is growing more and more popular as a first name.
38. Elliot
With Elliot Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni) finally returning to the Law & Order world, it’s no wonder this name is going to be everywhere in 2021.
39. Mason
Parents opting for this name follow in the footsteps of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick, who named their eldest son Mason.
40. Owen
Actor Owen Wilson’s moniker is truly taking off this year.
41. Ezra
Between influential writers Ezra Jack Keats and Ezra Pound, as well as journalist Ezra Klein, and Pretty Little Liars character Ezra Fitz (played by Ian Harding), this name’s inspiration is super-eclectic.
42. Maverick
2021 parents are close behind Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who named his youngest son (with wife Nicole Phelps) Maverick. Also, since Top Gun: Maverick is coming out later this year, it’s not surprising that this name is comin’ in hot.
43. James
Considering the name James? That might be from the influence of actors James Dean, James Franco, James McAvoy, James Marsden, James Corden, or James Earl Jones.
44. Lucas
The surname of Star Wars and Indiana Jones creator George Lucas is gaining steam for baby boy names in 2021.
45. Benjamin
If you feel like this is a name you hear a lot, it could be thanks to Benjamin Franklin and actors Ben Stiller, Ben Affleck, Ben Schwartz, Ben Kingsley… the list goes on and on.
46. Ethan
Prepare for more boys named Ethan this year, inspired by actor/writer/director Ethan Hawke.
47. Daniel
Naming your son Daniel will put him in a group with the likes of actors Daniel Craig (the current James Bond), Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter series), Daniel Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah), and more.
48. Carter
Jay-Z (AKA Shawn Carter) and Beyoncé (AKA Beyoncé Knowles-Carter) may not need to use their last name, but it sure is a popular first name these days.
49. Oliver
Parents who have been enjoying the podcast Sibling Revelry might be more likely to use the name Oliver, à la co-host Oliver Hudson.
50. Hudson
This mighty surname is popping up as a first name more frequently, possibly influenced by singer Jennifer Hudson, celeb siblings Oliver Hudson (hi again!) and Kate Hudson, as well as Ghostbusters: Afterlife actor Ernie Hudson. Check out:- Most popular baby names from 2020 - 300+ unique baby girl and baby boy names - 125 old-fashioned baby names - Gender-neutral baby names
