‘Main character energy’ is baby name trend of the year – with important expert warning

Parents are taking inspiration from the big screen when picking out names for their little ones, with main characters providing lots of unique monikers that are full of personality

Every parent wants their child to take the starring role in their own life, to experience joy, love and success, just like the leading characters on our screens.

So, it should be no surprise families are naming their little ones after main characters, taking inspiration from the bold, the brave, and the beautiful. Gone are the days of understated monikers – now it’s all about the drama.

In previous years, names like Harry, Ron, and Hermione reigned supreme. However, 2023 – a year experts predict will be all about character names – could see some of the most unique monikers yet.

Week days, mythical gods and even serial killers could all be sources of inspiration according to Metro.co.uk.

Baby name expert and host of Baby Name Envy podcast, SJ Strum, told the publication parents are loving ‘main character energy’ – and celebrities are taking notice too.

“Wednesday is hitting name lists, and even Harry Potter star Rupert Grint picked the moniker for his daughter,” SJ explained. “Wednesday works as word name as it has a unique, whimsical sound, and comes with the cute nickname Ness, which makes it a little more wearable.

“The consideration is setting your child up for a lifetime of questions about their actual birth day, whether they are as morbid as their namesake and of course Wednesday being a pretty dull day.”

For parents who aren’t a fan of hump day, Sunday is also proving popular. As SJ points out, Ferne McCann previously picked the name for her little one.

Elsewhere, Maverick is flying up the charts, likely due to return of Top Gun last year. Other parents opted for a different kind of hero, as Thor has also increased in popularity, perhaps inspired by Marvel, which in turn drew inspiration from Norse mythology.

But it’s not all fluffy clouds and magical harps. Granted Maverick and Thor have their challenges but perhaps none quite so troubling as those faced by Killing Eve’s dark heroine, Villanelle. Despite this, her name has entered the UK baby name popularity lists for the first time, according to the expert. SJ reports that Jeffrey has also risen 230 places, possibly inspired by Netflix’s Dahmer documentary.

Sharing advice for parents when picking out names, SJ said: “While we all personally carry associations with names from people we meet in life, picking a cult character name means bestowing a list of character traits on your newborn that they may find a burden growing up.

“So, while we embrace main character energy, it’s important to pick with intention and don’t be swayed by fast fashion – that way, you’ll be sure to love your baby’s name forever.”

Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below