A New & Surprising Study Reveals the Top 10 Most Popular Disney-Inspired Baby Names
Baby name trends change like the colors of the wind, but one thing remains the same: pop culture greatly influences what people decide to name their children. So it’s no surprise that Disney names have soared in popularity lately. A new study revealed the top 10 baby names inspired by popular Disney movie characters, and there were a few surprising contenders!
BeenVerified.com analyzed baby name data from the Social Security Administration to see the influence Disney films had on baby naming. They found that names from top Disney films (ranked at least top 50 in the box office) are nearly twice as likely to double in popularity than non-Disney names. They ranked the names by their percentage change from a five-year average and shared their enchanting results this month. While some names are definitely no surprise (hi, Ariel!), others completely caught us off guard.
Names from princesses, animals, and even side characters made the list. If you are a Disney fan — or just need some inspiration in naming your baby — check out the top 10 Disney-inspired baby names below. (See the full study HERE.)
10. Elsa
“Let It Go” mama, and name your baby Elsa if you want! The ice queen from Frozen (2013) is the 10th most popular Disney-inspired name, increasing 126% since the film’s release. Elsa means “truth,” if you need another reason to choose this royal moniker.
9. Camilo
A side character from Encanto (2021), Camilo comes in at number 9 with a 142% change since the film’s release. Camilo is Delores’ younger brother who can shape-shift in the movie. His masculine name means “noble” or “free-born child.”
8. Raya
The main character from Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), Raya, is 8th on the list with a 161% increase. Raya is a warrior and a dragon hunter in the film, and her beautiful name means “friend” or “queen,” according to The Bump.
7. Flynn
Despite its release over a decade ago, Flynn from Tangled (2010) is going strong at number 7. This Irish name had a 166% increase, not counting the many variations of spelling. Just warn your child to stay away from frying pans if you give them this adventurous name!
6. Ariel
Since the animated The Little Mermaid released in 1989, Ariel has had a 253% increase in popularity. It comes in at number six, likely still popular thanks to its 2023 live version starring Halle Bailey. Ariel, which was most popular in Hawaii, means “light” or “lioness of god.”
5. Mirabel
Encanto is the only movie with two names on the list, and its main character Mirabel is fifth. This name means “wonderful” and has had a 271% increase since its film was released in 2021.
4. Finnick
Interestingly, the “bad guy” from Zootopia made it to number 4 on the list! Finnick is a fennec fox, who used to be Nick Wilde’s partner-in-crime and is extremely cunning and hot-tempered. His name has seen a lot of love, though, with a 408% increase. It means “marshland” or “water meadow,” according to The Bump.
3. Moana
Most popular in Hawaii, Moana has had a 488% increase since Moana was released in 2016. This ethereal name means “large body of water” or “lake,” perfect for a summer baby.
2. Koda
Surprisingly, the second most-popular name is Koda, the young bear cub from Brother Bear (2003). This sweet name has had a 937% spike since 2004 and is especially popular in Montana. According to The Bump, Koda is a modern, short form of the Native American name Dakota, which translates to “friend.”
1. Merida
Topping the list is Merida from Brave (2012). This name had a 1150% increase following its film release, likely because people love this fearsome princess who is a master of archery. The name means “one who has achieved a high place of honor,” according to Nameberry. So even if Brave wasn’t your favorite Disney movie or the first one you would think of, the name Merida is beautiful and has an inspiring meaning, too.
See the meaning of our favorite royal baby names from around the world.
