I have been seeing short baby names like Leo and Emma everywhere, but new BabyCenter naming data points to a shift I find refreshing: long baby names are finally making a comeback.
For me, there is something special about a longer name. It can feel elegant, meaningful, and full of personality, while still leaving room for sweet nicknames as a child grows.
Inspired by this post on Baby Center.
FAQs
Are long baby names making a comeback?
BabyCenter naming data shown in the post indicates that the average length of the top 100 baby names rose to 5.75 letters in 2025 after dropping to 5.65 in 2023. The author sees this rebound as a refreshing shift toward longer names.
How has the average length of popular baby names changed since 2015?
The chart shows the average length of the top 100 baby names falling from 5.9 letters in 2015 to 5.65 in 2023, then rising to 5.75 in 2025.
Why does Caroline Picard like longer baby names?
She says longer names can feel elegant, meaningful, and full of personality. She also likes the room they leave for sweet nicknames.
Can long baby names still have nicknames?
Yes. The post notes that a longer name can leave room for sweet nicknames as a child grows.
Which short baby names are mentioned in the post?
Leo and Emma are the short baby names the author mentions seeing everywhere before discussing the shift toward longer names.
