Names making a comeback in 2024 thanks to on-screen characters

Jody Coffey

A new generation of Ken’s may be on their way!

We may be entering a brand new year, but it seems the names of characters from some of 2023’s big TV and movie releases are coming with us.

If you’re due to welcome a new family member this year, you may be looking for some inspiration for a name for your baby.

Choosing the perfect moniker for your new arrival can be a big task, but it narrows down the search by knowing some names are standing out and growing in popularity.

Unless you were hiding under a rock in 2023, you likely saw or at least heard of the films ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’.

With the hype around these two flicks last summer, the names Ken and Margot may see some extra love this year from parents when they name their babies.

The Sun reports that in the analysis of ONS and Google search data, there was a sharp and steady rise in online searches for the meaning of the name Ken, following Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of the character in 2024.

This suggests that the name Ken may be on the rise in 2024.

Similarly, Margot Robbie, who iconically played the Mattel doll in the film, may find her first name on the Top 10 list of names in 2024, as there was a buzz surrounding the name online in 2023.

Meanwhile, following Ariana Greenblatt’s portrayal of Sasha in the blockbuster, it is anticipated that the name Sasha will take off in popularity this year.

After the success of ‘Oppenheimer’, the name Cillian may be about to have a revival thanks to its Irish lead actor, Cillian Murphy.

There was a surge in Google searches around the name during the press tour for the movie, which still remains high, according to The Sun.

Meanwhile, it’s not just box-office characters that will inspire names this year, but also small-screen characters, according to British name label manufacturer mynametags.com.

Another Irish name may have a comeback after the release of Sex Education in 2019.

The name of Emma Mackey’s character, Maeve, has enjoyed an increase in popularity following the show’s launch.

Similarly, the name of Asa Butterfield’s character, Otis, is also set to become an even more popular choice with expectant parents in 2024.