Surnames as first names is tipped be 2024’s biggest baby name trend

Jody Coffey

Naming your baby can be a tricky task as there are so many options out there.

Well, that list gets even longer as surnames will now make their way into the naming process.

This year, a professional baby namer has forecasted that surnames as first names will be popular, as will gender-neutral monikers.

According to The Mirror, Steph Coffield, who works as a consultant for parents-to-be, says surnames will work their way baby naming trends next year.

Gender-neutral names will also continue to be popular with parents as more people are opting for their baby’s name before they arrive, choosing a name that will work for both a boy and a girl.

“I’m seeing a lot of whimsical, gender-neutral surnames being given as first names. We’re seeing girls’ names becoming more masculine and boys’ names becoming softer too,” the mum from Minnesota, USA, explained.

“Some parents will come to me asking for one that works for a boy and a girl ahead of time, then they can stick with it, whatever the gender.”

Some of the surname-based predictions for 2024 include Adley and Dawson as well as Fisher, Huxley and Ridley – similar to the rise in popularity of surnames such as Cooper and Spencer, which are now often seen for girls.

Steph also believes gender-neutral titles for both boys and girls will be high on parents-to-be’s choice lists as society continues to embrace gender fluidity.

“The way things are going, with more acceptance of non-binary people, parents aren’t afraid to give boys softer more feminine names.We’re already there with girls being more masculine and that will continue.

“Masculine-sounding’ titles predicted to be popular for girls in 2024 include Collins, Juniper and Sloane. More ‘feminine-sounding’ names for boys in 2024 are predicted to include Colter and Waylon – western-style names, but ‘softer’.”

In light of this years’ baby name trend, here are some of our favourite surname-first-names: