The baby names that have risen in popularity since the pandemic began

From Cosmopolitan

While much of life as we know it has been different for the past year thanks to the pandemic, some elements of the world keep on turning. Like babies being born, for example. Pregnant women have continued to deliver their newborns throughout the coronavirus crisis, albeit with a lot less physical contact.

And when it comes to naming these babies, it seems the pandemic has had a fair bit of influence. According to research last spring by ChannelMum, who surveyed 1,300 parents, 7% of mums-to-be had already changed their name choice due to coronavirus.

The names falling out of favour include anything that sounds too similar to 'corona', and anything that is closely linked with the word 'virus' - understandably. That means the names Corina, Coren, Ronan, Viola and Violet have all been ruled out for many parents. Another moniker also likely to slide down the baby name charts is Lochlan, due to its reminiscence of 'lockdown', which evokes less-than-happy memories for some.

Baby naming site Nameberry has used its expertise to predict a similar trend for 2021 baby names. They're pretty certain that parents won't be keen on names that have even the slightest echoes of coronavirus, listing Cora, Cordelia, and Corey as ones that will also be on the decline over the coming months.

But while the pandemic has meant some names are off the cards, it's also brought a whole new set of trends for new parents naming children. 'Virtue' names instilling hope are preferred by seven in ten of the parents surveyed, while over half (54%) would consider a colour-themed name in tribute to the children's rainbow paintings that signify positivity.

Heroic-themed names are also rising in popularity, honouring the bravery of our key workers throughout the crisis, including the name Florence for its link with the Nightingale hospitals. One in five parents said they were fond of 'secure' names for their child, while happy names are also on the rise for obvious reasons.

Take a look at the baby names that fall under these categories here:

Hero names

• Avery

• Bravery

• Florence

• Maverick

• Hero

• Wix or Wicks (after Joe Wicks)

Virtue names

• Hope

• Faith

• Charity

• True

• Constance

• Patience

• Promise

Happiness names

• Bliss

• Blythe (meaning carefree)

• Felicity (meaning happiness at home)

• Joy

• Solomon or Sol (meaning peaceful)

• Pax (meaning peace)

Secure names

• Harbour

• Haven

Rainbow names

• Iris

• Indigo

• Blue

• Red

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