Every year there’s is a noteworthy trend in baby names. Some years, parents obsess over hipster monikers while other years call for sweet “grandma” inspired names. In 2025, evidently we’re taking a hard left-turn as a society and leaning into “serial killer” and “true crime” inspired names, according to a study done by BabyCentre UK.
From con artists to murderers, our culture loves true crime. If we aren’t diving into multi-part documentaries about it, we’re reading gripping books or cleaning to podcasts about it. And evidently, it’s starting to really impact us and our decision-making.
Trends show that baby names like “Teddy” could be inspired by the many documentaries and dramatic series about serial killer Ted Bundy. “Anna” could very well be due to the world’s obsession with Anna Delvey, the “Fake Heiress.” Twins are susceptible to getting names like “Freddie and Rose” due to the story of Fred and Rose West, or “Ronnie and Reggie” after the infamous Kray twins.
But it’s not as bleak as it seems. In fact, it might be a completely subconscious reaction.
SJ Strum, BabyCentre UK’s baby naming expert and author explains: “These names aren’t being chosen because of crime. More often, parents are unconsciously absorbing popular culture, and these names creep in to our minds via gripping TV, podcasts, and viral content. It’s a fascinating lens on how culture shapes language, and by extension, baby names.”
And if you did happen to love one of these names and now feel “guilty” for your choices, please don’t. A lot of these names are common and were inspired by people who have nothing to do with some of the terrible criminals who happen to have them.
Some other pop culture trends are making an impact, too, according to the study. The rise of high-society TV dramas like The White Lotus and Succession inspire names that evoke a sense of nobility and timelessness.
