How to tell if you have an 'elite' baby name

The co-founder of Nameberry.com weighs in.

April 05 2023

Dubbing the names as 'elite', Pamela Redmond Satran, the co-author of 10 baby naming books and co-founder of Nameberry.com told The Hollywood Reporter: “Elite parents in urban areas lean toward very fashion-forward and sophisticated names.”

“They are attracted to quirky, not-so-easy-to-like names that are more difficult to embrace."

Comparing the phenomenon to fashion, Satran says once a name begins to “be used more widely” it’s no longer “cool”.

Here’s a list of the top emerging "elite" baby names that are considered "cool" - but for a limited time only. 

Elite baby names

  • Dashiell
  • Sophie
  • Matilda
  • Ophelia
  • Zen  
  • River  
  • Story 
  • James (for girls)
  • Sam
  • Charlotte  
  • Jack
  • Lily