The baby names below saw sudden changes in usage during the 2010s thanks to the influence of historical events. I’ve written explanatory blog posts about some of them — please click the links to learn more!
To check out history-influenced baby names from other decades, visit the baby name timeline main page.
2019
2019 News: Ermias, Cynniah
2019 Movie characters: Alita, Sekani, Starr, Seven, Qira, Jardani, Zia, Elsa
2019 Movie: Akicita
2019 TV characters: Amenadiel, Floki, Finan, Escanor, Rhaella, Margaery, Axara, Maisel, Tokyo, Berlin, Yeimy, Broly
2019 TV show: Dracarys
2019 TV personalities: Chevel, Kayslin, Zaxai, Maelyn, Myracle, Chandlar, Dayleen, Dennhi, Andoni, Karely, Yoel, Phor, Emani, Rhylee
2019 Social media influencers: Akyli, Mazelee, Norvina, Posie
2019 Video game characters: Alexios, Peach
2019 Actors: Malek, Rami, Yalitza, Marsai, Asante, Phoebe, Dacre
2019 Music: Eliantte
2019 Singers: Billie, Rosalia, Naija
2019 Rappers: Malaynah, Kodak
2019 Musical album: Erys
2019 Sports: Taysom, Harden, Kyler, Kelce
2019 Brand: Amiri
2019 Celebrity babies: Atley, Archie, Adeya, Birdie, Ciro, Crew, Hart, Hayes, Izhaan, Kaavia, Kulture, Kiari, Myles, Navy, Story, Embrii, Eryss, Chi, Yosohn
2018
2018 News: Doria, Meghan, Jahseh, Harvey, Imran, Bennington
2018 Movie characters: Braven, Araminta, Astrid, Dayveon, Ainhoa, Shuri, Nakia, Mera, Amilyn, Kyloren, Laureline, Cleo, Violet, Via, Lumiere, Asees, Domino
2018 Movies: Roma, Valerian, Sicario
2018 TV characters: Aegon, Rhaegar, Khal, Yara, Anifer, Pyrrha, Ezran, Rio, Oslo, Denver, Jiren, Dutton
2018 TV personalities: Zhavia, Elanese, Sharaya, Kaoir, Karamo, Rhiyan, Kiyanne, Jaquae, Cyn, Lonzo, Melo, Lamelo, Stassia, Yarishna, Daer
2018 Social media influencers: Jentree, Maleni, Thaily
2018 Video game characters: Atreus, Aloy, Ikora, Bayek
2018 Actors: Chadwick, Letitia, Elsie, Rami, Greeicy
2018 Song: Havana
2018 Singers: Cardi, Dua, Koe, Keala, Solana
2018 Rappers: Swae, Nahmir
2018 Producer: Zaytoven
2018 DJ: Garrix
2018 Musical album: Syre
2018 Sports: Baker, Westbrook, Thielen, Carson, Wentz, Khabib, Luka, Kylian, Ederson
2018 Celebrity babies: Banks, Hayes, Billion, Kenzo, Miles, Rumi, Sircarter, Chicago, True, Stormi, Watson, Alaiya, Braeson
2018 Beauty queen: Keysi
2017
2017 News: Omran, Eclipse, Moon
2017 Politics: Ivanka, Barron, Melania, Kellyanne, Merrick, Sally
2017 Movie characters: Moana, Maui, Callum, Jyn, Cassian, Luminara, Logan, Thor, Hela, Valkyrie, Bek, Arjunreddy, Kubo, Quinzel, Vision
2017 TV characters: Cersei, Aerys, Benjen, Olenna, Amenadiel, Maze, Lucifer, Amaya, Zari, Uhtred, Torvi, Grover, Eleven, Shadow, Colt, Ikeni, Elena, Belky, Tahani, Xenovia, Emberly, Renata, Celeste
2017 TV show: Rwby
2017 TV personalities: Giah, Lyrica, Sayyora, Kassius, Petehn, Brennley, Taishmara, Danelly, Zhamira, Liangelo, Wells
2017 Social media influencers: Thylane, Dearra
2017 Video game characters: Alisanne, Dvorah, Lunafreya, Noctis, Xayah, Kayn
2017 Actors: Zazie
2017 Writer: Colson
2017 Music: Avianne
2017 Singers: Normani, Sturgill, Maren, Kelsea, Sevyn
2017 Rappers: Noriel, Kamaiyah
2017 Sports: Dak, Prescott, Wrigley, Ezekiel, Draxler, Kessel
2017 Celebrity babies: Asahd, Bear, Boomer, Chosen, Dream, Hayes, Jones, Kenzo, Eissa, Sire, Sir, Kensli, Lyric, Matias, Ensley, Maverick
2017 Celebrity related: Eniko
2016
2016 News: Muhammad, Muhammadali, Caitlyn, Prince, Bowie, Anuel
2016 Politics: Bernie, Hillary
2016 Movie characters: Adaline, Joy, Riley, Rey, Kylo, Hux, Branch, Arlo, Kaulder, Riggan, Adonis, Creed, Wade, Ajax, Furiosa, Grey, Dory, Doris, Shivaay, Deckard, Horus, Zaya
2016 Theater: Hamilton, Theodosia
2016 TV characters: Mateo, Yurani, Negan, Mazikeen, Bryshere, Lucious, Lagertha, Lyanna, Ellaria, Bronn, Annalise, Cyrus, Eretria, Amberle, Fox, Nova, Shivanya, Iseult, Oseias, Rias, Azrael
2016 TV shows: Versailles, Queen, Shannara
2016 TV personalities: Seanix, Nyle, Hadassah, Iselis, Kye, Mariahlynn, Safaree, Mendeecees, Johnoliver, Zabdiel, Yoandri, Galilea
2016 Video game characters: Alduin, Lynly, Cirilla, Sylvanas
2016 Actor: Saoirse
2016 Song: Ophelia
2016 Singers: Bryson, Alessia, Camila, Halsey, Mars, Jojo, Granger
2016 Musical album: Islah
2016 Sports: Rio, Klay, Dansby, Rizzo, Isco, Hirving, Miesha, Yannick, Giannis, Griezmann
2016 Product: Ozlo
2016 Celebrity babies: Saint, Dream, Amei, Onyx, Greyson, Valor, Luna, Royalty, Theodore, Max, Megaa, Junie
2016 Celebrity related: Canaan
2016 Model: Gigi
2015
2015 News: Isis, Snowden, Jubilee, Antares, Denali, Tamir, Aylan
2015 Movie characters: Maleficent, Aurora, Drax, Jupiter, Zarina, Hazelgrace, Taya, Poe, Eilis, Annabelle, Mukunda, Beorn, Tris
2015 TV characters: Hakeem, Lyon, Lucious, Lola, Oberyn, Baelfire, Bjorn, Ragnar, Rollo, Charleston, Marigold, Kanan
2015 TV show: Gotham
2015 TV personalities: Lenox, Ezgi, Gloricely, Jersen, Jonael, Nadyalee, Bindi, Jhonni
2015 Video game character: Tamriel
2015 Actors: Taraji, Trai, Aislinn, Omari, Flex
2015 Literary character: Atticus
2015 Song: Khaza
2015 Singers: Sia, Kehlani, Darkiel, Adley, Amitis, Jidenna, Jacquees, Jaziel, Daya, Adriel
2015 Sports: Rousey, Draymond, Jabari, Tobin, Meghan, Carli, Yoenis
2015 Products: Alexa, Cortana
2015 Celebrity babies: Charlotte, Penelope, Aitana, Meilani, Alaia, Hoorain, Riaan, Briar
2015 Celebrity related: Amal, Zelda
2014
2014 News: Mandela, Madiba, Alisher, Iselle, Elon, Lwren
2014 Movie characters: Llewyn, Everdeen, Cressida, Zarina, Philomena, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Hazel, Augustus, Ansel, Tauriel, Ender, Kalel, Murphy, Noni
2014 Movies: Elysium, Ronin
2014 TV characters: Jorah, Tywin, Gannicus, Mellie, Michonne, Judith, Fitzwilliam, Lisanna, Mirajane, Deucalion, Aranza, Montserrat, Reddington
2014 TV show: Arkham
2014 TV personalities: Hannaley, Kaoir, Aleyda, Amzie, Atley, Kalenna, Cohutta, Milyn, Tessanne, Sunjai, Xairexis, Jeyshangelise, Aketzaly, Brittish, Yazaira, Geissie
2014 Video game characters: Haigen, Serana
2014 Actors: Shailene, Teller, Jai, Margot
2014 Singers: Lorde, Ariana, Zacardi
2014 Musical group: Rixton
2014 Sports: Sochi, Keylor, Cavani, Enner, Jadaveon, Bode, Mallex, Jameis, Kershaw, Arjen
2014 Advertisement: Yazleemar
2014 Celebrity babies: Dalary, Ace, Axl, Cricket, Eisele, Nori, Naiovy, Milan, Kaiser, Vale
2013
2013 News: Malala, Jonylah, Paul, Walker, Francis, Francisco
2013 Politics: Wendy
2013 Movie characters: Vanellope, Kitai, Cypher, Mavis, Merida, Lincoln, Aibileen, Gale, Gatsby, Theodora
2013 Movie: Prometheus
2013 TV characters: Oswin, Marnie, Sansa, Beric, Adalind, Luzma, Mayalen, Toby, Pihu, Liv, Johnse, Ragnar, Issei, Sybil
2013 TV show: Pemberley
2013 TV personalities: Jenni, Jaylah, Jenicka, Janney, Jayceon, Harlem, Cassadee, Falen, Gannon, Benzino, Sadie, Jase, Jep, Kiara, Stassi, Tahiry, Essined, Alesiram, Jaswiry, Kemily, Averey
2013 Social media influencer: Zoella
2013 Actors: Troian, Dove, Spruha, Paridhi
2013 Literary character: Anastasia
2013 Song: Diamond
2013 Singer: Robin
2013 Rappers: Kendrick, Azealia
2013 Sports: Kawhi, Jabraylin, Chael, Arianny, Yasiel
2013 Celebrity babies: Penelope, Lorenzo, George, Rainbow
2013 Celebrity related: Behati
2012
2012 News: Shenouda, Trayvon, Kateri, Jubilee, Jorelys, Dragon, Long, Ryu
2012 Politics: Romney
2012 Movie characters: Katniss, Primrose, Finnick, Hawkeye, Merliah, Aayat, Arrietty, Marilyn, Eponine
2012 TV characters: Naksh, Korra, Daenerys, Theon, Nymeria, Renly, Cora, Aria, Jeevika
2012 TV show: Grimm
2012 TV personalities: Kimbella, Eivin, Zuly, Aubri, Aydenn, Major, Messiah, King, Domani, Rhydian, Draya, Malaysia, Yandy, Raelynn, Jordis, Daleyza, Kenia, Brettly, Setareh, Adley
2012 Video game characters: Karliah, Aela, Ahri, Fiora
2012 Actors: Noomi, Anabrenda, Brely, Cymphonique, Sutton
2012 Literary character: Grey
2012 Singers: Adele, Zayn, Kimbra
2012 Rappers: Wale, Iviona, Yasiin
2012 Sports: Taurasi, Cesc, Tyrann, Taysom, Mesut, Demaryius
2012 Celebrity babies: Kez, Dominic, Viaan, Aaradhya, Sebella, Olive, Blue, Ivy
2011
2011 News: Pippa, Philippa, William, Kate, Libya, Cairo, Caylee, Burhanuddin, Steve, Jorley
2011 Movie characters: Cataleya, Quorra, Peregrin, Eames, Arthur, Django, Vidia, Liliuokalani, Kaiulani, Tamina, Ariadne
2011 TV characters: Arya, Khaleesi, Tyrion, Temperance, Charlie, Teddy, Alaric, Spencer, Aria, Edith, Naevia, Crixus, Ilithyia, Lumen, Evaluna, Ilitia, Kristel
2011 TV show: Jersey
2011 TV personalities: Gredmarie, Jocell, Adrialys, Yanilen, Denisha, Somaya, Ayelene, Shanik, Alaina, Magaby, Anslee, Aubrey, Aubree, Jenelle, Aliannah, Aleeah, Markai, Jace, Saryniti, Jionni, Track, Trig, Gia, Larsa
2011 Actors: Zendaya, Rooney
2011 Singer: Taio
2011 Rapper: Tyga
2011 Sports: Xavi, Lebron, Kyrie, Amare, Carmelo, Jimmer, Roczen, Maurkice, Javale
2011 Product: Kindle
2011 Celebrity babies: Locklyn, Aleph, Arabella, Hattie, Haven, Monroe, Flynn, Harper, Kase
2010
2010 News: Kyron, Goodluck, Tiger, Neda
2010 Movie characters: Tiana, Dastan, Neytiri, Loxley, Raizo, Solara
2010 TV characters: Seeley, Sookie, Baze, Lux, Payson, Benhur, Kahlan, Winry, Dubraska, Raylan, Castle, Charlie
2010 TV show: Caprica
2010 TV personalities: Tenley, Bentley, Maci, Farrah, Catelynn, Bethenny, Rossibell, Alasia, Breaker, Koli, Khloe, Arianny, Josenid, Simitrio, Tinsley
2010 Video game characters: Ezreal, Ezio
2010 Actors: Kellan, Malillany, Vadhir
2010 Literary character: Rue
2010 Singer: Chrisette
2010 Sports: Iker, Brees, Neymar, Jeffren, Tamina, Robben, Maelle, Ozil, Rajon
2010 Celebrity babies: Kenzo, Naleigh, Mason, Sparrow, Hartley
2010 Beauty queen: Yendi