Expert Sophie Kihm, 28, has predicted the baby name trends for 2026 - and says pop culture names like Zendaya and Charli are on the decline

An expert has predicted the baby names set to soar in 2026 - and says pop culture-inspired names such as Zendaya and Charli are on their way out. Sophie Kihm, 28, has forecast the baby name trends expected to emerge in 2026.

She believes there will be a surge in monikers from ancient civilisations - such as 'Arath' and 'Lilavati'. Sophie also predicts showgirl names like 'Ophelia', 'Dorothea' and 'Marilyn' will climb in 2026 following Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl' album.

However, the editor at Nameberry - a website dedicated to baby names - says pop culture names are declining - including 'Zendaya', 'Charli' and 'Kohen'.

Sophie, from Chic

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