List of 100 Baby Names for the Modern Mama

Selecting a namesake for your new baby is both exciting and a daunting challenge. Many people believe that the name you are given shapes and influences the person you grow to be. With that being said, do you choose a strong name? Or an etherial and elegant name? How about looking to past centuries for inspiration? Each parent will gravitate towards a different type of name based on their own values and life experiences.

When we started thinking about names for our daughter Scout, I knew I wanted something unique and adventurous. I’ve never been one to settle for the ordinary and I hope for the same with my daughter. Her name Scout was inspired by the spunky character in To Kill a Mockingbird, a young girl who stands up for injustice and keeps an open heart. When Scout is old enough, I’ll read her the book and we’ll watch Gregory Peck portray Atticus Finch in the movie.

The below names are listed into categories that inspire me, but truthfully there’s a lot of crossover. Recently there’s been a resurgence in old-fashioned names from earlier eras.

Millennial parents are also embracing names reminiscent of the native earth and naturally occurring hues and shades (a.k.a. fancy colors).

Traditional gender-strong names have become unisex, following the trend of gender-bending roles of both men and women in today’s modern society.

Namesakes influenced by notable literary characters are topping the list of new parents as well.

Lastly, destinations on the map could hold the key to your new baby’s name. Monikers derived from places such as cities, states and countries are on the rise.