The Netflix hit Bridgerton isn’t just a period romance; it’s a cultural force influencing modern baby names. The show’s success, rooted in its diverse casting and escapist fantasy of aristocratic London, has triggered a resurgence of interest in Regency-era monikers. This trend highlights how popular culture can rapidly shift naming conventions, mirroring past surges like the rise of “Arya” after Game of Thrones.
The show’s impact isn’t surprising. The British royal family and a broader preference for “vintage” names have already set the stage. Bridgerton simply adds a dash of glamour and accessibility. Names associated with the aristocracy now feel aspirational rather than stuffy, thanks to the show’s romanticized portrayal.
Here’s a breakdown of the names gaining traction, categorized by their current popularity:
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Popular Bridgerton-Inspired Names
These names already appear in the top 500 most popular baby names in the U.S., with many continuing to rise.
- Charlotte
- Violet
- Penelope
- Lucy
- Alice
- Kate
- Rose
- Eloise
- Daphne
- Francesca
- Genevieve
- William
- Henry
- Anthony
- Theo
- Simon
- Colin
- Gregory
- Phillip
Emerging Rare Names
These names rank below #500, making them less common but still gaining attention.
- Siena
- Marina
- Tilley
- Benedict
- Edwina
- Portia
- Hyacinth
- Phillippa
- Prudence
- Cressida
- Albion
- Kitty
- Edmund
Historically Accurate British Regency Names
While Bridgerton takes creative liberties, some names are more authentically Regency-era.
For Girls:
- Abigail
- Arabella
- Dinah
- Dorothea
- Emmeline
- Eleanor
- Frances
- Harriet
- Honora
- Jane
- Jemima
- Jessie
- Judith
- Letitia
- Margaret
- Marjorie
- Matilda
- Rebecca
- Sally
- Theodosia
For Boys:
- Abraham
- Alexander
- Ambrose
- Archibald
- Benjamin
- Cornelius
- Daniel
- Francis
- Graham
- Jasper
- Josiah
- Nathaniel
- Oliver
- Percy
- Reginald
- Samuel
- Solomon
- Thomas
- Walter
Naming After the Cast
For die-hard fans, directly borrowing names from the actors offers a unique homage.
- Adjoa
- Bessie
- Charithra
- Claudia
- Golda
- Jonathan
- Julie
- Luke
- Nicola
- Phoebe
- Polly
- Regé-Jean
- Ruby
- Ruth
- Simone
- Shelley
The Bridgerton effect proves that pop culture can rewrite naming trends. As parents seek both tradition and novelty, the show’s influence will likely continue to shape the next generation of names.
