Predictions for the most popular baby names in Zeeland for 2025 are being made, and the results are intriguing. According to Kaartje2go, the top three names expected to dominate the charts are Minte, Nora, and Lara.
What stands out this year is the resurgence of traditional Dutch names. New entrants such as Gijs, Jasmijn, and Jip are making their first appearances on the national top 100 list. The findings stem from analysis of birth announcements and naming trends observed by Kaartje2go, which utilized its internal data to forecast these name preferences.
Notably, the trend is shifting toward shorter names. This year, six of the top ten names boast four letters or fewer, with only James, Julia, Milan, and Lucas stretching beyond this brevity. This is quite the change from last year when just four names from the top ten were succinct.
The data also points to some rapid climbers on the list. The name Lotte, for example, has made monumental progress, jumping from 88th place last year to 20th this year. Alongside Lotte, other newcomers have broken through to the top ranks, including Elin (13th), Sam (27th), and Noa (35th).
Parenting expert Marleen Riemersma from Kaartje2go remarked, “Each year we note some names remain consistently popular, like Levi and James, whereas others enjoy brief periods of fame. More than half of the top 100 names are predominantly assigned to girls, constituting around 67%, with boys receiving only 33% of the names. This data reflects the trend of parents choosing unique names for daughters, contrasting with the longevity of many boys' names.”
Meanwhile, as some names rise sharply, others are experiencing rapid decline. Notably, Emily has seen the steepest drop, plummeting 72 spots from 20th to 92nd. Jace also fell significantly, from 19th to 85th. Zayn, last year’s ninth most popular name, now sits at 56th. Despite remaining popular, Noah has dropped slightly from 2024’s top position and now ranks fourth. Mason, previously second, is now at 26th, and Julia, who was third last year, now ranks seventh.
Interestingly, this year's data shows more Dutch names being favored among new parents. A significant 17 Dutch names made it to the top 100—an increase from 14 last year—while the number of English names remained stable, at 17.
“What’s particularly delightful to see are the meanings behind the names within the top ten. A remarkable nine out of ten have positive and warm meanings, such as protector, dear, and friend,” Riemersma added, highlighting the cultural significance of name choices.
For parents eager to know where their chosen name stands with respect to the latest trends, detailed insights can be found through the comprehensive baby name research conducted by Kaartje2go, which serves as both entertaining and informative for families.
With the increasing interest in the meanings, origins, and trends of baby names, parents are actively engaging with data to make informed choices. This reflects not only personal preferences but also societal shifts showcasing the importance of identity and heritage.