When you find out you're expecting a baby, chances are you immediately start thinking
about the perfect name.
While naming your baby for a beloved friend or family member is always a good option,
these days many people are taking inspiration from their favorite movies, books, and TV
shows.
But since nobody wants their kid to be stuck in a classroom with three other Moanas or
five other Chirruts, we're here to help you find a unique choice for your child by taking
a look at some of the most popular movie-inspired baby names of the past year.
Leia
If you name your child Leia, it's pretty much a dead giveaway to everyone that you're a
huge Star Wars fan.
In 2016, the name Leia gained a huge boost in popularity thanks to the worldwide phenomenon
of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as well as the tragic and untimely death of legendary
actress Carrie Fisher, who played the princess-turned-General Leia in film and on television for 40 years.
According to the Social Security Administration, which tracks the popularity of baby names
based on the Social Security cards they issue, Leia jumped up a full 100 spots on the list
of names for girls, rising from number 421 in 2015 to number 321 in 2016.
Wade
Deadpool was one of the biggest surprise hits of 2016, so it's no surprise that some fans
decided to name their newborn after Ryan Reynolds' lead character, Wade Wilson.
Just how popular was Deadpool?
The name Wade rose an amazing 115 spots on the list of most popular names for boys, jumping
from 521st place up to 406th.
You could do a lot worse when it comes to names.
"Captain Deadpool."
"No, just, just Deadpool.
Yea."
Poppy
Anna Kendrick voiced the lead character, Poppy, in Dreamworks' Trolls, released in late 2016.
According to figures from the SSA, the boost from Trolls may have contributed to Poppy
making the list of 1000 most popular baby names for the first time ever, debuting at
number 747.
Or maybe it was inspired by the bizarre music videos from performance artist and pop star
Poppy?
"I'm Poppy."
"I am Poppy."
"I'm Poppy."
"I am Poppy."
"I'm Poppy."
The world will never know.
Diana
Most fans agree that Gal Godot's Wonder Woman was by far the best part of last year's Batman
versus Superman: Dawn of Justice.
As a result, the name Diana jumped from number 296 in 2015 up to number 269 in 2016.
Don't be surprised if Diana makes a quantum leap up the charts this year, though, thanks
to the massive success of the Wonder Woman solo film, which lived up to its name by being
truly divine.
"No I don't think you've ever known a woman like me "
Hank
It's usually just a nickname for someone named Henry, so why would parents decide to actually
name their kid Hank instead?
Well, it might be because they're big fans of the hit Pixar film Finding Dory, which
introduced the breakout character Hank, an octopus voiced by Ed O'Neill.
In 2015, Hank as its own name only ranked 534th on the list of boy's names, but in 2016
it jumped up 49 spots to 485th place.
Keep swimming, Hank!
Duke
"Max!
This is Duke.
He is going to be your brother."
In the animated smash hit The Secret Life of Pets, Eric Stonestreet provided the voice
of the giant furball known as Duke.
As a result, Duke rose 45 spots on the annual baby name chart, leaping from 602 in 2015
all the way up to 557.
Who's a good boy, Duke!
Who's a good boy!
Sebastian
Ryan Gosling's lead role as Sebastian in La La Land earned him lots of praise and award
nominations.
The movie came out late enough in the year that it's hard to tell just how much the film's
widespread buzz actually affected the baby name charts, but Sebastian did jump up to
24th place after being 35th the year before.
We figure at least some of those stars are shining down for Gosling.
"City of stars.
Are you shining just for me?"
Harley and Quinn
Are there any fans quite as passionate as superhero fans?
Considering even a dud like Suicide Squad has inspired a spike in baby names, we have
to say no.
But don't worry, people aren't rushing to name their babies Deadshot.
No, it was breakout star Margot Robbie as the unhinged Harley Quinn that stole the spotlight.
As a result, the names Harley and Quinn skyrocketed up the charts for both girls and boys.
Harley rose from number 281 in 2015 to 224 in 2016, while Quinn went from 97 to 79 on
the girls chart, and from 354 to 330 on the boys chart.
But sorry, trendy parents… comic nut Kevin Smith beat you to the punch in 1999, when
he gave his daughter the full package: Harley Quinn Smith.
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