This was originally posted on November 27, 2012
2012 has been a great year for films. We’ve seen the first installment of hit dystopian sensation The Hunger Games, as well as the long awaited comic-book bestseller Marvel’s The Avengers. Films and their characters have always influenced parents when naming their babies, so which names from 2012 films will make the best baby names for 2013?
The most influential names for babies from films are usually those which are slightly unusual or out of the current trend. They also tend to be names of characters which make good role models for their children. So Marvel’s The Avengers might just end up influencing many parents over their baby name choice with all those heroes and heroines gracing the screen. While Thor and Loki might be a bit too ‘out there’ to become top baby names, we predict a rise in popularity for the names Tony, Bruce, Clint and Natasha, all of which are the real names of the superheroes in the film.
Box Office Blockbusters
The Dark Knight Rises grossed second highest (after The Avengers) at the box office this year. Again, the name Bruce makes an appearance as Batman’s real name. The popularity of actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt may help propel his character’s name, Blake, into baby name fame, while the female lead, Anne Hathaway, certainly makes the name Catherine seem glamorous. Miranda and Fox are also names to watch out for from this film.
Already a huge franchise, the film the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel The Hunger Games is sure to influence young parents around the globe. The main character, Katniss, presents a strong female role model as well as an unusual, quirky name, while the male leads Peeta and Gale both present modern male names. Primrose’s character is sweet and good-natured, making her an ideal role model for a baby. We also predict big things for the names Clove, Effie, Seneca and Caesar.
The Amazing Spider Man also did spectacularly at the box office this year, coming in fourth. Although the main character’s name has been around for a while, Peter might experience a boost in popularity thanks to this film. Emma Stone portrays Gwen Stacy, the quirky, loveable love interest and both her character’s first and last names could be used as baby names. The names May, Rajit, Mary and Flash could also catch on with parents next year.
Bond, James Bond
Finally, the James Bond franchise appeals to both mums and dads and for that reason, Skyfall could present a huge influence in the baby name charts. While character names like M and Q aren’t likely to become the next Harry and Amelia, we predict big things for the name James next year. Javier Bardem presents one of the scariest Bond villains yet in Skyfall, yet we don’t believe that that will put parents off his character’s cool and original name, Silva. Naomie Harris’ character’s name, Eve, is already high in the baby name charts, and it might be boosted by Naomie’s stunning portrayal of the character. However, the biggest ‘new’ name to come from this film is Sévérine. We believe this will appeal to both Mum and Dad and will offer parents a strong yet feminine sounding girl’s name.
