“Hit Series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Sparks Baby Name Trends”

The conclusion of Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty on September 17, 2023, has sparked renewed interest in baby names inspired by the series. The show’s central characters, particularly Isabel “Belly” Conklin and the Fisher brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad, may become popular choices for new parents in 2025. According to experts, pop culture significantly influences naming trends, and the emotional connections viewers form with characters can lead to a rise in specific names.

Briana Engelbrecht, associate editor at Babylist, noted that names from shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty carry new emotional weight. “This influence is reflected in the data we observe from expectant parents creating their registries,” she said. The show’s creator and author, Jenny Han, further adds to the excitement with the announcement of a movie adaptation, potentially enhancing the show’s cultural impact.

Experts from BabyCenter also support this trend. A recent survey revealed that approximately 11% of parents have chosen baby names inspired by pop culture, encompassing celebrities, films, and television shows. Rebekah Wahlberg, a baby name trends specialist at BabyCenter, highlighted a specific engagement with the series, noting a social media poll that asked fans to choose between the names Jeremiah and Conrad. Responses indicated a preference for Jeremiah, even among those who identified with Team Conrad.

Rising Names: Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad

The name Belly could emerge as a significant choice for parents in 2025. Isabella has already seen a surge in popularity, ranking as the seventh most popular name in the previous year. Engelbrecht describes it as “elegant, romantic, and both timeless and fresh.” The variation Isabel, mirroring the lead character, has also climbed the charts, rising 12 spots to reach No. 192 on BabyCenter’s list. This is noteworthy, as the name had experienced a steady decline in popularity since 2011.

Turning to the Fisher brothers, the name Jeremiah has maintained a consistent presence in the top 100 U.S. boy names since 2000, peaking in popularity in 2011. Last year, it ranked No. 93. Engelbrecht noted that interest in Jeremiah has been increasing on Babylist’s most-shared names list, attributing its appeal to its warmth and depth. In contrast, Conrad remains less common, currently sitting in the 700s on Babylist. Engelbrecht described it as “classic and unexpected,” suggesting that its association with a beloved character may draw parents to the name.

Impact on Surnames and Future Naming Trends

Interestingly, the influence of The Summer I Turned Pretty extends beyond first names to surnames as well. The surname Fisher is gaining traction, having consistently appeared near the bottom of the Social Security Administration’s top 1,000 names since 2004, ranking No. 897 last year. Wahlberg noted that the visibility of the name through the series could potentially boost its popularity.

As fans of the show continue to engage with its characters, it is possible that names like Isabel, Jeremiah, and Conrad will become more prevalent in future generations. The potential for Belly and Conrad to welcome a child in the upcoming movie adaptation adds another layer of anticipation for fans. Engelbrecht humorously remarked, “If Belly and Conrad need any help naming their future fictional baby, we’ve got plenty of suggestions!”

The blending of pop culture and baby naming reflects a broader societal trend where television and film significantly shape personal choices. As the influence of The Summer I Turned Pretty unfolds, expectant parents may find themselves turning to the series for inspiration, creating a new wave of names that resonate with their experiences and emotions.