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Revving Up Baby Names: Australia, here’s your inspo from America’s top 10 car-inspired monikers

By Kelly Noble

Posted on February 8, 2024

USA’s top ten car-inspired baby names have been revealed, which might just spark some inspiration among Aussie parents-to-be.

In a quirky twist of automotive passion meeting parental decision-making, Americans are steering towards car-inspired names for their newborns.

While the trend of naming children after cars might not be as pronounced on Australian shores, the list of the USA’s top ten car-inspired baby names might just spark some inspiration among Aussie parents-to-be who share a love for both their progeny and their vehicles.

According to Ray Pierce, the founder and CEO of Zippy Cash for Cars, the fascination with automotive names is not just a niche trend but one that has seen significant traction across the United States. The list he provides offers a fascinating glimpse into how car brands and models can influence naming trends, potentially crossing over to Australian enthusiasts looking for a unique name for their child.

For the Boys

Leading the pack for boys is “Austin,” a name that conjures images of the classic British elegance embodied by Austin-Healey sports cars, with a staggering 171,760 little Austins running around. Not far behind, “Cooper” takes the second spot, likely nodding to the Mini Cooper’s iconic status, with 81,597 instances. These names suggest a penchant for British automotive heritage, blending tradition with a touch of sophistication.

Names like “Bentley” and “Colt” highlight a trend towards the unique and fashionable, indicating a shift away from the conventional and towards names that make a statement. This move towards distinctive names reflects a broader societal trend of seeking individuality and uniqueness in our choices, including how we name our children.

For the Girls

On the girls’ side, “Morgan” leads with 98,326 instances, a name that, while gender-neutral, doesn’t immediately scream “car” but offers a subtle nod to the classic Morgan Motor Company. Following Morgan, names like “Mercedes,” “Lexus,” and “Bentley” suggest that luxury car brands hold a particular allure, imbuing a sense of prestige and sophistication onto their namesakes.

Interestingly, the girls’ list also reflects a trend towards modernity and innovation, with “Tesla” making an appearance. This inclusion speaks volumes about the impact of new car brands on contemporary culture and potentially on naming conventions, hinting at a future where names like “Tesla” become as commonplace as “Mercedes” or “Lexus.”

A Unique Trend with Room to Grow in Australia

While the trend of car-inspired names is more pronounced in the USA, with a significant disparity in the popularity of such names between boys and girls, it presents an intriguing option for Australian parents intrigued by the idea of combining their love for cars with the joy of naming their child. Whether drawn to the elegance of classic car brands, the allure of luxury, or the innovation of modern electric vehicles, there’s a wealth of inspiration to be found on American soil.

Ray Pierce sums it up: “Boys’ names tend to reflect a broader range of automotive associations, and show a preference for classic and strong-sounding names. Girls’ names, though fewer in overall popularity, include a mixture of luxury brand associations and gender-neutral options.”

As Australian parents navigate the journey of naming their child, the American trend of car-inspired names offers a playful and unique avenue to explore, blending the worlds of automotive enthusiasm with the deeply personal act of naming a child. Whether or not this trend accelerates in Australia remains to be seen, but for car-loving parents-to-be, the road ahead is certainly an intriguing one.