Lockdown names – baby names favored by parents during the past three months of global quarantine – share three distinct qualities. They’re simple, they’re international, and they’re inspired by heroes.

　　In an analysis of Nameberry’s Top 500 names for the past three months of global lockdown, we found 82 that attracted at least 20 percent more views than statistically expected. Nearly all of the top lockdown names are sleek and simple, internationally diverse, or connected to a strong heroic figure, trends we expect to continue after the lockdown ends.

　　The very top lockdown names, like Number 1 Luna, carry all three of those qualities. An uncomplicated four letters, Luna is the Latin word for moon, charts highly in a range of countries from Spain to Sweden, and is the name of a Roman goddess.

　　The Number 2 quarantine name Maeve is the one-syllable name of an Irish warrior queen.

　　The top lockdown name for boys is the Italian Enzo, a variation of the German Henry, which means “estate ruler.” The straightforward Enzo is mega-popular in Spain and France and is quickly climbing the charts in England and the US.

　　

Top Lockdown Names

Popular names on Nameberry for the three months of lockdown that are simple, global, and either honor a heroic figure or carry a powerful meaning are:

　　Alma

　　Aura

　　Dante

　　Eva

　　Gaia

　　Juno

　　Layla

　　Mila

　　Niamh

　　Nyla

　　Remy

　　Rhea

　　Rory

　　Other top-ranking names during the lockdown months from each category are:

　　

Simple Names

During these difficult times, it makes sense that parents are attracted to sleek, short, simple names. Why complicate life further with a name that’s complicated to spell or pronounce or write?

　　The simple names winning high marks during the lockdown period are:

　　Arlo

　　Aster

　　Ava

　　Briar

　　Ella

　　Hope

　　Kai

　　Leo

　　Lola

　　May

　　Mia

　　Micah

　　Mira

　　Nova

　　Vera

　　Zara

　　Zeke

　　Zora

　　

International Names

Our global consciousness has been heightened during the pandemic, as citizens all over the world face the same dangers and strictures. The international names gaining popularity among our readers have distinctly non-English roots but have found favor in many Western cultures.

　　Althea

　　Amelie

　　Angus

　　Astrid

　　Brielle

　　Callum

　　Caspian

　　Chloe

　　Cressida

　　Elena

　　Eliana

　　Elowen

　　Gabriella

　　Natalia

　　Raphael

　　Vihaan

　　Xavier

　　

Heroic Names

Names of mythological heroes have been gaining in popularity in recent years but have really taken off during the pandemic. Names of ancient and modern heroes along with those that have powerful meanings may help arm a child born during these difficult times with enduring strength.

　　Andromeda

　　Apollo

　　Ariadne

　　Ariel

　　Artemis

　　Athena

　　Atticus

　　Azariah

　　Calypso

　　Cassiopeia

　　Delilah

　　Dylan

　　Flora

　　Freya

　　Hermione

　　Irene

　　Minerva

　　Persephone

　　Reuben

　　

Names with Positive Meanings

A handful of names taking off in popularity during the lockdown are appealing because of their inspirational meanings or symbolism. These are:

　　Birdie

　　Celeste

　　Daisy

　　Esther

　　Lucas

　　Finally, there are two names exploding in popularity on Nameberry that you can take as ironic or a dark joke.

　　One is Lucifer, which has the uplifting meaning of “light-bearer” but the dark association of being the name of the archangel cast into hell.

　　And the other, of course, is Corona.