103. 2025 Baby Name Ideas: Our Top Picks for Baby #5
- Brittany Miller
- Sep 23
- 15 min read
Updated: Oct 21
Choosing a name for your little one is no small task, and in this episode, Gray and I are keeping it real as we brainstorm baby name ideas for baby #5! From boy names that make us pause to girl names that had us swooning (and second-guessing), we’re sharing our favourites, runner-ups, and the top picks that have made it onto our shortlists.
We recorded this baby name ideas brainstorming session from the car—because life with four kids and a hospital bag in the trunk is glamorous like that—and I wanted to capture the exact chaos, the half-remembered lists, and the very real preferences that go into choosing a name. If you’re here for baby name ideas, you’re in good company. I’ll walk you through our process, the names we considered, why some were instant nos, which ones stuck, and how we ultimately narrowed everything down to a short list as we get ready to welcome baby #5!
I’ll be honest: we were 24 hours from delivery and still hadn’t landed on names. That’s our reality. But that’s also what makes sharing these baby name ideas fun and useful—there’s something comforting about seeing how other people do the frantic last-minute scramble and still end up with names they love. I’m writing this in first person because this is our personal journey, and I want you to feel like you’re in the passenger seat with us—literally.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Brittany — a mom of five, home renovation enthusiast, and a business owner who’s all about keeping life real and doable. I know firsthand how messy, beautiful, and overwhelming motherhood can feel, and I share from that space of “in the trenches” right alongside you.
So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to hear our top picks — and maybe get inspired for your own naming journey!
Table of Contents
Why This Post About Baby Name Ideas?
Because I get asked all the time how I pick names, what influences those choices, and whether family opinions should matter. I also know how overwhelming it can be to sit down and make a list of baby name ideas when you’re exhausted, emotional, and possibly sick (yep, I was sick during this particular brainstorming session). So this post is a mix of our real-time naming conversation, practical tips, and some clear steps you can take when narrowing your own baby name ideas list.
Plus, this is a great place to dump all the different categories of names people suggest: classic names, modern names, earthy names, names inspired by geography, and those completely out-there picks that your mom will hate. I’ll also include how we handle spelling, nicknames, and family feedback—because those are the small things that end up causing the most debate.
Our Starting Point: The Situation and Constraints
Here’s our family situation: we’re expecting baby number five. We intentionally kept the gender a surprise this time, which means we needed to have both boy and girl baby name ideas ready. That’s a new wrinkle for us—this is the first time we’ve done two full lists in one pregnancy.
We also have a naming pattern across our kids that we’re considering. Our eldest girls have names with a different flavour than our boys, and I was sensitive to not make all the girls feel like they came from the same themed set while the boys were something else. That’s a personal preference, but it does influence how I think about baby name ideas and sibling name cohesion.
Our kids names are:
Thalia Megan - Thalia meaning joy after my mom, and Megan for my mother-in-law (the name she would have picked if she had a girl)
Raiyah Joyella - Joyella after my mom (joy) and Ella after my Grandma. At the time I wanted to stick with a 'joy' theme
Rhett Weston - the joy theme ended here when I couldn't find a boy name I liked connected to the word joy. Weston after my Dad (Wesley)
Luca Nolen - by the time we hit baby 4 we were out of family we wanted to connect iwth through names so we just picked names we liked
And one more constraint: we pre-decided that we wouldn’t use a name starting with R—just to avoid three kids with the same starting letter. Do I recommend that? If you want clarity and variety in sibling names, yes. It’s a small thing that keeps name lists more interesting and avoids being trapped into matching initials forever.
How We Brainstormed Baby Name Ideas (Real Talk)
Our brainstorming was candid, messy, and honest—recorded in the car with extra passengers (we were on the way to the house to grab some last minute baby supplies and drop the boys off at daycare). I talked through names I’d binge searched the day before. My partner, Grayson, reacted live. We argued about pronunciations and spellings. My mom’s preferences came up—she’s famously opinionated about names—and I drew a firm boundary about naming autonomy. If you’re dealing with pushy family members, I promise you’re not alone. Your baby name ideas are yours to decide.
Practical method I followed: start with a pool of names (both genders), read them aloud, play with spelling variants, imagine the nickname possibilities, and visualize saying the name in the real world (calling out at night, writing it down, introducing the child on the first day of school). I also ran a quick mental check for how trendy a name feels and whether it would likely age well.
Boy Baby Name Ideas We Discussed
We tossed around a lot of boy baby name ideas—some we loved, some we immediately discarded. I want to be thorough and transparent because every name we discuss could be the exact one someone else is searching for. Below I’ll go through the boys we seriously considered and why each made the short list or got crossed off.
Wilder — This one felt too rugged for us. It has energy, but it didn’t match our last names or the vibe we want for this child.
Keegan — Instant no for Gray. He hasn't liked it anytime I've suggested it over my last 3 pregnancies.
Beckett/Beckham — Beckett is on the edge of maybe. Beckham felt too tied to celebrity imagery and last-name-as-first-name trends. Beckett sounded British to me, and while that’s not bad, I wasn’t into the feel.
Waylon/Wayland/Waylin — We liked the sound of Way- names (they felt warm and strong), but spelling is a headache. Should it be Waylon, Wayland, or Waylin? Each has a slightly different tone. I wrote down both spellings because I liked the idea of a musical, lumberjack-friendly name.
Callan/Kalin/Kaylin — Variants and spellings were the main debate here. Callan (with a C) looked straightforward but might be pronounced differently. Kalin felt more modern but risked being mispronounced as Keelin. Spellings matter deeply—more on that later.
Greer — Sounds like a surname. I didn’t hate it, but it felt a little odd as a first name for a boy in our family.
Sealy — This one landed closer to “detective name” from the Bones TV Series (Which I loved for the record!). It didn’t stick for Gray.
Lachlan/Leelan — Lachlan was familiar enough without being common. Leelan felt softer and less rugged. Both made the maybe pile.
Zion — I liked the sound—short, punchy, and meaningful—but it’s very biblical and carries religious symbolism that we weren’t necessarily comfortable leaning into. Crossed this off for that reason.
Arden — A nice, neutral unisex feel. I liked Arden’s crisp elegance; it felt contemporary and soft at once.
Orion/Orrin — Orion hit the sweet spot: mythic but modern, recognizable but not overused. Orrin felt similar but slightly more exotic. We contemplated both.
Gideon — One of those classic, Bible-adjacent names that feels old-fashioned but strong. Again, its a reminder of a TV series I liked (Criminal Minds anyone?) but I felt the name was strong to over come the reference.
Why Pronunciation and Spelling Matter for Baby Name Ideas
One thing that came up repeatedly during our car conversation: how a name is spelled affects pronunciation and daily life. We spent far more time than I expected debating whether to spell Kalin as K-A-Y-L-I-N, K-A-E-L-I-N, or something else entirely.
That’s not vanity—it’s practical. If you choose a spelling that forces a lifetime of correcting people, consider whether you’re okay with that. As it is, our girls, Thalia (Ta-lee-ah) and Raiyah (Ray-ah) are constantly getting incorrect pronunciations which I wasn't expecting.
Tips I use when thinking about spellings for baby name ideas:
Pick a spelling that results in the desired pronunciation 90% of the time.
Think about how it looks written on official forms—some unusual spellings look like typos on documents.
Consider nicknames that will arise naturally from the spelling. (This is a big one for me, I don't like people shortening my kids names because I never liked being called 'Britt')
Search social media and Google the spelling to see how common it already is, and if the results match the vibe you want.
Spelling considerations often made our “maybe” names turn into “no” names. Waylon was great until we realized Waylen, Wayland, Waylin—all slightly different—meant too much follow-up. Beckett looked neat but felt very “British last name,” which we didn’t love for a small boy in our family dynamic.
Girl Baby Name Ideas We Discussed
On the girl side, we had a longer list. I tend to collect girl baby name ideas more easily than boys—maybe because I like lyrical, feminine sounds or maybe because I mentally saved more name options from prior pregnancies. Either way, this part of the list felt more fluid.
Eliana — One of our runner-ups from six years ago for Thalia. I like it, but I worried about it sounding too similar to Talia.
Alethea — The other runner-up from the same era. Pretty, classic, and meaningful, but also a bit formal and potentially long for daily use.
Willow — I loved Willow. It’s soft, current without being trendy, and fits our moving-to-the-country vibe. We did worry about the Buffy or Willow Smith associations, but I can live with those.
Tiegan — Not a favorite. It felt sharp in a way when I saw it but we decided later we didn’t want.
Lyra — Lyra (L-Y-R-A) or Lira (L-I-R-A) both floated around. I preferred Lyra for the harp-like, musical feel. It’s Greek and slightly celestial—definitely on our shortlist since it seemed to match well with our girls names which both have a Greek vibe
Brynley — Sounds very surname-y; crossed off.
Delanie — A solid name but felt too TV-showy for our taste.
Sage — Earthy and easy to pronounce. This one pulled on me because we’re leaning into a slower, more homestead-style life. I wondered, though, whether Sage would age well or end up sounding too “aesthetic” or topical.
Magnolia — Gorgeous word name but a little long compared to our other kids names.
Nova — Loved it for the ring, but worried it could become trendy fast. it was a decent maybe.
Iris — Elegant and classic. It feels timeless and floral without being saccharine.
Cressida — Didn’t feel right; too dated and likely to be shortened in a way we disliked.
Freya — Popular now, but I liked it. Mythic, feminine, and with a strong, independent energy.
How Family Input Affects Baby Name Ideas
Family opinions are unavoidable. My mom had strong reactions to some names—especially the ones she considers out-there. It caused a lot of issues when we were trying to name our third. I had to be direct: if she refuses to call our child by their chosen name, she loses her grandma visiting privileges (just kidding? kind of). The point is, boundary setting is healthy.
Final rule of thumb for me: take in perspectives from family, listen to feedback, but the decision ultimately sits with the parents. You will be the ones saying the name 100 times a day, introducing your child, and writing it forever on legal documents. Family reactions matter emotionally, but they shouldn’t dominate your list of baby name ideas.
Pro Tip: If you want to avoid family drama around your baby name choices, keep telling them you haven't decided on a name. I find that once the baby is here and named you get significantly less feedback than when you share names while still pregnant.
Street & City Names as Baby Name Ideas
We also talked about using street or city names. I once did a reel that matched name ideas to the place where a baby was conceived or born—fun concept. For instance, if a baby is conceived on Willow Street, Willow becomes an obvious option.
We played with this idea and it led to some fun thoughts:
William (as a boy) from William Street—but would that feel dated?
Willow (as a girl) from Willow Street—warm, natural, and fits our homestead aesthetic.
Pearl, London, Thomas, and similar names—these can be charming but sometimes feel gimmicky if not rooted in personal meaning. These were names I considered while expecting our first 4 kids since we moved multiple times.
Street and city baby name ideas can be a gorgeous way to honour a place, but I recommend testing them aloud, checking nicknames, and imagining how they’ll age. Willow held up for us because it felt authentic and pretty without being try-hard.
How We Narrowed Down to Our Top 5 Baby Name Ideas
Instead of trying to declare the single perfect name when you’re exhausted, we narrowed to top five lists for each gender. That felt manageable and aligned with our “unknown gender” situation. Here’s how we landed there and why each name stayed.
Our Top 5 Boys: Why They Made the Cut
Waylon/Wayland/Waylin — It’s a warm, strong-sounding name. The spelling debate is alive, but the vibe is there. It’s friendly and has a classic country feel which I am loving.
Kalin (Kaylin/Kaylin/Kaelin variants) — Modern and soft, with options for pronunciation that make it flexible. It felt youthful but not trendy.
Lachlan — Solid, slightly Celtic, and underused where we live. It felt like a natural fit with our other children.
Orion — Greek and beautiful. Orion has a celestial, adventurous energy we liked and it fit with the girls Greek inspired names.
Arden — Short, stylish, and somewhat easy to pronounce.
These names survived the test of sound, spelling feasibility, and resonance with our family’s style. Each one felt like it could easily belong to a kid who grows up running around the yard one minute and doing something creative the next.
Our Top 5 Girls: Why They Made the Cut
Willow — It’s soft, nature-forward, and fits the aesthetic we want if we move to the country. Willow felt like an instant image: slow mornings, chickens, and garden boots. Exactly the lifestyle we are moving towards.
Lyra — Musical and slightly celestial; it felt modern and classic simultaneously.
Sage — Earthy and soft. I liked the homestead connotation and the simplicity.
Iris — Timeless and floral but not frail. Iris felt like a name that ages well.
Freya — Mythic, spirited, and feminine. It has momentum right now, but it still feels meaningful.
Update: We decided against Freya as my mother-in-law smartly pointed out that Freya sounds a lot that Raiyah.
These girl baby name ideas each ticked multiple boxes: meaning, sound, sibling fit, and future-proofing. I specifically loved how Willow, Sage, and Lyra fit the life I imagine for our family in a more rural setting.
Making the Final Choice (or Not Making One)
We didn’t commit to the final single name in that car conversation. Instead, we left with a manageable top five list for each gender. For us, that was the win. I know parents who need an absolute yes right away, but in my experience, giving yourself permission to sit with a shortlist helps names settle into the life they’ll occupy.
I also like to meet the baby, it sounds silly but even newborns have personalities and some of the names we love during pregnancy don't seem to fit once the baby is here.
My recommendation: keep a top five for each gender if you don’t know the sex, and then allow a final 24-48 hours of gut checks after meeting your baby. Let the baby’s presence and personality do a bit of the work. Some names become perfect once you see the child; others fall away naturally. Either outcome is totally fine.
Names That Sound Great Together: Sibling Name Compatibility
One major consideration we used when evaluating baby name ideas: how does the potential name sit next to our existing kids’ names? We wanted cohesion without forcing a theme. Our kids all have distinct names, and that’s okay. I think the best sibling name sets balance similar energy (soft, strong, playful) rather than strict patterns.
Questions I ask when thinking about sibling compatibility:
Do the names flow when I say them together?
Do they share initials, and am I okay with that? (We avoided three names starting with R.)
Does any name overshadow or feel mismatched with siblings’ names?
Would nicknames inadvertently rhyme or create confusion?
In our case, Lyra, Willow, and Freya all felt like sisters to Thalia and Raiyah. Orion, Lachlan, and Arden felt like brothers in the same family. That alignment helps names feel intentional, even when they aren’t part of a rigid pattern.
Trend vs. Timeless: Balancing Popularity in Baby Name Ideas
I admit I worried about certain names becoming trendy and then dated. Nova, for instance, feels like it’s on the brink of blow-up popularity, while Iris feels timeless. When choosing between a trendy name and a classic, I recommend asking:
Do I want a name that feels very of-the-moment, or one that will age quietly and well?
Will I still love this name in 20 years?
How many kids at school with this name is acceptable to my future self?
It’s totally valid to choose a trendy name—many families do and never regret it. If you’re more conservative, pick something with staying power. Our list balanced both sides: Freya and Nova skew newer, Iris and Willow lean classic, and Lyra sits somewhere in between.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naming Baby #5
How do You pick baby name ideas when I don’t know the gender?
My preference is to make two shortlists. Keep them to five names each. Focus on how the name sounds aloud and how it fits with your family. Let the baby’s arrival influence the final pick if you can. Don’t sweat having both lists ready—many parents find it freeing rather than stressful.
How many baby name ideas should I have on my shortlist?
Aim for three to five solid options for each gender. That gives you variety without paralysis. Keep names you can live with and test them aloud, in writing, and with your last name.
Should family opinions influence baby name ideas?
They can inform, but I personally think they shouldn't decide. Listen to loved ones, but the final decision belongs to the parents. Be firm about boundaries if needed—this is your child and your name to give.
How do I know if a baby name idea is too trendy?
Consider whether you’ll still love it in 10–20 years and how many kids in the playground will likely have the same name. If it feels of-the-moment and that bothers you, choose something more classic. Typically names from pop culture (celebrities, TV characters, music etc.) don't age well.
Should I worry about name meanings when picking baby name ideas?
Meaning can be important, the are for me because I'm very symbolic, but it’s not everything. If a name’s meaning clashes with your values or feels too weighty, consider whether you want to carry that meaning. Many parents choose names for sound and family significance instead, which is also okay.
What if I love a baby name idea but my partner doesn’t?
Try negotiation: pick a top three that both of you can accept and take a few days to test them out. Sometimes hearing the name multiple times makes it land. If you’re still stuck, consider whether you can agree to one name for the first and a different name for the middle.
How important are nicknames when choosing baby name ideas?
Very. Nicknames often form naturally, so think about likely shortenings and whether you like them. If a name invites a nickname you dislike, either consider a different name or be prepared to consistently use the longer form.
When should we finalize our baby name ideas list?
If you’re aiming to have names ready before birth, set a deadline like two weeks before your due date. But give yourself grace—many parents don’t finalize until they meet their baby, we didn't name Rhett under we had been home for almost 5 days. Having a shortlist is a good idea but don't feel forced to choose a name before you leave the hospital.
How do I handle spelling variations of baby name ideas?
Pick a spelling that guarantees the pronunciation you want most of the time. Avoid intentionally unusual spellings unless you’re committed to correcting it forever (and never being able to buy personalized name items). Test the spelling by searching online to see how it looks in real life.
Is it okay to change a baby name idea after meeting the baby?
Absolutely. Many parents change their minds after seeing their child. If the new name feels right and everyone agrees, trust that instinct. Just be prepared to update any documents and inform family and friends gently.
Wrapping Up Our Baby Name Ideas Journey
So there you have it: a real-time look at how we talked through baby name ideas for baby number five. We recorded instinctive reactions, debated spellings, considered family input, and ultimately landed on top-five shortlists that feel like us. Whether you’re naming your first child or your fifth, I hope this gives you practical tips and some peace of mind.
My final encouragement to you: trust your gut, keep your list manageable, test names aloud and in writing, and be prepared to let the baby’s presence influence your choice. If you’re stuck, create a top-five and sleep on it. Name decisions often settle after a good night’s rest.
And if you liked reading about our brain dump on baby name ideas, please feel free to use any of our lists for inspiration. I genuinely believe there’s no single “right” name—just names that are right for you and your life. Good luck, and if you want to share your shortlist with me, I love talking names. Come say hi on Instagram and let me know which baby name ideas you’re loving.
Thank you for joining this somewhat chaotic (but honest) episode of naming. Whether you meet your baby tomorrow or three months from now, may the perfect name find you when the time is right. Until next time, go get great—and name boldly!
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Hit follow and please leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! The kids and I might even bust out a happy dance! 💗 - Brittany
0:00 Intro
1:30 We don't know the gender
3:00 Runner up girl names from Baby 1
5:20 Boy names we're loving for baby 5
18:45 2025 girl names
22:30 Street & city names as baby names
29:00 End of girls list
32:20 Our top 5's
36:00 Outro
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