Predicting Starbaby Names of 2014

By Tara Ryazansky

We all took guesses at what the British royal baby would be named.  We brushed up on ‘K’ names to make bets at what Kimye would name their daughter.  I haven’t thought much about celebrity baby names now that George and North are here though, but it looks like 2014 is going to be a great year for famous baby names, judging by the pregnancies that have already been announced. I thought I’d make some predictions.

Actress Olivia Wilde & comedian, Jason Sudeikis are expecting their first child together.  Wilde is a stage name—her original surname being Cockburn, coming from a celebrated family of writers.  The choice of Wilde makes me think she has a clever sense of humor and might pick a name with an equally interesting namesake for her child–something bohemian or perhaps she will favor a nature name.  Since her partner is a writer and comedian, I expect that they will pick something compelling, with intellectual wit and hipster cool.My guesses:  Ulysses, Beauregard, Vernon, Maude, Lake, Lavinia

Actress Kerry Washington and her husband, NFL cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha are also expecting their first child together.  I am a big fan of Kerry Washington‘s (and of her Scandal character, Olivia Pope’s) style.  I am hoping that her baby naming style will be similar; an off-kilter classic.  People magazine named her the Best Dressed Woman of 2013– maybe she will be the best baby namer of 2014.  Perhaps they will pick something that honors her husband’s Nigerian heritage as well.My guesses:  Alastair, Gideon, Tobias, Beatrice, Wina, Rosemary

Singers Gwen Stefani & Gavin Rossdale are expecting their third child.  Baby will join brothers Kingston, 7 and Zuma, 5.  This couple has a love of place names– Kingston, Jamaica and Zuma Beach in Malibu obviously have special meaning for them.  Will they choose another place name or break tradition?  Maybe they will have a girl and pick something completely unlike their son’s names.  I could see them choosing  something with a connection to Japanese or Rastafarian culture.My guesses: Mateo, Buju, Monterey, Irie, Anaheim, Airi

Playboy model, Kendra Wilkinson and NFL player, Hank Baskett are anticipating their second child next year.  They are parents to three-year-old Hank Baskett IV so there’s no telling what to expect from them as baby namers.  For whatever reason, I could see them using something unisex and simple.  Or maybe something with a bit of a bombshell vibe for a girl.  I don’t think she will pick something cutesy like her fellow Playmate, Holly did when she named her daughter Rainbow Aurora.  Maybe it will be another family name for the couple.My guesses: Van, Wilkes, Wiley, Marlowe, Monroe, Ellison

Child star turned Mommy Blogger Soleil Moon Frye is expecting her third child with TV producer husband, Jason Goldberg.  Baby will join sisters Poet Sienna Rose and Jagger Joseph Blue.  I am expecting another trio of on-trend word or namesake names for baby number 3.  Will they pick something lyrical and sweet or gender-bending and rockerish?My guesses: Rocco, Lennon, Wolf, Iris, Wren, Clementine

Stylish reality TV couple, Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman are expecting their second child.  They already have a fashionable son named Skyler.  Skyler is a nice choice for a boy.  It’s subtly naturey and has a surname sound.  I think that they will pick something else on-trend and soft sounding for a boy.  Their girl naming might be very different from their boy style though.  And let’s hope she has a girl to inherit her vintage collection!My guesses:  Milo, Miles, Elias, Piper, Harper, Mila

I would love to hear any guesses or musings about what these celebs’ tastes in names might be.

Tara Ryazansky is a freelance writer who has a fashion background.  She has worked for Jane Magazine, Teen Vogue, Interview Magazine and Ellegirl.com.  Find her in the Nameberry forums under Tararyaz.