They say looking toward the future is advisable, but sometimes it pays to look back in time, especially when trying to come up with a baby name. Whether you’re a child of the ’90s or you simply feel drawn to the iconic celeb outfits that defined the era, this was a time of legendary television shows. From the hilarious sitcoms to the angsty supernatural dramas, ’90s shows were full of lovable and unforgettable characters. If you have no idea what to name your baby, looking back on some of these figures can steer you towards the moniker of your dreams.
Many of the most famous ’90s characters had names that today we would consider to be classic and traditional. They’re not quite vintage in the way that names from a century ago are, but they’re still choices that you probably haven’t heard for a while. And since the ’90s gave us some of the most iconic TV shows of all time (not to mention ’90s awards show outfits we’re still thinking about), lots of these names will be instantly recognizable. Perhaps you’re still obsessed with “Sex and the City,” still watch “Friends” reruns when you need a pick-me-up, or still feel affected by the drama that went on in “ER.” Whatever your connection to the ’90s, going with one of the following names might be the best way to connect with the past and start your baby off with the right legacy.
Lighthearted sitcoms provide some of the best ’90s names
1990s’ sitcoms are the TV equivalent of a warm hug; no matter how many years go past, watching them again is just like catching up with old friends. It makes sense that parents-to-be would start here for baby name ideas, and shows like “Friends” can provide a surprising amount of options for sitcom-inspired baby names. Of course, there are the main six: Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey, and Ross. But you could also look to minor characters, like Janice, Gunther (which seemed frumpy in the ’90s but is now kind of cute), and Mike. There’s also Emma, one of the most popular names of the 2020s, which was also the name of Rachel and Ross’ baby.
If you weren’t a “Friends” person in the ’90s, you were definitely a “Seinfeld” person. Like “Friends,” the names of the main cast have become iconic, so people will probably know who your child is named after. You have Jerry and Cosmo (Kramer) which are blatant giveaways, along with Elaine. But then you could go for the enduring George. A name rooted in history, this one’s more of a subtle nod to the sitcom.
Next, consider “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which contains names a little more on the preppy side. After all, Will goes to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in Bel-Air, so monikers like Vivian and Carlton are commonplace. If you prefer more down-to-earth choices that aren’t giving old money, flick your TV to “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Ray is surprisingly cute for a baby boy, while Frank is a classic that can be updated to modern nicknames like Frankie. For girls, Ally feels fresh and cute, while Marie is a timeless choice that works in every era.
Reach for an unexpected name from a supernatural ’90s show
Sitcoms may have dominated the ’90s, but the decade also had its share of slightly more angsty media and supernatural hits, like “Charmed.” While this cult classic did bridge over to the noughties, it started in 1998, introducing us to characters like Prue, Piper, and later, Paige. These are witchy girls’ names stemming from a female-led show, but “Charmed” also gave us boys’ names like Leo, Chris, Wyatt, Coop, and everyone’s favorite demon, Cole. The latter is actually a gender-neutral choice meaning “victory of the people.”
Let’s move over to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which was arguably even more iconic and provided a few Halloween-esque baby names for spooky season lovers. A subtle link could be Summer, taken from protagonist Buffy’s last name. Otherwise, there’s Willow, which is perfect for parents who lean towards nature-inspired vibes. Xander, meanwhile, is a unique gender-neutral option that feels both retro and new-age. We remember this character from the ’90s, but X-names instantly feel cool and edgy. For a more elegant and luxe name, you could go for Cordelia, which means “heart.”
Sabrina is a quintessential ’90s TV show name, based of course on “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” But there are a few more characters here to gain inspo from too, like Harvey, or even Libby (yes, she was an antagonist, but don’t hold that against a very cute name). If you prefer an even darker ’90s supernatural show, and a much rarer name choice, consider Fox, taken from “The X-Files” lead Fox Mulder. Between the monosyllable sound, the presence of the X, and the animal association, this name is sure to leave an impression.
’90s dramas surprisingly had some of the most classic and understated names
There’s nothing like a good old ’90s drama. But interestingly, these shows that were full of crime, stressful medical settings, and gritty underworld dealings, often provide safe and traditional name choices. For example, look at “The Sopranos.” It was a supreme show about a family involved in organized crime, with characters that got up to all sorts of horrible things, and yet it offers names like Tony and Christopher. This is one of the best shows to look to if you like Italian culture, too — consider monikers like Carmela, Silvio, and Adriana (just don’t ask what happened to any of these characters!). For something that feels fresh and gentle, you could go with Meadow, after Tony Soprano’s daughter.
We can’t reflect on ’90s dramas without looking to the original “Law & Order,” where you’ll find more time-tested name choices. There’s Jack (McCoy) and Claire (Kincaid), which are short, sweet, and traditional. You could also opt for Lennie, which works for boys and girls and is especially endearing for a baby or toddler (no offence, Lennie Brasco). The spelling of this moniker varies, but the original German name translates to “lion strength.”
Meanwhile, “ER” was the epitome of medical dramas in the ’90s, and like other shows that turned up the feelings and tears, it is full of strong, ageless name choices. For boys, you have both Doug and Ross, after George Clooney’s iconic character, along with Mark, and John Carter (both of these work as first names, too). There are also some classic girls’ names here, like Carol Hathaway and Susan Lewis. Notably, Carol and Susan were also characters in “Friends,” so these choices heavily lean into the ’90s theme.
Look to a female-led series for some iconic ’90s name choices
The ’90s featured some wildly popular shows centered around female characters. You can pay tribute to these addictive and hilarious shows that still got us in the feels by naming your bundle of joy after one of their protagonists. Obviously, there’s “Sex and the City,” a show which has reached such legendary heights that the main four are basically household names. Go for Carrie if you want your little girl to embody creativity and a killer fashion sense, or Miranda if you have hopes that she’ll head to Harvard. Go for Charlotte, another name which is hugely popular in the 2020s, and she’ll grow into an Upper East Side princess, or Samantha if you want her to be an ultimate boss. As far as boys’ names go, there are traditional choices like Aidan and Harry, along with the more unexpected, like Smith, Stanford, and Skipper.
Along with “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Living Single” was monumental in the ’90s for featuring an all-Black cast, and it also happens to provide ample naming inspo. You could go for protagonist Khadijah James, or for something that oozes sophistication and royal vibes, Regine. Speaking of names that feel upper crust, you could also consider Synclaire. There are a few ways to spell this gender-neutral choice, which is an English name referring to Saint-Clair in France.
Or pick a name popularized by “Ally McBeal.” We’ve already mentioned Ally, which can be short for Alexandra or Allison, or simply stands alone beautifully. But there’s also the perennial and understated Georgia, or for boys, Richard for something proper, and Billy for something fun.
Kids’ shows are the best place to find a baby name
Kids’ media is one of the best places to look for baby names in any era. And if you grew up in the ’90s, naming your child after one of these classic characters also pays tribute to your own childhood. Plus, we already know these names are baby-friendly! “Rugrats” is clearly the show to kick things off here, and any of the main baby names work: Tommy, Charles (aka Chuckie), Phil, and Lil. The toddler names are also still cute as pie decades later, whether you prefer Angelica or Susie.
If you’re into the sweet and feminine, consider Blossom from “The Powerpuff Girls.” Buttercup and Bubbles might not work as well for adults, but Blossom is adaptable to any age. It’s also got the Hollywood tick of approval, with Cardi B naming her daughter Blossom in 2024. Or, for fans of “Pokémon” which aired in 1997, you could go with another nature-inspired name with a totally different sound and feel. Ash, the central protagonist in the series, is taken from the tree and feels crisp and modern for both girls and boys. Then you have Misty: cute for a little girl but not so juvenile that it will get her in trouble as an adult.
Though it’s still airing with new content today, we will forever associate “The Simpsons” with the ’90s, when some of the show’s most iconic and beloved episodes debuted. Take after the famous family and name your baby Maggie, which is short for Margaret but also works on its own, or choose something a little bolder, like Bart. Also don’t hesitate to look elsewhere in Springfield for suggestions; beyond the Simpson family, there are some pretty cute baby names: Ned, Patty, Monty, Barney, and Ralph.
