Deciding on a child’s name can be a daunting task for parents, often made trickier when it comes to naming a second or third child. New research from JoJo Maman Bébé reveals that British parents are split on the trend of giving siblings matching initials, with only 47% saying they like the idea.

The influence of high-profile families such as the Kardashians has contributed to a growing fascination with sibling name coordination. In the past month alone, Google searches for “names beginning with [letter]” have reached 102,000 in the UK, reflecting a widespread interest in the trend. Meanwhile, broader searches for “baby names” amassed 332,000 searches over the same period, highlighting the significance of name selection for expectant parents.

To offer guidance, JoJo Maman Bébé has partnered with baby naming expert Colleen Slagen, who provides insight into striking the right balance between complementary sibling names and individual identity.

The challenge of naming siblings

More than half (54%) of British parents believe it is important for siblings to have names that complement each other, but 43% admit that naming their second or third child was the hardest task. Slagen explains that the difficulty often arises because parents have already used their favourite name for their first child.

“It’s not easy to get both parents to agree on a name, especially when they’ve already used the one name they could both settle on. Often, parents struggle to find another name they feel as connected to,” she said. “Considering what names pair well with the first child’s name can help narrow the field.”

Finding the right balance

Slagen advises parents to consider sibling names holistically while remembering that each child is an individual.

“Sibling names are often spoken together, so it’s nice if they sound cohesive,” she explained. “However, at the end of the day, baby names are an aesthetic choice. Just as you would want the decor in your home to be stylistically consistent, many parents want their children’s names to flow well together.

“That said, it is equally important to remember that they will grow up as individuals. Once they go out into the world, they won’t always introduce themselves in relation to their sibling.”

Name pairings for 2025

Slagen recommends choosing names that share a stylistic link rather than being strictly phonetic matches. Her suggested pairings for 2025 include:

• “Brooks and Hudson” for a stylistic match
• “Adeline and Susannah” for a classic theme
• “George, Charlotte, and Louis” for a timeless royal-inspired set
• “Ada and Bernadette” for contrasting name lengths

According to Slagen, shorter and longer names can work well together despite their differences. “Parents often lean towards either short or long names, but this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Ada and Bernadette, for example, are different in length but still pair beautifully,” she said.

The Kardashian effect and social media trends

The Kardashian family’s influence on baby naming has been significant, but opinions among British parents remain mixed. While 47% like the idea of matching initials, 23% say they actively dislike the trend.

Slagen notes that this approach can sometimes lead parents to compromise on names they truly love. “Matching initials can help create a cohesive theme, but it can also lead to unusual spellings or names chosen purely for the sake of consistency,” she said. “If parents give two children the same initial, they often feel pressured to continue the trend for any future children, which can limit options.”

She also points to the role of social media in shaping baby naming choices. “Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have heightened the focus on matching sibling names, often presenting them as a must-have feature. While this can be fun, it can also create unnecessary pressure for parents to adhere to certain trends rather than choosing names that truly resonate with them.”

For those looking to make their child’s name even more special, JoJo Maman Bébé offers a range of personalised gifts and baby essentials to celebrate their unique moniker.