12 gothic, witchy and autumnal baby names gaining popularity

November 1, 2026 - 00:37

A growing number of parents are turning to gothic, witchy and autumnal names for their newborns, a trend that mirrors the country's deepening love affair with the Halloween season. Last year, Americans spent a record 13.1 billion dollars on Halloween, and that number is expected to jump to 13.5 billion dollars this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Nearly half of consumers started their fall shopping before October even started. That taste for All Hallows' Eve extends beyond decor and costumes, and it is now showing up in the names parents choose for their children.

Names pulled from folklore, nature and the darker side of fiction are finding new fans. Parents are reaching for options that feel moody, earthy and a little mysterious, from names tied to old legends to those inspired by autumn itself. The appeal is not only seasonal. Many families say they want something distinctive that stands apart from the usual top ten lists, and gothic and witchy names offer exactly that kind of character. Autumn themes play a role as well, with names connected to the harvest, the forest and the changing leaves gaining ground.

The shift suggests that Halloween's influence is no longer confined to October. It has become a year round aesthetic, shaping fashion, home decor and now the names that will follow a new generation for life.