New York, NY – May 16, 2024 – A recent survey by Gambling.com reveals a notable trend: parents are increasingly drawing inspiration from athletes and sports for baby names. The study, conducted in May 2024 among 1,000 U.S. parents, found that 74% prioritize a child’s character traits modeled after athletes over athletic prowess itself.
Football reigns supreme as the most inspiring sport, with 47% of respondents citing it as a source of naming ideas. This is followed by the NBA (National Basketball Association) at 22%, Major league Baseball (MLB) at 18%, and Major League Soccer (MLS) at 13%. The survey highlights a shift towards valuing the personal qualities of sports figures – leadership, dedication, and sportsmanship – rather than solely their on-field achievements.
While naming a child after an entire team is less common, only 19% of parents expressed willingness to do so, citing concerns about unconventional names like “Raven” (Baltimore Ravens) or “Laker” (Los Angeles Lakers). However, the name “Inter Miami,” referencing the Major League Soccer club co-owned by David beckham, received a more positive reception. The survey did not specify the gender breakdown of parents preferring team names.
The full survey results, including demographic breakdowns and further insights into preferred athlete-inspired names, are available here.
