If you’ve noticed more little girls named Lorelai running around the playground, you are not imagining things. The name just experienced a massive 70% jump in popularity, ranking 333 out of 1,000 baby girls born in 2025. That is its highest spot ever, and the only explanation is our collective millennial and Gen Z obsession with“Gilmore Girls.”The show ran from 2000 to 2007, but its Netflix resurgence during the pandemic created a whole new generation of fans who want to pass that legacy on to their kids.
TikTok is playing a huge role in this trend. Moms like Hayley Belle Mullins are posting videos of their toddlers dressed in flannel, recreating iconic scenes from the show. One fan even admitted she had to dig out her 20-year-old DVD collection to make sure she spelled the name correctly. The name Lorelai has serious roots too, from a German poem about a Rhine river siren to being the character name for Marilyn Monroe in a classic film. But for this generation, it will always be synonymous with coffee, pop culture references, and fast talking.
So, is naming your kid after a beloved TV character a sweet tribute or a little too much pressure? We want to know: if you were going to name your child after a TV character, which one would it be? Drop your answer in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.