Travel-inspired baby names have remained a hit over the past two decades. With parents naming their newborns after a special or sentimental location, offering a lasting and meaningful name. But what are the most popular city-inspired baby names around the world?

To find out, language learning platform Preply has analyzed ONS data to reveal which city-based names have seen the biggest increase in popularity among baby girls and boys from 2001 to 2021. Shannon is the most popular city-inspired girls’ name, with a 9,640% increase in popularity from 2001 to 2021

Alba is the least loved location-based girls’ name, seeing a -98% decrease in popularity since 2001. Chester is the most popular city-inspired boys’ name, with a 3,138% increase in popularity from 2001 to 2021. Paris is the least loved place-inspired name for baby boys in the UK, seeing a -57% decrease in popularity since 2001 

From Brooklyn Beckham to Paris Hilton, geography-inspired baby names have been a growing trend over the years. Whether it’s a significant location for the parents, or they just like the sound of it, choosing a place-based name can help parents pick a unique moniker for their baby.

For girls, Shannon has been crowned the most popular location-based name for babies in the UK. Shannon saw a 9,640% increase between 2001 and 2021.

Shannon originates from the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, which flows from the Shannon Pot in County Cavan through the central plain of Ireland before reaching the Atlantic Ocean at the Shannon Estuary. The river itself is named after the Celtic goddess Sionna, who was believed to dwell in its waters.

The name Shannon, therefore, carries significant cultural and geographical significance in Ireland. It has been used both as a given name and a surname, reflecting the importance of the river and its surrounding areas in Irish history and mythology.

As a given name, Shannon gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. It was originally more commonly given to boys but has since become more popular as a feminine name. The name Shannon enjoyed widespread usage, perhaps spurred by its association with the river and the peaceful, flowing imagery it evokes.

Beyond its geographical roots, Shannon has also been associated with qualities such as tranquility, strength, and fluidity. Its popularity in various English-speaking countries indicates its broad appeal and enduring usage as a name.