Montana's Most Distinct Baby Names For 2026

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According to data, some of the most distinctive baby names in Montana for 2026 include Bridger, Norman, Linnea, and Reese. While some of these names have regional ties, like Norman being connected to the film 'A River Runs Through It,' others like Linnea have Scandinavian origins.

Why it matters

Naming trends provide insight into the cultural influences and preferences of new parents in Montana. These distinctive names reflect the unique character of the state and may become more widely adopted across the country in the coming years.

The details

The data shows that almost 5% of all children named Bridger are born in Montana, making it one of the most popular names in the state. Similarly, nearly 4% of Normans and 4% of Linneas are Montanans. Reese, at 3% of the state's babies, is the second most distinctive girl's name. These names range from having regional ties, like Norman's connection to the film 'A River Runs Through It,' to more unique Scandinavian origins, like Linnea meaning 'twin flower'.

• The data is for baby names in Montana in 2026.