(Picture: Rex/Shuttertsock, Marvel Studios)

Was there a film this year that wasn’t a superhero film?

People can’t get enough of the genre – so much so that some of the characters have even grown in popularity among soon-to-be parents.

While you might not exactly be welcoming young T’Challa or Hulk into the world, some other names across the Marvel Universe have been a major hit when it comes to baby names.

The U.S. Social Security Administration released data from the 1,000 most popular baby names in 2017 showing the new superhero additions.


Parker: 1,487 female, 4,346 male

Tom Holland plays Peter Parker in Spiderman: Homecoming (Picture: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

There are 5,833 babies born in 2017 who share a name with Peter Parker, everyone’s favourite awkward high schooler who recently became an Avenger.



Wade, 899 male

In case you didn’t know, Ryan Reynald’s much loved Deadpool character is called Wade, a fairly low key and normal name for the most relatable and comedic superhero, if you can call him that.

Natasha, 355 female

Yes, Natasha is a pretty standard name and it doesn’t necessarily mean that parents who named their children that were inspired by Natasha Romanova, otherwise known as Black Widow. But she’s a killer badass assassin, so we’re going to believe she was the muse.

Pepper, 121 female, 7 male

Pepper might sound like something Gwyneth Paltrow might name her actual children (she has a knack for that sort of thing) but Mrs Iron Man shares the name with 128 kids born in 2017, and it’s pretty cute.

Loki, 5 female, 91 male

Tom Hiddleston, who plays the lovable villain Loki. with a bunch of cosplay Lokis (Picture: Dave M. Benett/WireImage)

We’re not sure why you’d name your child after one of the most unkillable villains in the Marvel Universe, although a lovable one. But quite a few parents did.

Valkyrie, 63 female

This is a pretty rad and extraordinary name which we think will continue to rise in popularity. Who doesn’t want to be named after a fearless alien fighter?

Marvel, 21 female, 29 male

(Picture: Renard Garr/WireImage)

Why pick a character when you can just pick the whole universe? That’s exactly what some parents did as 50 kids were given the gender neutral name.

Banner, 39 male

(Picture: Ollie Millington/Getty Images)

The 39 little boys named Banner might not necessarily be named after genius doctor Bruce Banner who moonlights as the Incredible Hulk, but we like to think it might be inspired by the lovable monster.

Rocket, 9 female, 28 male

(Picture: Disney XD via Getty Images)

The feisty little racoon from Guardians of the Galaxy inspired a few American parents and we’re pretty sure the kids will be grateful they didn’t choose Rocket’s companion Groot.

Quill, 5 female, 15 male

Rocket’s co-star Quill (human name Peter) from Guardians of the Galaxy was a name given to 20 wee babies.

Hawkeye, 6 male

Hawkeye might be a star archer and Avenger, but we’re not sure he makes a good namesake. The six boys called Hawkeye probably won’t find that on a keyring.

MORE: These are the most popular gender neutral baby names, in case you need some inspiration

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