Spring sport-star baby names in Australia: Gigi Betty, Otis Benjamin and the vibe they signal

Posted by Koala News Sept. 18, 2025 (updated Sept. 18, 2025)

Illustration of two sporty Aussie parents proudly holding newborns named Gigi Betty and Otis Benjamin, with subtle football details in a pastel celebratory style.

Two fresh footy arrivals just gave baby names a spring kick. NRL and NRLW couple Adam and Millie Elliott welcomed daughter Gigi Betty on 10 September, while AFLW defender Nicola Stevens and partner Elise Rose announced the birth of their son Otis Benjamin the same day. Cue a mini trendlet that blends nickname-as-official with vintage-chic middles.

What these choices tell us about Aussie taste right now

  • Nicknames as first names are still hot - think Gigi, Lottie, Billie, Frankie. Parents love the relaxed, friendly energy and the no-fuss spelling.
  • Retro is reassuring - classic middles like Betty, June, Mae and Rose deliver warmth and family links without feeling stuffy.
  • Two-name rhythm - short first plus old-school middle reads balanced and timeless: Gigi Betty, Otis Benjamin, Lottie Mae, Arlo James.

Name spotlight: Gigi Betty

Style: breezy, glam, Euro-leaning nickname as first plus golden-age middle.Origins and ideas:

  • Gigi can sit as a short form for Georgina, Gianna or Virginie, but it also works beautifully on its own.
  • Betty is the spunky vintage short for Elizabeth - friendly, bright, easy to pair.Why it lands: Gigi feels playful on a preschooler and stylish on an adult. Betty adds heritage without heaviness.Sibling set ideas: Gigi Betty and Hugo Miles or Lottie June.Similar picks to consider: Goldie, Mimi, Edie, Birdie, Dolly.

Name spotlight: Otis Benjamin

Style: cool-classic with soul, then a heavyweight classic middle.Origins and ideas:

  • Otis has English and Old German roots and carries a musical sheen thanks to Otis Redding.
  • Benjamin is a perennial favourite that adds calm, bookish weight.Why it lands: Otis feels friendly and modern without losing history. Benjamin steadies the combo for formal moments.Sibling set ideas: Otis Benjamin and Ada Florence or Rex William.Similar picks to consider: Arlo, Jude, Rafi, Hugh, Sid.

Micro-trend watch for spring

  • Nickname-firsts rising: Leo, Archie, Lottie, Evie, Billie, Frankie sit in the same easygoing lane.
  • Vintage middles keep winning: Rose and James are perennial go-tos, and names like Betty, June and Mae bring the same energy.
  • Balanced pairs: short first plus classic middle or the reverse is the safest style play for longevity.

Quick tips if this look is your jam

  1. Decide if Gigi is the full name or a pathway to Georgina or Gianna. Both routes are common in Australia - choose the form you plan to use day to day.
  2. Road-test initials and rhythm - say the full name plus surname out loud. G-heavy pairs often sing with softer middles like Mae or Elise.
  3. Think about future proofing - a friendly shortie up front with a timeless middle covers sport sign-ons, passports and job applications with no drama.

Fast alternatives in the same lane

  • Girls: Gigi, Goldie, Edie, Birdie, Nell, Lottie, Peggy, Tessa, Kitty
  • Boys: Otis, Arlo, Jude, Monty, Sonny, Hugh, Kit, Ned, Alfie

Spring 2025’s sport-star babies are a tidy snapshot of where Aussie names are sitting right now: nickname-forward up front, heritage humming in the middle. If you love relaxed-meets-classic, Gigi Betty and Otis Benjamin show exactly how to nail it.