Ancient names like Dylan, Atlas, Odin, Orion, Apollo, Jason, Adonis and Ares consistently rank well in the United States.
Derek and Hayley Hough’s baby name choice was truly dancing with the stars.
The couple, who welcomed their first child on Dec. 29, opened up about the baby name process and how they settled on their daughter’s name (Everley Capri) in an interview with People, published Jan. 21.
As they recalled, it took them about “four or five days” to make a final decision.
"Everley was always at the top of a list that I had," Hayley Erbert told the outlet.
"I actually saw this post the other day that was like, 'It's crazy that I've seen your name in my notes app for so long, and now you're here with me.' I was like, 'That's exactly what it's been,’” she added.
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Hayley went on to admit that the name Everley “always had a little star by it.”
Before making it official, the couple decided to take a few days and “keep staring at her” until the time seemed right. And when that time came, it became obvious that it was always going to be Everley.
Even the way they spelled it was “very intentional,” according to Derek Hough — considering Hayley is spelt with the same “ley” ending..
But it wasn’t until they looked into the name’s numerology that they realized how perfect it really was.
Everley has a master number (or destiny number) of 11, which resonated with the couple because she was born 11 days late and Hayley’s birthday is Oct. 11.
"It just called to us, and we were like, 'This is right. This is it,’” Hayley told People.
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According to Behind the Name, Everley comes from a place name derived from the Old English words “eofor,” meaning “boar,” and “leah,” meaning “woodland” or “clearing.”
It can also be an elaboration of the word “ever.”
As for the spelling, Derek and Hayley went with the more unique version — considering Everley was given to just 153 baby girls in 2024 and Everly was given to 3,008, per the Social Security Administration.
Derek and Hayley Hough almost went with a different middle name
Choosing the name Everley was easy, but settling on the baby’s middle name took some negotiation.
While talking to People, the couple admitted that Derek initially wanted to incorporate “rain” or “bow” into their daughter’s middle name — since Everley is technically a rainbow baby.
But Derek Hough’s wife vetoed that idea — and they went with Capri instead.
"When we threw Capri in there, we were like, 'Oh my gosh, this is beautiful,'" Hayley recalled, to which Derek added, "Capri is the little spicy part of her.”
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On Oct. 15, Hayley took to Instagram to open up about her pregnancy loss.
“There are some things in life that change you forever. For us, this is one of those things. A chapter of love, loss, heartbreak, and everything in between,” she wrote in the caption.
“We share this part of our story to honor our baby that never made it earthside,” she continued.
“One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, a silent heartbreak so many families know, and one we unfortunately had to experience,” she concluded. “Know that there’s a rainbow not far behind.”
Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough’s baby name story comes three weeks into their parenthood journey.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2023 after eight years of dating, announced that they were expecting their first child together on July 26.
The couple confirmed the baby’s arrival in a Jan. 5 Instagram post.
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“December 29, 2025. Everley Capri Hough,” they wrote in the caption. “Every step of our lives has led us to you. Our hearts have been cracked wide open and our world is forever changed.”
