This Is the Most Popular Baby Name of 2016… So Far

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Jul 05, 2016

There’s a new girls’ name at the head of the baby names popularity list for the first half of 2016, with Olivia claiming Nameberry’s official number one spot. Nameberry ranks which names attract the most views of nearly 40 million visits to its name pages in the first half of 2016. The list gauges the baby names that are winning the most attention from parents-to-be right now, and may predict which names will be used most for babies in the future.

Ezra holds his place at the top of the boys’ popular names list, a position the Biblical name first claimed in 2015. Olivia replaces Charlotte, the girls’ top name for 2015, which slips to number three. Amelia, Ava and Isla round out the girls’ top five. Five new girls’ names ascend to the top 10 in 2016: Arabella, Aurora, Adeline, Isabella and Mia.

The top five boys’ names retain the order they claimed for 2015: Ezra, Asher, Atticus, Declan and Oliver. Only two names are new to the boys’ top 10 in 2016: Levi and Wyatt.

Aryan is the hottest boys’ name for the first half of 2016, rising 49 places. An Indo-Iranian name that means warrior or honorable, Aryan is number 697 on the official US popularity list. But its controversial nature related to White Supremacy undoubtedly accounts for some of its attention. Other hot baby names for boys, all up more than 40 places, are John, Tobias, Daniel, Xavier and Maxwell.

For girls, the hottest name so far this year is Sadie, up 48 places. Other girls’ names up more than 30 places in 2016 are Elise, Astrid, Isabella and Thea. Newcomers to the 2016 top 100 include several unusual names we may hear lots more of in coming years. For girls, these are Anouk, Cecilia, Freya and Ophelia. For boys, they are Alistair, Hugo and Lucian. Scroll on to see the top 100 boys and girls’ names for the first half of 2016.

Top 100 Girls’ Names for first half of 2016

  1. OLIVIA
  2. AMELIA
  3. CHARLOTTE
  4. AVA
  5. ISLA
  6. ARABELLA
  7. AURORA
  8. ADELINE
  9. ISABELLA
  10. MIA
  11. ELEANOR
  12. ARIA
  13. PENELOPE
  14. CORA
  15. ROSE
  16. VIOLET
  17. HAZEL
  18. THEA
  19. CLAIRE
  20. EMMA
  21. ALICE
  22. LUCY
  23. LUNA
  24. NORA
  25. MILA
  26. ELIZABETH
  27. SCARLETT
  28. ASTRID
  29. IMOGEN
  30. ELLA
  31. GENEVIEVE
  32. MAEVE
  33. AUDREY
  34. GRACE
  35. SADIE
  36. EVANGELINE
  37. CHLOE
  38. ESME
  39. EMILY
  40. IVY
  41. ELOISE
  42. OPHELIA
  43. CAROLINE
  44. AURELIA
  45. MAYA
  46. STELLA
  47. ADELAIDE
  48. KHALEESI
  49. LILA
  50. NOVA
  51. ELISE
  52. EVELYN
  53. JANE
  54. LYDIA
  55. MAISIE
  56. ELLIE
  57. BEATRICE
  58. IRIS
  59. ELODIE
  60. CLARA
  61. SOPHIA
  62. ANNA
  63. EMILIA
  64. ELIZA
  65. HARLOW
  66. AMARA
  67. JULIA
  68. MAE
  69. ISABEL
  70. JOSEPHINE
  71. JADE
  72. POPPY
  73. ABIGAIL
  74. SIENNA
  75. HANNAH
  76. MATILDA
  77. ELSIE
  78. ZARA
  79. SERAPHINA
  80. WILLOW
  81. ZOE
  82. MADELINE
  83. EVIE
  84. ADA
  85. WILLA
  86. JULIET
  87. PHOEBE
  88. MOLLY
  89. MARGARET
  90. LILY
  91. ANOUK
  92. MABEL
  93. FREYA
  94. ELIANA
  95. LEAH
  96. ANNABELLE
  97. DAISY
  98. EVA
  99. CECILIA
  100. NAOMI

Top 100 Boys’ Names for first half of 2016

  1. EZRA
  2. ASHER
  3. ATTICUS
  4. DECLAN
  5. OLIVER
  6. MILO
  7. SILAS
  8. LEVI
  9. WYATT
  10. HENRY
  11. JACK
  12. JASPER
  13. LEO
  14. ELIJAH
  15. ETHAN
  16. THEODORE
  17. SEBASTIAN
  18. CALEB
  19. LIAM
  20. OSCAR
  21. ELI
  22. BENJAMIN
  23. BODHI
  24. AUSTIN
  25. FELIX
  26. MILES
  27. ALEXANDER
  28. JACOB
  29. ZACHARY
  30. WILLIAM
  31. LUKE
  32. AXEL
  33. THOMAS
  34. ANDREW
  35. XAVIER
  36. ISAAC
  37. JULIAN
  38. JAMES
  39. MATTHEW
  40. LUCAS
  41. ARYAN
  42. FINN
  43. JOHN
  44. SAMUEL
  45. NATHANIEL
  46. SOREN
  47. ROMAN
  48. DANIEL
  49. JOSIAH
  50. TOBIAS
  51. MAXWELL
  52. CALLUM
  53. GABRIEL
  54. LINCOLN
  55. NOLAN
  56. ISAIAH
  57. RONAN
  58. CONNOR
  59. HARRISON
  60. BECKETT
  61. CHARLES
  62. OWEN
  63. GRAYSON
  64. LACHLAN
  65. GIDEON
  66. JONAH
  67. ARTHUR
  68. CHRISTIAN
  69. RYKER
  70. ARCHER
  71. LUCIAN
  72. JUDE
  73. WESLEY
  74. JACKSON
  75. HARRY
  76. KAI
  77. JOSEPH
  78. GRAHAM
  79. NATHAN
  80. SIMON
  81. HUGO
  82. ABEL
  83. MADDOX
  84. GRIFFIN
  85. LANDON
  86. DAVID
  87. THEO
  88. LEWIS
  89. RYDER
  90. ZANE
  91. ALISTAIR
  92. DASHIELL
  93. KNOX
  94. BENNETT
  95. NICHOLAS
  96. RHETT
  97. VINCENT
  98. GEORGE
  99. EDWARD
  100. LOUIS

Did your favorite baby name make the list? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

(Photo via Getty)

16 Crazy Baby Names You’re About to See Everywhere

Unique baby names are hard to come by these days, but parents looking to stand out from the Emmas and Jacks are looking for inspo everywhere resulting in some truly original and sometimes crazy names. In fact, you probably don't know anyone with these trending names of 2020 but that may soon change.

Soon you may see Falcon and Williston on friends' birth announcements or maybe your own? (This one from Minted is super sweet.)

We browsed through Nameberry's most unusual baby names for boys and girls and here are 16 rare, exotic - dare we say crazy? - baby names that are among the hottest so far for 2020.

Hanan, up 1000 Percent: Think of Hanan, which means graciousness, as the modern version of Hannah. It's up a whopping 1000 percent in July 2020.

Williston, up 1000 Percent: Not just an oil town in North Dakota, this fresh take on William is taking the maternity ward by storm. Willis (as in) is also up there with a 36 percent rise in July.

Flavio, up 702 Percent: This Latin name for "yellow" or "blond" is gracing birth certificates of blondie babes across the U.S.

Massey, up 603 Percent: This unisex name is on the rise for girls and boys. You could also mix it up with variants like Massie, Masey, and Masie.

Messiah, up 301 Percent: This bold name is trending for girls and means "expected savior or deliverer." Basketball star Allen Iverson likely started the trend with his little one.

Rosaria, up 218 Percent: The Spanish name for "rosary" is trending hard and we like it for a twist on the classic Rose.

Cricket, up 168 Percent: This unisex name is becoming hugely popular for boys. We like it for babes with summer birthdays!

Callen, up 90 Percent: This unisex Gaelic name is trending for girls and means "rock." Yay for strong girl names!

Bruin, up 90 Percent: Whether you're a sports or nature fan this name could be for you. Of English/Dutch origin, the name means "bear or brown." Bear as a boy's name is also up, thanks to celeb moms Alicia Silverstone and Kate Winslet, who both have Bear cubs.

Sabien, up 87 Percent: Move over Damien, there's a new baby name in town. You can also go for the French variation Sabin for a tres chic twist.

Falcon, up 81 Percent: Give your bird a cool name like Falcon and who knows how far she'll soar. Eagle is also up (61 percent) for boys and girls.

Rani, up 81 Percent: For boys, Rani means "my song, my joy" and for girls it means "queen, she is singing." Cute for your little dancing queen!

Lyrical, up 81 Percent: More than 1,000 girls and boys are named "Lyric" each year in the U.S., but this longer musical number is topping the charts this month.

Bas, up 76 Percent: Consistently in the top 10 in the Netherlands, this cool twist on Sebastian is trending for boys in the U.S.

Gem, up 66 Percent: Meaning "precious stone," this shorter version of Gemma is looking strong for short and sweet baby names.

Rorke, up 66 Percent: Meaning "illustrious and mighty" this Irish name is having a 2020 moment and we're loving it.

Does your baby have a distinctive name? Share it with us @BritandCo!

This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted to find adorable birth announcements for your baby.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

(Photos via Shutterstock)





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13 Worst Christmas Movies To Hate-Watch This Holiday Season (We Know You Want To)

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I'm referring to our holiday movie watchlist, of course. The best new Christmas movies always make for a good time. But when it comes to the worst Christmas movies ever? Honestly, sometimes they make for an ever better time (especially when you're really dedicated to hate-watching). See which movies made the list below!

Keep reading to see the 13 worst Christmas movies that are so bad, they made the naughty list.

Our Little Secret (2024) — On Netflix Now

Chuck Zlotnick/Netflix

We're starting off strong with a Rotten Tomatoes rating that made my jaw drop! Despite the fact Lindsay Lohan's new comedy, which follows two exes who realize their partners are siblings, made me laugh out loud, it only got a RT rating of 36 percent and audience rating of 59 percent, as well as an IMDb rating of 5.8 out of 10. Yikes.

Four Christmases (2008) — On Hulu

New Line Productions

In my opinion, Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon are a match made in Heaven in Four Christmases, which follows their characters Brad and Kate as they go through four separate family gatherings on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, it looks like audiences disagree because the movie got a 5.7 out of 10 on IMDb and a 47 percent Rotten Tomatoes audience rating (with only a 25 percent from RT itself!!).

I'll Be Home For Christmas (1998) — On Hulu

Walt Disney Pictures

In I'll Be Home For Christmas, Jake (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) returns home for the holiday hoping that his estranged dad (Gary Cole) will get him a porsche...but winds up getting left with nothing but a Santa suit in the middle of the desert thanks to the football team. To make matters worse, his GF Allie (Jessica Biel) has no clue what happened to him, and decides to hitchhike with Jake's nemesis Eddie (Adam LaVorgna).

Even though it has a ton of elements that could make for an entertaining movie, this flick only got a 23 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a 41 percent audience rating, and a 5.5 out of 10 on IMDb.

The Christmas Candle (2013) — On Tubi

EchoLight Studios

Despite the fact historical films like A Christmas Carol are beloved by so many, critics consider The Christmas Candle one of the worst Christmas movies. The story follows a minister (Hans Matheson) in 1800s England who finds himself in a standoff against townspeople (including Samantha Barks) who believe a candle, and an angel's touch, offer a miracle every Christmas Eve.

The movie only got a 22 percent on Rotten Tomatoes (despite the fact it has a 74 percent audience rating), and a 6.3 out of 10 on IMDb.

​Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas (2013) — On Tubi

KC Bailey/Lionsgate

Tyler Perry continues to be a fan favorite, proven by the fact that even though A Madea Christmas got a 21 percent on RT and a 5.1 out of 10 on IMDb, its RT audience score is 70 percent!

The Christmas movie follows Madea (Tyler Perry) and her niece Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford) on a journey to surprise Eileen's daughter Lacey (Tika Sumpter). Turns out, the reason Lacey didn't come home is she eloped! But it's with a character played by Chad Michael Murray, so I'm more than willing to press play on this one.

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006) — On Disney+

Walt Disney Studios

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause was one of my favorite movies as a kid, and apparently the sentiment is not shared. This threequel follows Scott Calvin/Santa Claus (Tim Allen) goes toe-to-toe with Jack Frost (Martin Short) in a battle for the North Pole.

The movie only has a 17 percent RT rating and a 39 percent audience score, plus a 4.8 out of 10. Big yikes.

Deck the Halls (2006) — On Hulu

20th Century Fox/20th Century Studios

This horrible Christmas movie pairs up Matthew Broderick and Kristen Chenoweth three years after their stint in Disney's The Music Man, and follows Steve (Broderick) whose detailed, perfect Christmas is ruffled by Danny's (Danny DeVito) arrival in the neighborhood. One thing leads to another and suddenly Steve and Danny are in a battle to be the best-decorated house on the block. Oh, did I mention Kristin Davis costars?!

Deck the Halls has a startingly low rating of six percent on Rotten Tomatoes alongside its audience rating of 30 percent and a 5.1 out of 10 on IMDb.

A Law For Christmas (2023) — On Tubi

WesleyBros Productions

This new movie might have come just in time for the holidays last year, but viewers are wishing Santa had kept it for himself. The story (which stars Savannah Lathem and Chase Giacomo) follows a young politician who swaps the city for the country, and her job for her true calling.

It sounds romantic, but based on the 1.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb...it's not.

The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

CBS

I recently saw this special on air and, I'm sorry, I can totally see how some people consider this one of the worst Christmas movies. Aside from the fact it features OG Star Wars cast members like Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford, it just doesn't have the same magic as the movies we know and love.

The Star Wars Holiday Special follows Chewbacca and Han Solo as they journey to Kashyyyk (the Wookiee homeworld) for Life Day, and then have to entertain themselves when they're stopped by an Imperial blockade. Nothing says happy holidays like a 2.2 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 25 percent for both critics and audiences on RT. Unfortunately, it looks like this special isn't even available to stream.

Home Alone 3 (1997) — On Disney+

20th Century Fox/20th Century Studios

When are they gonna learn not to mess with originals?! Instead of picking up with Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), Home Alone 3 introduces us to Alex Pruitt (Alex D. Linz) who has to defend his home from a new set of crooks when he's home sick.

The film has a 35 percent RT score and 27 percent audience rating, which is a far cry from Home Alone's respective 66 and 80 percents! The movie does star a young Scarlett Johansson though, so that's a plus.

Unaccompanied Minors (2006) — On Paramount+

John Bramley/Warner Bros. Entertainment

Being an unaccompanied minor might be every kid's dream but turns out, the movie's a nightmare. The story follows five stranded young adults (Dyllan Christopher, Tyler James Williams, Gia Mantegna, Quinn Shephard, and Brett Kelly) who take the opportunity to run buck wild in an airport (which...is still low-key a dream of mine TBH). Unfortunately their airport official (Lewis Black) and his assistant (Wilmer Valderrama) are not amused.

This bad Christmas movie has a 30 percent on RT with an audience rating of 35 percent, and an IMDb score of 5.4 out of 10.

The Perfect Holiday (2007) — On Peacock

Yari Film Group

The Perfect Holiday? Not so perfect. The movie follows divorcée Nancy (Gabrielle Union), whose youngest daughter Emily (Khail Bryant) plots to put a smile back on her mom's face. When she asks a store Santa Benjamin (Morris Chestnut) to give Nancy a compliment, she beings a chain of events that might just bring some Christmas magic back into their lives.

Sadly the movie only got a 19 percent RT score and 52 percent audience rating alongside an IMDb rating of 4.8 out of 10.

The Nutcracker: The Untold Story (2010) — Rent On Amazon Prime

Freestyle Releasing

And we're rounding out the list with what might be the worst Christmas movie of all; somehow The Nutcracker: The Untold Story got a ZERO PERCENT RATING on Rotten Tomatoes! How is that even possible?!

The movie follows Mary (Elle Fanning), who receives a magical nutcracker from her Uncle Albert (Nathan Lane). When the nutcracker comes to life and transports Mary to a magical land on Christmas night, she has to stand off against the evil Rat King — and rescue the nutcracker when he's kidnapped.

Unfortunately, the inspiring plot did not inspire viewers considering it got a 28 percent RT audience score and 4.1 out of 10 on IMDb.

Do you think these are the worst Christmas movies ever? Let us know your pick on Facebook!

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These Are the Biggest Baby Name Trends of 2019

The biggest baby name trends of 2019 include names from new sources around the world and in nature, trends reflecting modern spirituality and nonbinary ideals, an F and a U, and a goodbye to a longtime favorite group. Here are Nameberry’s predictions for the 12 leading trends shaping baby names in 2019, along with name examples for each trend.

1. Biggest Big Picture Trend – Global Names: As the world gets smaller, the pool of names becomes larger, with new names from ever-more-diverse origins entering the global lexicon. At Nameberry we’ve added thousands of new names from around the world: Maori names and Xhosa names, ancient Greek names and South American Indian names, Korean names and Israeli names. With the appetite for meaningful and unique names expanding all the time, parents are looking for original choices with deep roots.

Example names: Acacius, Aroha, Cyrene, Jedda, Kiran, Lautaro, Lior, Niabi, Sena, Walken

2. Newest Gender Bend – Nonbinary Names: Parents who want to raise their children free of gender stereotypes are looking for names that are truly gender neutral. That means no names that end in son like Madison and no names that were originally boy or girl names that have migrated to the other side, such as Charlie. And if the names also embody a gender-free ideal such as Justice, all the better.

Example names: Briar, Campbell, Finley, Journey, Justice, Laken, Revel, Robin, Royal, Story

3. Hottest Direction in Baby Naming – East: Names related to Eastern religions and non-European mythology have taken over from biblical names and saints’ names as spiritual favorites. The mainstreaming of yoga, meditation, and non-traditional spiritualism underpins the trend, along with a search for meaning that transcends the name’s surface qualities such as style and sound.

Example names: Asherah, Bodhi, Kali, Lakshmi, Manu, Osiris, Raiden, Rama, Tanith, Zen

4. Coolest New Color Names – Muted Hues: All color names for babies are, well, colorful, but we’re beginning to see a shift in tone as vibrant shades like Scarlett and Ruby and Poppy are giving way to softer pastels. Grey/Gray is starting to replace Blue as a first and middle color name du jour, while popular Violet has been joined by other vintage pale purplish hues. Another prediction: More Crayola names for boys.

Example names: Ash, Fawn, Grey/Gray, Ivory, Lavender, Lilac, Mauve, Moss, Olive, Sage

5. Richest New Nature Names – Rare Gems: For a long time, the most popular jewel names have been those usually assigned to girls — Ruby, Pearl, Amber — all of which came into favor at the turn of the last century, along with flower and other nature names. But one of the most interesting new areas to be mined is the more unusual gem names which can be not only for girls but also for boys (or sometimes both).

Example names: Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Jasper, Jet, Onyx, Opal, Peridot, Sapphire, Topaz

6. Latest Vintage Trend – Old-School Nickname Names for Boys: We’re seeing charming vintage boy nickname names like Archie and Alfie and Freddie beginning to join their sisters Millie and Maisie and Josie, but more surprising to us is the nascent revival of early 20th-century faves like Johnny and Jimmy and Billy on birth certificates, names which once were confined to comic strips and old radio and TV shows. Even more startling is the reappearance of some generic/badass appellations now appealing to the hipster sensibilities of celebs and others.

Example names: Ace, Billy, Buddy, Buster, Hank, Ike, Jimmy, Johnny, Sonny, Spike

7. Most Fashionable Consonant – F: For a letter that had been sitting quietly in the shadows for decades, F has suddenly rocketed forward, particularly for boys, and particularly for boys’ names of Irish descent. And then there’s the whole Family Fran, which started to take off after the election to the papacy of Pope Francis and led to the revival of several surprising half-forgotten Fran names. Fashion-forward names starting with F include the following.

Example names: Faye, Felix, Fern, Finnian, Flora, Florian, Frances, Frankie, Frederick, Frost

8. Coolest Vowel – U: U finally gets its turn in the spotlight this year. As a first initial, U is the least-used letter of the alphabet, and it hasn’t featured in any major baby name trends in… forever. But now u — and its “oo” sound — features in many newly stylish names. Is it the influence of little Prince Louis? His unexpected name may have simply upshifted the trend to major.

Example names: Eulalie, Hugo, Jude, Juniper, Louise, Luca, Luna, Reuben, Tallulah, True

9. Trendiest Name Length – Three Letters: Four letters might be a marker of name popularity, a la Number 1 Emma and Liam, but minimalist three-letter names are the sleek, sweet names of the future.

Example names: Hal, Ida, Jem, Kit, Koa, Liv, Lux, Rex, Rio, Van

10. Wildest Middle Name Trend – Animalia: Parents who want to add a touch of fierceness or individuality to more conventional first name choices are turning to the animal kingdom for the wild vibe. As in many other trends, celebs have led the way, starting with Mariel Hemingway’s daughter Langley Fox back in 1989 to the number of more recent starbabies bearing Bear as their middle name.

Example names: Bear, Falcon, Fox, Hawk, Koala, Lion, Lynx, Otter, Tiger, Wolf

11. Trendiest Trend-Related Trend – Celebrity Surname-Names: Celebrities have influenced baby names since the days of Shirley Temple, and surname-names such as Morgan and Carter have been rising since the conservative 1980s. Now those two trends have combined into one megatrend: Celebrity surnames for baby girls and boys. Goodbye, Shirley; hello, Temple.

Example names: Beckham, Bowie, Ellington, Hendrix, Jolie, Ledger, Lennon, Lennox, Monroe, Wilder

12. Trend Ready to Jump the Shark – Em- Names: We predict that baby namers are about to become all Emmed-out when it comes to baby names in 2019. After all, we had Emily in the Top 25 for 35 years, at #1 for 12 of them. Then came Emma, in the Top 25 since 1998, and still reigning in first place. A number of dueling Em- names followed in their wake, and we predict that the consensus is about to be that enough Em is enough.

Example names: Ember, Emerson, Emery, Emilia, Emily, Emma, Emme, Emmeline, Emmett, Emmy

What baby name trend is your fave? Share it with us @BritandCo.

This post was previously published on Nameberry.

(Photos via Getty)

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Keiko Agena Revealed Which 'Gilmore Girls' Costars She Actually Keeps In Touch With

Gilmore Girls fans can all agree that, despite how much we love the show, Lane Kim (Keiko Agena) deserved WAY better. But Keiko admits that even though Lane's treatment on GG leaves a lot to be desired (starting with the fact that Lane is Korean American and Keiko is Japanese American), it was still a special role.

Keep reading to see which Gilmore Girls costars Keiko Agena talks to the most!

Keiko Agena has a complicated relationship with 'Gilmore Girls' character Lane Kim.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

“I think what [the role] was for people was different than what it was for me,” she tells Juliet Litman on an episode of the Dear Felicity rewatch podcast (via People). “In a weird way, I feel like I want to honor the experience that people had from the show, and what it meant to them, especially young Asian people, because I get that comment a lot, about what it was like for them to see someone like that on screen.”

And it's no surprise that as much as Gilmore Girls viewers love Lane, Keiko "[loves] her too. I can tell, when I meet someone who knows Gilmore Girls or who loves Lane, it's like, I recognize that love. I see that you love that person."

But it's possible to hold two conflicting emotions at the same time, and although Lane Kim was an incredibly special role at the time, there are some things Keiko would do differently today. “The best thing is to have a Korean American writer [and a] Korean American actor,” she says. “I don't think that that role, cast that way, would happen today. But at that time, in 2000, it was such a different time that I definitely know I wouldn't have said no or pulled myself out of that situation at that time...Now it's just a mix of just having gratitude for having gone through that experience and having that experience.”

Keiko Agena also keeps in touch with two very special 'Gilmore Girls' costars!

And one aspect of Gilmore Girls that Keiko Agena is thankful for is her relationship with the Gilmore Girls cast! And there are two costars in particular she frequently keeps in contact with: John Cabrera (who played Brian) and Sean Gunn (who starred as Kirk).

“There is this kind of lovely nostalgia for that time, and yet also we have years since then,” she says. “I [have] gone to both of their weddings. Our friendship is part Gilmore Girls and appreciation for that crazy time, and then part just like a million other things that are just like friends.”

I was totally surprised to learn she keeps in contact with John and Sean (supposedly) more regularly than Alexis Bledel, but it makes sense when you remember Keiko, John, and Sean are all around the same age — and Alexis is 7 years younger. Hopefully we get another Gilmore Girls reunion to see our favorite television BFF's reunite!

Watch Lauren Graham & Scott Patterson's Mini Gilmore Girls Reunion for more Stars Hollow love!

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Your Home Gym Will Be Your Favorite Place With These Affordable Upgrades

Turn your home gym into your favorite workout spot with these affordable upgrades that maximize functionality and motivation. This article highlights must-have equipment and accessories that can transform any space into a personalized fitness haven without breaking the bank. From versatile resistance bands and adjustable dumbbells to space-saving storage racks and cushioned workout mats, these upgrades are perfect for all fitness levels. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or enhancing your current setup, our curated list ensures you’ll find budget-friendly solutions to elevate your home workouts. Get ready to break a sweat and crush your fitness goals in a gym tailored just for you!

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Upgrade Your Strength Routine With These Adjustable Dumbbells That Go Up to 24 Pounds

Amazon

Lift smart with adjustable dumbbells, the ultimate space-saving solution for strength training. With a magnetic pin mechanism, you can seamlessly switch weights between three and 24 pounds per hand. The ergonomic rubber grip ensures a comfortable and secure hold, so you can focus on crushing your goals worry-free.

See it on Amazon

Add Variety to Your Workouts With This Essential Pilates Ring

Amazon

Target stubborn areas with this Pilates ring, your go-to tool for toning thighs, arms, hips, and more. Lightweight and portable, it even includes a carrying pouch, making it perfect for at-home or on-the-go workouts.

See it on Amazon

Support Your Workouts With Copper-Infused Compression Leggings

Amazon

Recover like a pro with these copper-infused compression leggings, designed to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and support muscle recovery. They're even antimicrobial to keep bacteria at bay, helping you jog back into your fitness routine with confidence and style.

See it on Amazon

Expand Your Strength Routine With a Resistance Band Set Complete With Handles

Amazon

Get a total-body workout with resistance bands featuring handles, the ultimate at-home fitness essential. Compact, versatile, and travel-friendly, these bands make strength training accessible and effective. Start your home gym journey with these bands and watch your progress soar.

See it on Amazon

Sculpt Your Core Anywhere With a Portable Ab Wheel

Amazon

Level up your core workouts with the portable and budget-friendly ab wheel, the go-to tool recommended by fitness pros. In just 10–15 minutes, this compact wheel delivers an intense ab burn. Whether you’re at home or sneaking in a quick office session, it’s your ultimate core-crushing companion.

See it on Amazon

Enjoy Yoga Anywhere With This Supportive Yoga Mat With a Carrying Strap

Amazon

Make floor workouts comfier with this thick yoga mat, offering extra cushioning and nonslip support. Whether you’re planking, stretching, or practicing Pilates, this mat provides the comfort you need, available in multiple colors and complete with a convenient carrying strap.

See it on Amazon

Bounce Into Fitness With This Trampoline That Isn't Just for Kids

Amazon

Bring the fun back to cardio with a mini trampoline, a low-impact workout tool that’s as entertaining as it is effective. Featuring guided workouts and an LCD monitor to track your progress, this trampoline will have you bouncing your way to better fitness.

See it on Amazon

Strengthen Your Core With This Wobble Board for Targeted Abs Workouts

Amazon

Challenge your core with the wobble board, the perfect accessory to enhance balance and stability. Whether you’re planking, squatting, or just trying to stay upright, this tool engages your muscles for a fun and functional workout.

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Soothe Your Muscles With an Air Compression Calf Massager

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Soothe tired legs with this calf massager, a portable device that provides air compression therapy for swelling and soreness. With adjustable intensity and a remote control, it’s like having a personal massage therapist on call, anytime, anywhere.

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Perfect Your Crunches With the Ultimate Neck and Back Support Tool

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Upgrade your ab routine with this versatile crunch assistant, designed to boost the effectiveness of crunches while doubling as a tool for push-ups and dips. Compact and easy to use, it’s a must-have for any core-focused workout.

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Hop on This Yoga Wheel

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Do you suffer from back pain? If so, this yoga wheel is exactly what the doctor ordered. It fits perfectly in between your shoulder blades to target muscle relief.

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Channel Your Inner Gymnast With These Durable Rings

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Channel your inner gymnast with gymnastics rings, which are ideal for building upper body strength and improving flexibility. While you might not make it to the Olympics, these rings deliver a full-body workout that’s both challenging and rewarding.

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Keep Your Phone Secure on Runs With This Cell Phone Armband

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Keep your essentials close with this handy armband, perfect for holding your phone, keys, and more during workouts or runs. Lightweight and secure, it’s a practical accessory that won’t hold you back.

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Boost Agility and Coordination With This Agility Ladder

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Boost speed and coordination with the agility ladder, a compact tool favored by athletes for improving footwork and balance. Easy to set up and portable, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to level up their training routine.

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Enhance Your Workouts With These Wearable Weights for Added Intensity

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Amp up leg day with adjustable ankle weights, perfect for adding resistance to exercises like leg lifts and glute kickbacks. With multiple weight options, these versatile weights help you intensify your workouts and achieve your fitness goals.

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Blow Off Steam With This Heavy-Duty Punching Bag

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Punch out stress with this punching bag, the ultimate way to combine fitness and therapy. Compact and perfect for apartments or small spaces, it helps you release tension while building strength and endurance. Punch your way to both physical and mental health.

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Stay Comfortable While Toning With These Mesh Sneakers

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Step up your footwear game with these slip-on sneakers, combining fashion and function. Featuring cushioned support, breathable mesh, and an easy slip-on design, they keep your feet comfortable while engaging leg muscles for better movement and style.

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Maximize Cardio With a Space-Saving Compact Exercise Bike

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Stay active anywhere with this mini exercise bike, perfect for pedaling under your desk or in front of the TV. With adjustable resistance, anti-slip pedals, and an LCD monitor, it’s a compact way to incorporate movement into your day without leaving your seat.

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Protect Floors and Joints With Puzzle Exercise Mats That Interlock Easily

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Transform your home gym with these puzzle exercise mats, providing a cushioned, nonslip surface for safer and more comfortable workouts. Easy to assemble and versatile, they protect your joints and flooring, making them a must-have for any home fitness space.

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Customize Your Strength Training With This Adjustable Fitness Bench Offering 16 Configurations

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Maximize your exercise options with this adjustable fitness bench, offering endless possibilities for targeting muscle groups. From step-ups to bench presses, this height-adjustable bench includes storage space, blending functionality with convenience.

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Build Strength With a Set of Adjustable Dumbbells for Versatility

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Get stronger with these adjustable dumbbells, the ultimate space-saving solution for a full-body workout. Whether you're building strength or toning muscle, these dumbbells adapt to your fitness needs, offering versatility and effectiveness in one compact package.

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Level Up Your Training With This Kettlebell in Various Weights

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Add a cardio and strength-training powerhouse to your routine with this vinyl-coated kettlebell, available in weights from five to 50 pounds. Its smooth handle ensures a secure grip, making it an excellent choice for building endurance and strength.

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Relieve Muscle Tension With a Foam Roller Featuring a Textured Surface

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Roll out muscle tightness with this affordable foam roller, your personal sports masseuse at home. With a high-density textured surface, it’s perfect for relieving tension, increasing circulation, and mimicking gym machine exercises to elevate your recovery and flexibility.

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Add a New Dimension to Your Training With These Egg Weights That Fit Perfectly in Your Palm

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Supercharge your workouts with these small egg weights, the perfect addition for resistance training. These half-pound palm-sized weights are ideal for boxing or adding a challenge to any fitness routine. Lightweight, portable, and easy to grip, these little eggs pack a powerful punch.

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Elevate Your Bodyweight Workouts With This Set of Parallel Bars

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Take your strength training to the next level with parallel bars, a compact solution for dips, pull-ups, and more. Crafted from heavy-duty carbon steel, these bars provide unmatched stability and durability, making them an essential addition to your home gym setup.

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Experience a Full-Body Workout With This Pilates Bar Kit Complete With Accessories

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Bring the Pilates studio home with this portable Pilates bar kit, featuring resistance bands and accessories for balance, coordination, and muscle toning. This space-saving kit fits neatly into a carry bag, making it perfect for both at-home and on-the-go workouts.

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Take Your Home Workouts to New Heights With a Suspension System Featuring Industrial-Strength Straps

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Challenge your entire body with a suspension training system equipped with industrial-strength straps for adjustable exercises. Target your upper and lower body with ease—just find a sturdy anchor point and get ready for a full-body workout experience.

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Enhance Core Strength With This Weighted Medicine Ball

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Enhance core strength with a weighted medicine ball, a versatile tool for building muscle and improving balance. Available in multiple weights, its textured rubber surface ensures a secure grip, making it a staple for dynamic and effective workouts.

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Step Into Fitness With a Step-Up Platform for Sustained Cardio

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Elevate your cardio game with a step-up platform, perfect for heart-pumping exercises and a dose of nostalgia. Featuring a slip-resistant surface and adjustable risers, it’s a customizable, ’80s-inspired fitness essential for any workout routine.

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Add Resistance to Any Routine With a Breathable Weighted Vest

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Push your limits with a weighted vest designed to evenly distribute weight for a safer, joint-friendly workout. Made from breathable neoprene, it’s comfortable and versatile, allowing you to increase intensity while staying cool and focused.

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Get Low-Impact Cardio With This Space-Efficient Rower

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Row your way to full-body fitness with an affordable rowing machine, offering a low-impact, high-reward workout. With a foldable design and an LCD screen to track your progress, it’s the ultimate cardio machine for any fitness level.

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Track Your Progress With the Advanced Apple Watch Health Metrics

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Stay on top of your fitness goals with the Series 8 Apple Watch, your ultimate wrist companion. Packed with features like temperature sensing, blood oxygen monitoring, and ECG tracking, it’s more than a watch—it’s a mini supercomputer dedicated to your health and performance.

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Increase Workout Intensity With a Set of Resistance Bands in 6 Tension Levels

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No room? No problem. These resistance bands are a space-saving powerhouse, perfect for a full-body workout without the need for heavy, bulky equipment. From squats to bicep curls, they adapt to your routine at home or on the go.

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Work Out Anywhere With These Dual-Sided Sliders for Any Surface

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Add intensity to your bodyweight exercises with sliders, the small but mighty upgrade your workouts need. Boost plank variations, enhance lunges, and challenge stability—all without weights. Lightweight and travel-friendly, these sliders are a home gym essential.

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Stay Light on Your Feet With an Adjustable Jump Rope

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Boost your cardio with an adjustable jump rope, designed for full-body engagement. Improve coordination, balance, and stamina with this compact, low-impact workout tool designed for small spaces. Whether you're into fitness or upping your game, this rope delivers.

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Anchor Your Workouts With This Simple Yet Effective Door Anchor for Resistance Bands

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Transform any doorway into a gym with a door anchor and resistance bands. This dynamic duo creates a cable-machine-like setup without the hefty price tag. Affordable, portable, and easy to use, this dynamic duo turns any space into your personal training zone.

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