Your baby is on the way and its sequins at the ready!

Strictly Come Dancing has been waltzing into our Saturday evenings since 2004 and it's popularity shows no sign of slowing. If you're still deliberating on your baby's name, swing, spin and step your way to our Strictly inspired names, perfect for your little foxtrotter - it's a 10 from us!

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Anton

Hailing from the Roman name Antonius, Anton is a variant of Anthony. Meaning: worthy of admiration and praise.

Part of the Strictly furniture since the very first series, Anton certainly is worthy of admiration. As Strictly's resident funny-man and King of Ballroom, he's partnered with the likes of Patsy Palmer, Jerry Hall, Judy Murray and Anne Widdecombe during his 17-year stint on the show. 

Kevin

Derived from the Celtic name Caemgen, Kevin means 'fair and gentle'.

Kevin Clifton has been entertaining the nation on Strictly since 2013, reaching the final five times in seven years. His hard work paid off in 2018, when he finally took home the Glitterball trophy with partner Stacey Dooley. Part of a dancing dynasty, his parents are former World Champions and have passed their knowledge to Kevin and his champion sister Joanne.

Giovanni

The Italian variant of John. John originates in Hebrew and means 'God is merciful'. Other spellings include Giovani and Giovanny.

Spooky Giovanni Pernice has topped the leaderboard every Halloween week since he joined the cast. Born in Sicily and taught by some of the best teachers in the world, his favourite dance style is the jive as he likes its cheekiness! Competitive Giovanni has ‘Nato Per Vincere’ meaning ‘Born To Win’ tattooed on his arm.

James

James originates in Hebrew language and means 'following after'. It's the English form of the Latin name Lacomus.

Popular professional dancer James Jordan left the Strictly crew in 2013, having been on the show for eight years. He started dancing aged 13 and partnered with his wife Ola, a fellow strictly alumni, in 2000. Multi-talented James skated to victory on ITV show Dancing on Ice in 2019, winning with Finnish skater Alexandra Schauman. 

Pascha

A diminutive of Pavel, itself a Russian and Czech form of Paul. The name Paul is derived from the Latin name Paulus which means 'little, humble'.

In 2011, Pascha Kovalev moved to the UK and joined the Strictly dancers. His final year on the show was a productive, partnering Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts. Together they earned the record for the most perfect scores of any couple, with a total of five. They also have the highest average for any celebrity partnership on the show, with an average score of 36.9. After eight incredible years on the show, Pascha moved on to new challenges after the 2018 season wrapped. Pascha married former celebrity partner Rachel Riley in 2019 and the pair welcomed their first child in December 2019.

AJ (Alex Joseph)

Alex is a short form of Alexander and originated in Greek language. Meaning: 'protector of humanity'

Alex Joseph Pritchard is more commonly known as AJ. He was just 21 when he joined Strictly in 2016, having danced competitively since he was just 12-years-old. Thought AJ is yet to lift the Glitterball trophy, he's a firm fan favourite, regularly receiving praise for his innovative choreography.

Erin

Meaning 'Peace', Erin is also the poetic name for Ireland. Alternative spellings include Erynn or Eryn.

From 2004 to 2012, Erin Boag competed as one of the show's professional partners. During her time entertaining the audience she Cha Cha Cha'd with Austin Healey, Jived with Julian Clary and Tangoed with Ricky Groves. Her professional partner is fellow Strictly dancer Anton Du Beke, who is also godfather to her son Ewan.

Amy

Amy originates in Old French and means 'beloved'

Amy Dowden is one of Strictly's newest recruits, beginning her Elstree ballroom journey in 2017. in 2018, perfectionist Amy led partner Danny John-Jules to the first 10 of the series for their lively jive. Amy remains one of the highest-ranking Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers in the UK.

Nancy

Nancy is derived from the Hebrew name Anna, which means 'filled with grace'.

Newcomer Nancy is a specialist in Latin and was a finalist in the under 21 World Championships in 2010. Though she hasn't been partnered with a celebrity this year, she's been putting her moves in on the dance floor in the dazzling pro group routines.

Dianne

Dianne is a variant of Diana and originates in Latin and means 'divine woman'. Alternative spellings including Diane and Diann.

No stranger to television competitions, firecracker Dianne starred on So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars in her native, Australia. She came to the UK to join Strictly in 2017, reaching the Grand Final with partner Joe Sugg last year. Popular Dianne has now added YouTuber to her list of talents, being crowned the UK's most subscribed new YouTuber of 2019 last December.

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While your baby sharing their moniker with a dancer doesn't guarantee them shimmy stardom in years to come, it's a lovely reminder of the fruits of hard-work and dancing dedication.

Did you know that your baby's waltz in the womb is a sign of their wellbeing? 

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