Names that’ll sparkle in 2022
Happy New Year’s Eve Eve! As 2022 is vastly approaching, all we can think about is all the new names that will spark brighter than a firework on New Year’s Eve. We compiled a large list of contenders we think will leave a mark in 2022. From the already trending to the rarest of them all; within all of today’s top trends, we included all the favorites.
The Cup Overflows
There were several names that became the talk of the town over the past year and next year we expect to see the popularity cup overflow. Surprisingly, some of these names are unranked on the Social Security Administration list but they captured the internet by storm as some of the most talked about names of they year.
August was the breakthrough name of the year. Just like April was the breakthrough name of 1940, August is the sought out name for the next wave of gen z kids. August is perfect for an august baby but this name wears well in any month of the year. August gained vast popularity, landing a spot in the top 1,000 for both genders this year.
August also became THE celebrity name. August ‘Gus” Harrison and August Philip Hawke both made an introduction into the world in 2021. This name is deeply routed in history and has a very optimistically approachable feel. Name variation Augustus is also expected to gained momentum after the arrival of Hollywood born Augustus Benedict.
Another celebrity favorite this year was Poppy. Two Tik Tok stars names their baby girls Poppy. Poppy James and Poppy Wren, respectfully. Poppy has an upbeat, spunky and kind of quirky vibe that makes for a beautiful way to honor your grandfather or the military men in your life.
Silas was one name I absolutely fell in love with and I think many others will agree. While this name is already popular (#100) this name is expected to skyrocket from here. Silas is one of the top trending names on every social media platform becoming the perfect name for biblical and nature lovers a like.
Namers have been watching the leader boards like hawks this year and while we don’t think hawk will be the next big thing there are some bird names that will be. Mavis is expected to fly high next year. Mavis is very similar to ever so trending Maeve but has a more vintage vibe parents are drawn too. While it may not top the charts anytime soon, Mavis is one name I expect to stick around. Wren, Piper and Dove are also bird worthy choices we’d love to see more of.
Dove especially, thanks impart to Katy Perry’s daughter Daisy Dove Bloom. Dove is peaceful and pure. Everything you’d want for your darling daughter. Speaking of Daisy, we think this name will increase in popularity too. Actress Jill Roberta named her daughter Daisy Roberta in August of 2021 and country singer Raelynn also named her daughter Daisy Rae back in September.
Entertainment Influence
Birth
There were quite a few more star studded birth announcements making national headlines in 2021. Celebrities are known for choosing head-turning names and they did not disappoint. Name aficionados took notice as the birth announcements rolled in one by one.
The year started off strong when Chelsea Houska announced the birth of her daughter Walker June in January. Her name choice stirred up some controversy considering Walker is typically masculine. Regardless of gender, I think Walker is going to increase in popularity; especially after country singer Walker Hayes released this years summer anthem, “Fancy Like”. Due to his success we suspect to see Hayes around a lot more too.
Another royal was added to the family - Lilibet Diana. Lilibet’s name was in honor of Queen Elizabeth as it was the nickname chosen by her late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Lilibet is one of the rarest forms of Elizabeth used in history but I don’t think it will be a rare find anymore. On April 9, Prince Philip passed away at the age of 99. I suspect his name will gain a bit of traction as well.
Ottillie Rue made her appearance into the world in August 2021. Doesn’t her name just make you smile?! Ott- names have highly favored as well, including, Ottilia, Ottoline and Otto.
Passing
Disney legend and animation pioneer Ruthie Thompson passed away on October 10th at the impressive age of 111 years old. Ruthie worked for the Walt Disney World company for 40 years prior to her retirement. Ruthie worked as an inker and painter for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She also played an important role in the making of Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, The Aristocrats, Robin Hood, Winnie the Pooh, Popeye the Sailor and The Lord of the Rings. With a world full of Disney fans, Ruthie and Ruth may be a contender.
American actor and favorited Friends castmate, James Michael Tyler passed away on October 24th. He played the beloved role of Gunther on the 90’s hit show Friends. I’ve noticed a few Friends names be considered since the shows revival and I think Gunther would be honored to have his character’s namesake live on.
Dear Winter, we’ll miss you so. Winter the Dolphin played a vital role at the Clearwater Florida Aquarium bringing joy to all who came to meet her and learn about her story of tragedy and triumph. She became a movie star as her legacy was shared across the globe. Winter is one of those names that are popular but not everyone realizes it is. Now given her passing, I see it jumping into the top 200.
Pop Culture
One female pop singers continually dominated the music industry with their catchy lyrics and captivating stage presence. Olivia Rodrigo was this years break trough artist. There was no escaping her music in 2021.
Olivia is number one baby name for the second year in a row. You can’t get any more popular than that, but Rodrigo can. With surnames turning to first names, Rodrigo fits the spot.
Today’s Biggest Trends
Vintage Revival
Vintage revivals are here to stay. Some are even more popular today then they were 100 years ago, including August. The biggest trend of vintage revivals was the subcategory “minimalist nicknames”. That’s right, full names are out and short, sweet nicknames are in. We’ve seen this trend increase over the past few years with the names Margo and Jack. Now 2022 is expected to see it’s own wave of options. Particularly Hank, Kit, Millie and Teddy.
Henry has been a front runner and top 10 contender but I think Hank is the next big thing (alongside Italian cousin Enzo).
Christopher is out and Kit is in. Kit is a gender neutral option that carries a sweet deposition.
Amelia and Millicent were both praiseworthy names on the girls side but I think it’s time to skip the formally and go straight to the point. If you’re going to call her Millie, then just name her Millie. I promise the association of Stranger Things has come and gone.
Cuddly little Teddy bear is here to stay as we’ve seen an increase in endearment terms. Yes, Teddy is adorable I agree but for a “meet in the middle” option I highly favor Theo.
‘B’ and ‘E’ Reign Supreme
in 2021, names beginning with ‘A’ and “J” came out on top as they typically do. A long list of names starting with these initials landed a spot in the top 100, giving us a run for our money.
In 2022, I see two new letters taking the lead. I’m looking at you ‘B’ and E’. Names beginning with these two letters suspected to reign supreme. Let’s start with ‘B’ shall we. As political influences go I don’t see anyone naming their children Joe or Donald at this point, but Brandon I can definitely see making a comeback.
As some parts of the world is still staying safe at home there has been an increase amount of people binge watching their favorite shows. In particular, Bridgerton was the show of the season. It has an old-timey feel that Downton Abbey brought us with a darling elegance in their naming style. It’s highly probable to say these character names are going to be worn by a lot of kindergarteners five years from now. We’ll see classrooms full of Daphne’s and Benedict’s but one name that could be consider a subtle nod to the show is Briggs. While this name isn’t mentioned in the show at all, this name does mean “Bridge”. It’s like the perfect “Easter Egg” name. Eloise is another name from Bridgerton that is expected to be on the rise.
‘E’ names are expected to make an extraordinary comeback this year. Besides Eloise and Enzo, we’re keeping our eye on gender bender Emrys (and their partner in crime Ambrose) and my top nature name Evergreen. Ever so amazing in every way!
Celestial
One of the most requested themes this year was Celestial Names. From Jupiter Iris to Sylvester Apollo, celebrities all hopped on the trend and your going to want to follow suit. Astrid is the most popular celestial name to date but I think Cosmo and Mars are the ones to watch. You may be wondering, why these two names specifically?
In 2021, Scarlett Johansson named her baby boy Cosmo. Mighty Mars has a lot of versatility in it. Mars can work as a nickname for Margaret, Marshall or Damaris. Mars even shines as an honor name for the Marcus or Mark in your life.
In The Feels
These past few years have been an emotional rollercoaster that doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Parents have reflected their emotions within their naming styles opting for spiritual and uplifting names like Stellan, Blythe, Merritt and Caius. On the other side of the spectrum parents have been leaning towards names like Havoc and Danger. For this reason we believe the name Ryatt will be seen on more and more birth certificates real soon. An equal blend of Ryan meets Wyatt makes this name feel usable but with the pronunciation of “Riot” we aren’t so sure. We’ll let you be the judge.
Scroll down for the full list of names we predict will spark in 2022. What names do you predict will be the next big thing?
