Hottest baby name trends of 2022

What happens in the world influences parents, which in turn influences baby names – so it's no surprise that current events, viral sensations, and hit shows flavored the choices parents made when naming their little ones this year. From characters in popular streaming series to celebrities making headlines, 2022 saw unique naming trends emerge. Names like Luna, Luca, and Maeve climbed the charts, while nature-inspired names such as Willow, River, and Sage reflected our collective desire for connection to the outdoors following pandemic restrictions. Gender-neutral options like Charlie, Riley, and Finley continued gaining popularity, and vintage names including Theodore, Atticus, and Florence made remarkable comebacks. As we examine these naming patterns, we get a fascinating glimpse into our cultural zeitgeist and the values parents hope to instill in the next generation.

Utopian baby names

Optimistic and Idealistic Names for the Next Generation

In 2022, parents increasingly gravitated toward optimistic and aspirational baby names that reflect hope for a brighter future. Names like Dream (climbing an impressive 116 spots in popularity) and Alora (meaning "dreamer" and rising 226 spots) have shown remarkable growth. This utopian naming trend extends to spiritually uplifting choices such as Miracle (up 70 spots), Heaven (up 114 spots), and Destiny (up 90 spots). Parents are also selecting names with powerful implications for their children's futures, with Legacy seeing a significant jump of 67 spots. These naming patterns suggest a collective yearning for positivity and promise in uncertain times, as parents bestow their newborns with names that embody their highest hopes and dreams.

This trend toward utopian-inspired names suggests a collective optimism despite challenging times. Names like Hope, Serenity, and Nova have seen significant rises in popularity, with meanings that evoke brighter tomorrows. For boys, names such as Prosper, Zen, and Phoenix represent resilience and renewal. Gender-neutral options including Eden, Peace, and Harmony are also gaining traction among forward-thinking parents who want their children's names to embody the better world they envision. This naming trend speaks volumes about parents' desires to instill optimism and idealism in the next generation.

Baby names inspired by nature and astronomy

Celestial and Earthly Elements Trending in Name Choices

2022 has firmly established nature-inspired naming as more than a passing trend, with parents increasingly drawn to names that evoke the natural world. Flora-inspired choices like Meadow (climbing an impressive 87 spots), Iris (up 24 spots), Juniper (rising 40 positions), and Ivy (gaining 11 spots) continue their upward trajectory. Bird-inspired names are soaring as well, with Wren making significant gains for both girls (up 99 spots) and boys (up 161 spots), while creative variations like Wrenly have skyrocketed more than 400 positions for girls. Beyond botanical and animal names, celestial options such as Luna, Nova, Orion, and Phoenix are capturing parents' imaginations, reflecting a desire to connect children to both the earth beneath our feet and the vast cosmos above.

In 2022, parents are increasingly drawn to names reflecting the beauty of our natural world and cosmic wonders. Celestial names like Luna, Nova, Stella, and Aurora have seen remarkable popularity, while earthy choices such as Willow, River, Sage, and Oak continue to rise in rankings. We've also noticed a growing trend of parents adding suffixes like "ly," "ley," "leigh," or "lyn" to nature-inspired names—creating unique variations such as Oakley, Oakleigh, Oaklyn, Riverley, and Skylyn. This combination of natural elements with distinctive endings allows parents to honor their connection to nature while giving their children names that stand out. Similarly, astronomy-inspired names like Orion, Phoenix, Celeste, and Leo reflect parents' desire to bestow their children with names that evoke both wonder and strength.

A significant trend in 2022 has been parents gravitating toward names inspired by natural landscapes and celestial bodies. We've observed a notable surge in geography-themed names, with River climbing an impressive 31 positions on both boys' and girls' lists, making it to the top 100 for boys while reaching position 102 for girls. Other nature-inspired names gaining popularity include Atlas, which rose 23 spots on the boys' ranking, and Legend, which advanced 27 positions. Celestial names like Luna, Nova, and Aurora continue their upward trajectory as parents seek connections to the cosmos. This trend reflects a growing desire to instill children with qualities associated with natural wonders and the vast universe—strength, beauty, uniqueness, and unlimited potential.

One of the most notable trends in 2022 has been the rise of celestial baby names drawing inspiration from the cosmos. Nova, meaning 'star,' has climbed an impressive nine spots in popularity rankings, while Aurora, referencing the breathtaking northern lights phenomenon, has surged ten positions to claim the 14th spot. These cosmic names join the already beloved Luna (meaning 'moon' in Spanish), which continues its ascent, rising two more spots to reach number 7. The night sky has further influenced naming patterns with Lyla, signifying 'night beauty,' jumping sixteen positions to number 95. Other nature-inspired names gaining traction include botanical choices like Willow, Ivy, and Sage, alongside elemental names such as River, Sky, and Ocean, reflecting parents' growing desire to connect their children with the natural world through meaningful nomenclature.

Parents in 2022 are increasingly drawn to names that evoke the beauty and wonder of the natural world, seeking a sense of peace and connection in uncertain times. Nature-inspired names like Willow, River, Sage, and Oak have seen significant rises in popularity, reflecting a desire to instill environmental values in the next generation. Similarly, celestial names are reaching for the stars, with Nova, Luna, Aurora, and Orion climbing the charts. Earth-centered names such as Clay, Stone, and Ember offer grounding energy, while flower names including Dahlia, Ivy, and Magnolia continue to bloom in popularity. This utopian naming trend represents parents' hopes for a more harmonious relationship between their children and the natural world.

Baby names drawn from Disney+ hits Encanto and Spider-Man

Popular Characters Influencing Naming Trends

Since the launch of Disney+ in 2019, the platform has dramatically influenced baby naming trends, particularly through blockbuster hits like Encanto and Spider-Man. Names like Mirabel, Bruno, and Isabella from Encanto have seen significant popularity spikes, with Bruno experiencing a 173% increase despite the catchy "We Don't Talk About Bruno" song. From the Marvel universe, variations of Peter, Miles, and even Gwen have climbed the charts, while supporting character names like MJ and Ned are also gaining traction. Parents are increasingly drawn to these culturally relevant names that carry both modern appeal and the magical qualities associated with beloved characters that their children can identify with throughout their lives.

Baby names drawn from Disney+ hitsEncantoandSpider-Man

Entertainment franchises continued to shape baby naming trends in 2022, with Disney+ hits making a particularly strong impact. Disney's animated film Encanto became a massive influence, with the protagonist's name Mirabel skyrocketing up 500 spots in popularity rankings. Other character names from the film followed this upward trend, including Isabela climbing 134 spots, Alma rising 85 positions, and Julieta moving up 93 spots. Perhaps most notably, the name Bruno, which had been declining since 2016, reversed its downward trajectory by jumping 50 spots - ironically proving that parents do, in fact, talk about Bruno despite the film's viral song suggesting otherwise. Marvel's Spider-Man franchise also influenced naming choices, with variants like Miles (after Miles Morales) and Peter seeing renewed interest among parents seeking names with both cultural relevance and character strength.

On the Marvel side of Disney+, the name Zendaya has made an impressive leap in popularity, jumping up 375 spots this year and breaking into the top 500. This surge coincides with the 2022's breakout star's increased visibility in Marvel's Spider-Man franchise. While the name has been gradually rising since Zendaya's career began in 2012, it experienced a dramatic spike following the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which generated extensive media coverage not only for the blockbuster film but also for Zendaya's real-life romance with co-star Tom Holland. The Spider-Man universe has influenced other rising names as well, including Parker (climbing 15 spots), May (up 126 spots), Maryjane (skyrocketing 1,294 positions), Michelle (up 47 spots), Ned (rising 532 spots), and Otto (increasing 65 spots). These character-inspired names reflect how popular entertainment continues to shape parents' naming choices in meaningful ways.

Baby names from The Wild West

Frontier-Inspired Names Making a Comeback

Western-inspired names continue to dominate the charts in 2022, receiving significant momentum from Yellowstone, America's most-watched cable TV series this year. The show's influence is undeniable, with character surnames like Dutton skyrocketing more than 1,800 positions since 2021. Other character names from the series including Kayce and Rip have also seen remarkable jumps of 500 and 300 spots respectively. Beyond Yellowstone-inspired choices, traditional frontier names like Wyatt, Maverick, and Weston for boys and Oakley, Prairie, and Sierra for girls are capturing parents' imagination. These rugged, independent-spirited names evoke the freedom and adventure of America's Wild West heritage, appealing to parents seeking names with both historical depth and contemporary appeal.

Parents are increasingly drawn to names that evoke the rugged individualism and adventurous spirit of the American frontier. Cowboy culture names have seen remarkable rises in popularity, with Stetson climbing an impressive 187 spots on the popularity charts. Other Wild West-inspired names gaining traction include Waylon (up 22 spots), Walker (up 59 spots), and the category's standout, Wyatt, which advanced four positions to secure the #16 spot among boys' names in 2022. Maverick, perhaps the quintessential cowboy moniker, jumped 12 spots in the rankings, benefiting from both the frontier naming trend and the cultural impact of Top Gun: Maverick, the long-awaited sequel to the beloved '80s classic. Other frontier-inspired names showing renewed interest include Weston, Nash, Colt, and Dakota, reflecting parents' desire for names that embody strength, independence, and a connection to American heritage.

Names inspired by Western states and cowboy culture are seeing a significant rise in 2022. Parents are increasingly drawn to names like Texas, Montana, Dakota, and Arizona for both boys and girls. These frontier-inspired names evoke a sense of adventure, wide-open spaces, and American heritage. Other Western-themed names gaining popularity include Wyatt, Maverick, Sierra, and Weston. The trend reflects a growing desire among parents to connect their children with the rugged individualism and pioneering spirit that characterizes America's Wild West history.

Baby names fit for "coastal grandmothers"

Classic and Timeless Names with Seaside Charm

The "coastal grandmother" aesthetic, a term popularized by TikTok influencer Lex Nicoleta in 2022, didn't just influence fashion and home decor—it made significant waves in baby naming trends as well. This style, reminiscent of wealthy, middle-aged women enjoying seaside living, brought numerous vintage names back into the spotlight. Erica, the character portrayed by Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give, saw an impressive jump of over 550 spots in popularity rankings. Similarly, the elegant Mae ascended 150 positions, capturing parents' imagination with its simple yet sophisticated appeal. Other names embodying this coastal grandmother aesthetic that gained renewed attention include Mabel, Hazel, Ada, Eloise, Lillian, Alice, Rosemary, and Adeline. These names share qualities of timeless elegance, subtle refinement, and the kind of enduring charm that evokes images of breezy beach houses, linen clothing, and classic literature—all hallmarks of the coastal grandmother lifestyle that captivated the cultural imagination throughout 2022.

The "coastal grandmother" aesthetic swept through TikTok and fashion trends in 2022, and it's now influencing baby naming choices. Parents are embracing names that evoke the relaxed elegance of seaside living and timeless sophistication. Names like Margaret, Dorothy, Frances, and Nancy for girls, and Walter, Howard, and Richard for boys are seeing renewed interest. These classic names carry the warmth and comfort associated with cozy beach houses, linen fabrics, and homemade meals shared with loved ones. The trend celebrates generational connections, with many parents choosing to honor their own grandmothers while embracing this serene, nautical-adjacent lifestyle aesthetic that values simplicity and understated elegance.

Baby names influenced by world-class tennis stars

Sporting Legends Shaping Naming Choices

Tennis champions emerged as powerful inspirations for baby naming trends in 2022, with several notable players seeing significant increases in popularity. Roger (as in Federer) and Serena (Williams) both climbed more than 100 positions in the rankings this year. The Williams family influence extended further, with Serena's sister Venus witnessing her name jump an impressive 247 spots, likely boosted by the Oscar-winning biographical film King Richard, which chronicled the family's remarkable journey in tennis. The next generation of tennis stars also made their mark on naming trends, with rising American player Coco (Gauff) seeing her name ascend 210 positions, while four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi (Osaka) continued to inspire parents with her name rising in the rankings as well. This trend reflects how sporting excellence and compelling personal narratives increasingly shape parents' naming decisions.

Baby names that start with X and Z

Unique First Letters Gaining Popularity

Names beginning with high-value Scrabble letters X and Z surged in popularity throughout 2022, creating a distinctive trend in baby naming. Parents increasingly embraced these distinctive initials for their rarity and modern feel. Notable climbers include Xena (jumping an impressive 132 spots in the rankings), Xyla (rising 113 positions), Zariah (ascending 113 spots), and Zahra (climbing 60 places). Other trending X and Z names gaining traction include Zion, Zara, Xavier, and Zoe, reflecting parents' growing desire for names that stand out while maintaining an appealing sound. This trend appears to represent a broader movement toward unique, distinctive naming choices that help children shine in an increasingly connected world.

Names beginning with X and Z have surged in popularity during 2022, reflecting parents' growing desire for distinctive choices. The letter X appears not only at the start but throughout trendy names: Jaxton climbed an impressive 94 spots in the rankings, while Onyx rose 66 positions. Similarly, Maddox continued its upward trend by advancing 31 spots. Z-starting names like Zara, Zion, and Zayn have also captured parents' attention, offering both exotic flair and contemporary appeal. These unconventional first letters provide children with names that stand out in classroom rosters while remaining pronounceable and stylish.

Parents seeking standout names are increasingly drawn to less common first letters, with X and Z emerging as trendy choices in 2022. Names like Xander, Xavier, and Xiomara have seen significant jumps in popularity, offering both distinctive sounds and eye-catching spellings. Similarly, Z-starting names including Zion, Zayn, Zara, and Zelda are climbing the charts as parents look for names that feel both modern and unique. This shift toward uncommon initials reflects a broader trend of families wanting their children's names to stand out in classroom roll calls and on future resumes. The appeal of these distinctive letters brings a touch of the extraordinary to baby naming, combining cultural influences with contemporary style.

Baby names impacted by celebrity drama

How Famous Controversies Affect Naming Trends

Pop culture moments and celebrity controversies significantly influence baby naming trends each year, with 2022 showing some particularly notable shifts. The infamous Oscar incident where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock created measurable ripples in naming preferences. After this widely publicized confrontation, several related names declined sharply in popularity: Smith plummeted 730 positions in the rankings, while Jada dropped 257 spots. Even Will, a name traditionally meaning "resolute guardian," fell 77 positions, and Chris decreased by 42 spots. This trend demonstrates how quickly parents distance themselves from names associated with public controversy, regardless of the names' historical popularity or traditional meanings.

The celebrity spotlight can dramatically influence baby naming patterns, as evident in 2022 with the highly publicized defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. The months-long media coverage had a measurable impact on naming choices. The name Amber experienced a significant decline, dropping 176 positions to reach its lowest popularity since the 1960s. Conversely, Johnny saw a modest increase, climbing 16 spots in the rankings. This trend highlights how public perception of celebrities can directly affect parents' naming decisions, with names associated with favorable public figures rising in popularity while those linked to controversial figures often experience decline.

Celebrity controversies significantly influence baby naming trends, as demonstrated by Elon Musk's name dropping more than 450 spots in popularity this year. Despite being attached to one of the world's wealthiest individuals, the name has fallen dramatically amid headlines about Twitter's tumultuous acquisition, mass employee firings, and corporate chaos. Similarly, names like Kanye have plummeted following controversial public statements, while Amber saw decreased popularity during highly publicized legal battles. Conversely, some celebrities experiencing positive media coverage have seen their names climb the charts, with Zendaya and Keanu showing notable increases. Parents increasingly consider not just the sound of a name but also its cultural associations, suggesting that 2023's naming trends will continue to reflect the public perception of high-profile personalities.

Celebrity influence on baby naming trends continues to be significant, with public controversies often leading to dramatic shifts in popularity. In 2022, we've seen this effect most notably with the name Kanye, which plummeted 3,410 spots in the rankings following the artist's highly publicized controversial statements. Similarly, names associated with celebrities involved in public disputes, such as Will and Amber, have experienced noticeable declines. Conversely, names connected to celebrities with positive public images, like Taylor and Zendaya, have maintained or increased their popularity. Parents increasingly consider not just the sound of a name but also the public perception of its famous bearers when making their choice.

Momcozy research has uncovered a fascinating connection between celebrity controversies and baby naming patterns in 2022. Names associated with high-profile scandals saw significant declines, with Will dropping 12% following the infamous Oscar slap incident, while Kanye plummeted by 21% amid the rapper's controversial statements. Conversely, names linked to celebrity redemption stories gained popularity, with Jennifer rising 14% during Jennifer Lopez's rekindled romance with Ben Affleck. The ongoing legal battles between former couples also influenced parents' choices, as names like Amber decreased by 16% during the highly publicized Depp-Heard trial. This trend highlights how modern parents are increasingly conscious of name associations and the potential impact of celebrity behavior on their children's identities. Some parents reported specifically avoiding names that carried negative media attention, preferring instead to choose names with positive cultural connotations or personal significance.