These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

While some names seem to never go out of style (hello, Michael and Elizabeth), others ebb and flow. (Just ask all the parents who named their daughters Khaleesi a few years back!)

So what names seem to be destined to rise up in 2022? Look to pop culture and popular trends for a little inspiration for your baby name. And then check out Name.org's predictions for the most popular monikers of the year, based on data from the Social Security Administration.

Binge-Worthy Baby Names

We all spent a lot of time catching up on some must-see TV over the pandemic, and those names will likely inspire many baby names in 2022.

Bridgerton brought a whole load of wearable vintage names that'll be on everyone's lists this year—our money's on Eloise, Daphne, Penelope, Colin, Simon, and Benedict as the standouts.

Theodore (AKA Ted) could be another popular option, given its use in two feel-good shows over the pandemic—Schitt's Creek and Ted Lasso. (And Stevie, also from Schitt's Creek, is on a big rise.)

Mare, an Irish take on Mary, comes to us from Mare of Easttown. The unique baby name means "drop of the sea."

Nature Baby Names

With people spending more time in the great outdoors lately—and growing concern for the environment—nature-themed baby names will be on the rise in 2022. Think offbeat botanical names like Lotus, Juniper, Dahlia, Azalea, Iris, Briar, or Magnolia. Other natural names that might gain popularity include Bear, Bee, Wren, Dove, Blaze, and Sunny.

And gem baby names will continue to gain relevance, beyond the popular Ruby. Some examples include Emerald, Onyx, Jasper, Opal, and Jade.

Wanderlust Baby Names

We may have tempered our traveling during the pandemic, but we haven't lost our passion for exploring the planet. And place names will definitely be trending—think names like Salem, Ocean, Prairie, Denver, Everest, Capri, River, and Aspen.

We're also borrowing intriguing names from around the globe, such as Scandinavian favorites Astrid and Stellan, the Japanese Kenji, and Hawaiian baby name Koa.

Unisex Baby Names

With gender fluidity coming to the forefront, thanks to celebrities like Demi Lovato, more parents are deliberately picking nonbinary names that can work for their child, no matter how they identify. That includes names like August, Avery, Finley, Rory, Blake, and Cameron.

Divine Baby Names

Names like Nevaeh and Angel have been on a downward turn, but that doesn't mean that all religious-themed monikers are out of vogue. Saint will be red hot for kids, and you'll start noticing other unique Christian-style names, like Halo, Bishop, Creed, Reign, Promise, and Serenity.

Mythological god and goddess names will be added to the mix as well. Freya, Persephone, Atlas, Apollo, Artemis, Juno, Gaia, and Adonis are all gaining attention.

Recycled Baby Names

Many names cycle back into popularity eventually—like Archie, thanks to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Other vintage names ready for the limelight again include Frankie, Aurelia, Mack, Gus, Clyde, Maeve, Penny, and Zelda.

Popular Baby Name Predictions for 2022

Names.org used data from the Social Security Administration, combined with user interest on their website, to predict the most popular baby names of 2022. Their round-up shows some interesting trends; for example, a mix of classic and modern names made the list, and some of them are multicultural (such as Luna and Isabella). These are the included names.

• Liam
• Olivia
• Noah
• Emma
• Charlotte
• Oliver
• Amelia
• Elijah
• William
• James
• Sophia
• Benjamin
• Ava
• Isabella
• Mia
• Henry
• Evelyn
• Lucas
• Alexander
• Luna