Names That Peaked in 2022

  1. Yehuda
    • Origin:

      Variation of Yehudah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "to praise"
    • Description:

      This modernized version of Yehudah is the source of on popular choice Judah and is traditionally given to boys born at Chanukah — a Jewish festival of lights and rededication which is celebrated in the winter. Yehuda first appeared on the US Top 1000 in 200 and, as of 2023, it has ranked consistently since 2014. The Yehudah spelling has never ranked, while Judah is used six times more often than Yehuda.
  2. Kaysen
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Cason
    • Description:

      Trendy Cason is becoming popular enough to have a variety of offshoot spellings in the Top 1000.
  3. Brynleigh
    • Origin:

      Variation of Brinley or combination of Bryn and Leigh
    • Meaning:

      "burned clearing; hill + meadow"
    • Description:

      A combination name and an English surname, Brynleigh has trendy sounds and two possible nature meanings. Less popular than its counterparts, Brinley and Brynlee, it is nevertheless still in the US Top 1000.
  4. Araya
    • Origin:

      Thai or Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Araya, one of the fastest-rising names in 2023, is one of those names that seems to have a different derivation and meaning on every website. The one we consider most reliable is that it's a variation of the very popular Arya, which means noble.
  5. Leilany
    • Origin:

      Variation of Leilani, Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "heavenly flower"
    • Description:

      Alternate spelling of Leilani, popular among Hispanic families.
  6. Shmuel
    • Origin:

      Variation of Samuel, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "told by God"
    • Description:

      Shmuel is a Modern Hebrew variation of Samuel used almost exclusively by Orthodox Jewish families. Very popular in Israel, Shmuel also appeared on the US Top 1000 list in 2017, 2022, and 2023 and is given to around 240 boys each year.
  7. Ezequiel
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese form of Ezekiel, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God strengthens"
    • Description:

      Ezekiel and Ezequiel have both featured in the US Top 1000 since the 1980s , though it has been since the 2010s that they've become favorites. Joining Biblical or international style choices such as Gabriel and Raphael, Ezekiel is in the Top 100, while this Spanish and Portuguese variation sits comfortably in the Top 400.
  8. Tru
    • Origin:

      Variation of True, English word name
    • Meaning:

      "true"
    • Description:

      Short and sweet but edgy too, Tru is fresh feeling virtue name that's currently in the US Top 1000 for boys and girls. Given to around 270 girls in 2023, the longer form True also on the rise. Rarely used before the 2000s, Tru caught on in 2004 when it was used for the heroine in the television series, "Tru Calling".
  9. Ivaan
    • Origin:

      Variation of Ivan, Russian form of John, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      This variation of Ivan, itself a form of John, entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2022. Double As are trending across the states, such as Saanvi and Aarush, and Ivaan is running right along with them — all the way into the Top 1000 in 2022.
  10. Adalee
    • Origin:

      Combination of Ada and Lee
    • Description:

      Adalee's rise is thanks to the current fashion for all names ada-related. It does have a sweet melodic charm.
  11. Amayah
    • Origin:

      Variation of Amaya or Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "mother city; the end; night rain"
    • Description:

      Amayah debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016 and was one of the fastest-rising girl names in 2023. Amaya and Amaia are also popular.
  12. Kartier
    • Origin:

      Variation of Cartier, French
    • Meaning:

      "transporter of good by cart"
    • Description:

      Kartier is on the rise for boys, along with a host of other luxury fashion related baby names.
  13. Kooper
    • Origin:

      English, variation of Cooper
    • Meaning:

      "barrel maker"
    • Description:

      This spelling of the popular surname ranks just inside the Top 1000.