The Hottest Baby Name Trends of 2022 Include Gender Fluid and Nature-Inspired Appellations

Themes of strength, hope, resilience, and spirituality represent the more serious side of 2022’s naming trends while other parents are choosing more fun and fantastical appellations for their children. The pandemic has influenced how babies are named today with parents prizing escapism and adventure while also looking for names that feel stable and connected to larger communities.

New parents in 2022 are choosing baby names that offer hope following the turmoil of the last couple of years. This means that inspiring nature names and secular names are exploding in popularity. Further, new parents are becoming more educated about gender norms and have largely become attracted to unisex and gender-neutral names. In fact, one of the biggest shifts in baby naming trends over the past decade has been a move to unisex appellations for babies. Let’s explore the hottest baby name trends of 2022 to get a better understanding of what parents are attracted to today!

Spirited, Playful Baby Names

Let’s get real. The last couple of years have been so heavy and bogged down by terrible news. It should come as no surprise then that playful baby names that feel bright and light have become one of the biggest naming trends of 2022. Parents are forgoing serious appellations and leaving more established choices behind in favor of something with a sense of fun.

Examples of Playful Names That Are Trending in 2022

• Bear
• Birdie
• Lucky
• Cricket
• Dovie
• Lulu
• Ziggy

Adventurous Nature Names

As we mentioned, nature names have become one of the most popular baby name trends of the last decade. These appellations offer escapism and a sense of possibility. After being cooped up, new parents are all about names that celebrate our natural world. These names are the equivalent of a vacation! Parents have begun to explore more rugged options for some heft.

Examples of the Nature Names Trending in 2022

• Prarie
• Dune
• Woods
• Ocean
• Lotus
• Bay
• Zephyr

Regency Baby Names

While most parents are lightening up with their baby names, one 2022 trend is all about established options. The smash hit television series (and books) Bridgerton has parents exploring Regency Era baby names that sound stately and regal. These names were already on the rise after the first season of the show premiered but they have grown even more popular following the second!

Examples of Regency Era Baby Names

• Daphne
• Hyacinth
• Benedict
• Euphemia
• Rupert
• Cressida
• Rupert
• Eloise

A Huge Shift in Gender-Neutral Names for Baby Boys

As we mentioned, parents are embracing the concept of gender fluidity and nonbinary identities. This has resulted in a momentous shift in the way baby boys are being named today and one of the biggest trends of 2022. Classics like George, Philip, Paul, and Adam are being traded in for appellations that can grow with babies into who they become. While the examples below are trending toward baby boys today, these names are going to work well for any baby.

Examples of Growing Gender-Neutral Names in 2022

• Indigo
• Marlowe
• Wren
• Juniper
• Blair
• Sasha
• Scout

Soulful Names with a Connection to Spirituality

There is so much uncertainty in the world today and that is causing new parents to turn to names that reflect their hope for a brighter future. Hopeful names are one of the year’s biggest trends. These names might reference a concept or simply describe a future that parents want for their children.

Examples of Soulful and Hopeful Baby Names

• Brave
• Dream
• Psalm
• Promise
• Creed
• Revere
• True

Baby Names That End with S

Names that end in S are having a moment. One of the more subtle name trends of 2022 finds many appellations ending with S on birth certificates. Surnames (Wells, Banks, etc) are becoming increasingly popular as given names as well as vintage favorites to names inspired by mythology.

Examples of Trendy Names That End with S

• Atlas
• Banks
• Emrys
• Idris
• Jules
• Rivers
• Wells

Vintage Names with Nostalgic Appeal

Parents today are dusting off old favorites and going retro. These sunny, playful names bring back memories of simpler times. Vintage names offer so much charm and many are tracking to be more popular today than they once were decades ago.

Examples of Vintage Names That Are Trending Right Now

• Constance
• Etta
• Frank
• Goldie
• Gus
• Hank
• Nellie
• Ralph
• Susie

A New Generation of Musical Names

Who does not love music? New parents today are increasingly celebrating their passion for song with baby names that reflect a love for music. Established options as well as emerging possibilities both appeal to parents who are looking for names that strike balance and harmony.

RELATED: 25 Econames for Girls That Have Become This Decade’s Hottest Baby Name Trend

Examples of Musical Names That Are Currently Trending

• Allegra
• Anthem
• Coda
• Jazz
• Lyra
• Madrigal
• Sonnet

Names Beginning with R

Similar to the S-ending trend, names that begin with R have become increasingly attractive to parents this year. There’s no rhyme or reason with these R names other than many being short names with just a few letters to them. Many tick off more than one box from this list of baby name trends.

Examples of Popular Names That Start with R

• Rain
• Reed
• Revel
• Rio
• Rome
• Rumi
• Rune

Names with European Vibes

Chic baby names that are more popular in Europe than in the US today are being explored by new parents. Just because a name is established in another country does not mean that it will not be unique here. Scandinavian, Slavic, Gaelic, and Germanic names are all on the rise as parents look beyond more common names from Romance languages.

Examples of European Names That American Parents Are Turning To

• Astrid
• Bastian
• Cillian
• Cosmo
• Magnus
• Oona
• Petra
• Stellan
• Tova

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Final Thoughts

As you have seen, parents today are getting playful and stylish with their options. Instead of steadfast, evergreen names, they are turning to more soulful, spiritual, and adventurous options. Naming trends tend to hold for several years so expect many of the trends we outlined on this list to persist for some time.

If you liked learning about the baby name trends of 2022, keep reading. We’ve got even more great names to share with you. As we explained, nature names are a big deal right now and one of the most visible trends. Take a look at even more options inspired by the beauty of our natural world below!

Check Out These Peaceful Nature Names for Boys & Girls!

Nature Names for Boys – Botanical Options

• Rue– A gender-neutral option kicks this list off! Rue is the perfect unisex choice that works for boys thanks to it sounding close to Drew. Rue was treasured by the ancient Romans for its medicinal applications. However, the name means “regret.”
• Sage– Another beloved herb by the Romans, Sage is a special name meaning “wise.”
• Florian– A distinguished and established name, Florian has Latin roots that mean “flower.”
• Betony– A virtually unused name, Betony is also the name of a wildflower.
• Campion– Campion is a French name that means “champion.” However, campion wildflowers are beloved for their pink and red petals.

Nature Boy Names Continued – More Botanicals

• Basil– Basil comes from a Greek root meaning “kingly.” It’s why basilicas are called such. Basil is also the name of a beloved herb!
• Sorrel– An edible herb with reddish-purple flowers, sorrels have a scrumptious name. Sorrel is also a French name meaning “reddish.”
• Reed– The name Reed enjoys English origins and is associated with boys with red hair. Reeds, of course, are the grassy plant often found growing near marshes.
• Zahur– Zahur has Egyptian and Arabic roots and is one of a few nature boy names that means “flower.”
• Oleander– Not only is Oleander a mashup of wildly popular Oliver and Alexander, Oleander names a flowering shrub.

Nature Names for Boys – Trees

• Rowan– The Rowan tree gave us the Scottish name Rowan. In Ireland, the name means “redhead.”
• Ash– From the Hebrew name Asher, Ash also refers to the Ash tree.
• Ewan– Scottish Gaelic, Ewan, means “born of the yew tree.”
• Oren– A Hebrew name that means “laurel” and “pine tree.”
• Elon– Another Hebrew treasure, Elon means “oak tree.”

Nature Names for Boys – Stones, Minerals & Rocks

• Slate– An excellent alternative to Slade, if your are looking for one, Slate refers to the cool, smooth rock.
• Alabaster– Alabaster makes for an evocative name for boys as it describes a smooth, white stone. The name evolved from Egyptian al-abaste, which refers to the Egyptian God Bast.
• Jasper– Thankfully, Jasper has grown in popularity in recent years. This awesome Persian name means “bringer of treasure.” But, you will also find a variant of it in Hebrew, meaning “speckled stone.”
• Onyx– The smooth black stone you know and love has such a wonderful name! Onyx contains Greek elements which mean “claw.”
• Kito– Kito is a Swahili name for boys that means “precious jewel.”

Nature Names for Boys – Landscapes & Topographic Appellations

• Forest– A name you know and love, Forest makes for a remarkable name for boys.
• Glenn– A Scottish name that’s used for both boys and girls, Glenn means “wooded valley.”
• Hawthorn– A touch prickly, Hawthorn sounds rather buttoned-up but we urge you to consider it! Hawthorn, like Glenn, is a topographic name referring to a “hedge of hawthorn.”
• Heath– Heath is a handsome name for boys that refers to a “heathland dweller.”
• River– River has been a hot nature name since the 1990s. River simply refers to the flowing bodies of water.

Nature Names for Boys – Mythology

• Sylvan– Sylvan comes from the Roman forest god Sylvan. Thus, this Latin name means “woods.”
• Aries– An astrology, mythology, and animal name all in one, Aries has it all. The Roman God of with a name that translates to “ram.”
• Atlas– The Name of Greek Titan who held the entire earth. This name is great for travelers as well. The name means “to carry.”
• Lir– Pronounced exactly the same way as Lear, Lir is an Irish name for boys that belonged to the god of the sea.
• Pan– A Greek mythological figure of a figure who possessed the legs of a goat! The being was tied to nature and the name Pan means “shepherd.”

RELATED: 25 Mythological Baby Names For Your Legendary Baby

Nature Names for Boys – Animals

• Bear– Bear has been a hot name in the UK for years now and it’s finally come to the US. A little grizzly and a little teddy.
• Finch– Finch could make for a colorful choice. The name belongs to the bird but also has a history as an English name meaning “to swindle.”
• Fox– Sleek and a bit wild, Fox would be the perfect name for a boy with playful parents.
• Hawk– Sometimes spelled with an E as a surname, Hawk simply refers to the bird of prey.
• Wolf– Is Wolf too much of a name for a baby boy to shoulder? You get to decide! If it’s too literal, the German name Wolfgang means “wolf traveler.”

Nature Names for Boys – More Animals

• Wren– Wren is an English bird name that benefits from sounding exactly like the established name Rene.
• Robin– A unisex option, Robin refers to the bird, but it’s also an English diminutive form of Robert. In fact, it’s been a nickname for Robert for centuries. Thus, the name means “bright fame.”
• Buck– A touch rough around the edges, Buck may or may not appeal to you. We think it’s a strong name. It, of course, means “male deer.”
• Drake– Drake is a handsome one! This English name can mean “dragon” or “male duck.”
• Raoul– If you’re looking for a nature name with a touch of mystery, the French name Raoul might be the perfect option. It means “wolf-counsel” and sounds way better than its Germanic form: Ralph.

Now, Nature Names for Girls!

Nature Names for Girls – Botanical Beauties

• Liliosa– Liliosa is probably the best form of the name Lily. This  Spanish option offers distinction and warmth.
• Daisy– Daisy is an English flower name for the happy flower you know and love. It got its name because of the way it opens at dawn, “day’s eye.”
• Xochitl– A Nahuatl or Aztec floral name used in southern Mexico and pronounced so-chat-l, Xochitl means “flower.”
• Pema– A Tibetan girl’s name, Pema means “lotus flower.”
• Nasrin– Nasrin is a popular appellation in Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan today. It means “wild rose.” Are you in love?

More Nature Names for Girls – Fresh Botanicals

• Marigold– A vintage charmer, Marigold is an English flower name that refers to the gorgeous yellow flower. Unfortunately, this name has never appealed to many parents outside the UK.
• Lita– Lita is a shortened form of Rosalita, a Spanish name with Hebrew origins that means “garden.” This is one of our favorite nature names with the Rose- component.
• Kalina– Unless you have Polish heritage, you likely have never heard the Polish name, Kalina. It translates to “viburnum,” which is a flowering shrub.
• Jessamine– Jessamine is an ornate Persian name that simply means “jasmine.” It’s a great alternative to the many Jess- names out there.
• Irit– A Hebrew name you might not have encountered Irit before. This treasure refers to the “asphodel flower,” a perennial native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Nature Names for Girls – More Botanical But Less Flowery

• Briar– Briar is an English botanical name that (surprise, surprise!) means “briar patch.”
• Fern– Fern is one of those nature names that has faded through the years. We would love for this name, that means “bold voyager” to return to popularity.
• Lavender-An English plant and color name, Lavender deserves a place next to other nature names like Sage and Lilac.
• Rosemary– Rosemary refers to the herb, but also a standalone name that means “dew of the sea.” Coincidentally, rosemary plants enjoy that climate.
• Marjoram– Marjoram is likely something you have cooked with as it is a popular herb for home cooks. We hope this dusty gem gets shined up again soon.

More Nature Names! Yes, Girls Enjoy A Lot of Botanical Options!

• Posy– Posy is a quintessentially English name that means “a bunch of flowers.”
• Willow– Willow came into use as a given name far after the willow tree, whose name came from the Old English word welig, meaning “willow.”
• Hazel– Hazel is such a magical nature name for girls. It means “a hazelnut tree.” Who does not love hazelnut?
• Magnolia– Magnolia is a French name and surname that means “Magnol’s flower.” A touch ornate but if you love drama, this is the one!
• Keziah– An Old Testament name that means “cassia tree,” Keziah is one to watch. It’s been criminally underused and foresee it gaining steam in the coming years.

Nature Names for Girls – Gems, Minerals & More

• Amethyst– In ancient Greece, Amethyst was a popular name for girls. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for this gem and color name. Let’s change that, parents!
• Gemma– Gemma is a pretty Italian appellation and one of our favorite nature names. Gemma means “precious stone.”
• Amber– A warm and intoxicating name, Amber means “jewel,” in Arabic, the language it originated in.
• Pearl– Pearl comes from Latin and means, well, “pearl.” This classic is set to see a renaissance in the next couple of years. We can’t wait!
• Giada– Jade is a perfectly wonderful name and we urge you to pick it. You might not know, however, that Giada is the Italian form of the name.
  

More Gem Nature Names for Girls

• Diamante– If the name Diamond seems over the top to you, you may or may not like its Greek form, Diamante. We think it gives it even more romance.
• Coralie– Coralie is a French name that is currently more popular in Quebec! This name simply means “coral.”
• Opal– Another one of these gem nature names we wish would come back is Opal. Opal comes from Sanskrit and means “gem.”
• Beryl– Beryl is a Greek name for girls that means “sea-green jewel.” It’s currently hot in the UK.
• Garnet– Garnet offers you a two-for-one in that it’s a dark, red gemstone. However, Garnet means “pomegranate.” The stones were actually names for the fruit!

More Nature Names for Girls – Sparkly Things Continued

• Peridot– Peridot is the deep green birth gemstone for the month of August. The name of the stone comes from Arabic. This would be a distinguished choice!
• Ruby– To us, Ruby will always be a pleasant, spunky, and playful choice. We love it and encourage lovers of red to go for it!
• Citrine– Citrine is the birthstone for babies born in November. You would be wise to consider it as a name for your baby girl born in November.
• Esmeralda– A Spanish name that means “emerald,” Esmeralda is one of the most popular Spanish names for girls in the US today.
• Jewel– Some classic nature names are classic for a reason. Jewel is one such name that has been a top 1000 name for girls in the US for a century!

Animal Nature Names for Girls

• Dove– Love birds? Doves have long been considered a symbol of peace and good fortune. Why not use Dove as name?
• Paloma– Want a more subtle nod to the Dove? Paloma is a Spanish name that means “dove.” It’s one of our favorite Spanish nature names.
• Yara– Yara is a romantic, Arabic name that means “small butterfly.” This name is already red-hot and we imagine it’s only going to get hotter from here on it.
• Mariposa– Another name that means “butterfly,” Mariposa has Spanish origins and sounds so intriguing.
• Lark– A unisex bird name that works well for both boys and girls like Robin, Lark would be a fresh and bold choice today.

Nature Names for Girls – Look to the Sky

• Luna– Every new parent’s favorite, Luna, which is Latin and means “moon” is still good even though it is overused.
• Estelle– A French name that means “star,” Estelle is hot once more!
• Ayla– Ayla is a name with Turkish and Hebrew origins. It can mean “oak tree,” “halo,” and “moonlight.”
• Sky– A name that was virtually unheard of until the late 1990s, Sky is now a big contender and favored for baby girls.
• Aurora– One of the best nature names for girls, Aurora is a classic Latin name that means “dawn” and fills up with hope.

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Nature Names for Girls – Topographic & Landscape Names

• Meadow– We have The Sopranos to thank for this gentle nature name. Meadow is warm and welcoming.
• Marine– A popular name for girls in France, Marine has Latin origins and means “of the sea.”
• Sylvie– Another French option, Sylvie is another form of Sylvia, both names mean “from the woods.”
• Prairie– If you like names with a distinctive Western feel, Prairie would do the trick.
• Neve– Neve is a Latin name that means “snow” and it is widely used among Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese families. We love how cool and casual this one feels.

There you go! We hope you feel inspired by these nature names for girls and boys. We low-key want to take a hike now. We only scratched the surface of nature names as the possibilities are endless! If you are drawn to something of natural beauty, find a name with that meaning! Nature has always inspired names and there seems to be a name for every natural element on earth! Happy baby name hunting and congrats!