Baby names are very much a sign of the times – and the most popular names of 2022 certainly prove that.
The top 100 baby boys’ and girls’ names of the year have been revealed, with homages to reality TV and our favourite Lionesses making the list.
Here are the trends that have influenced new parents this year.
Women’s football
As well as female footballer’s names climbing the list, including Leah (Williamson), Millie (Bright) and Chloe (Kelly), female pundits and presenters were also used as naming inspiration as Gabby (Logan), Alexandra (Alex Scott), Susan (Sue Smith) and Isobel (Izzy Christiansen) have all surged in popularity.
Sarah Redshaw, UK Managing Editor for BabyCentre, said: ‘After their incredible 2-1 win over Germany at Wembley Stadium in July, parents seem to have been inspired not only by the England women’s but the team of presenters too.
‘As the lionesses ended years of hurt for footy fans, parents made sure their names came home. It’s now over to the men to make the same kind of impact – no pressure.’
Love Island
Contestants from Love Island typically have an impact on baby name charts.
This year, runner up Luca (Bish) was one of the highest climbers this year, jumping 21 places into the top ten.
Following closely was 2021’s Toby (Aromolaran) which rose 20 places, and 2021 winners Millie (Court) and Liam (Reardon), along with Teddy (Soares), also moved up the list dramatically.
Maura (Higgins) saw registrations for the first time this year while fellow season 5 islander Ovie (Soko) was registered for the first time since finding fame in the 2019 Love Island season.
Sarah said: ‘It’s possible that the islanders’ continued fame on social media and more reality TV is causing this surge.
‘We now want to keep a watch on the names of 2022 winners Ekin-Su and Davide to see if they become more popular as they go on to bigger things.’
90s baby names
Looking back at the past as well, iconic names of the 90s are in again – so it’s not just in fashion and beauty that we’re turning to that era for ideas.
Top 90s names are seeing a resurgence with Thomas, Jack, Daniel, Matthew, Samuel, Charlotte and Emily all making a comeback in BabyCentre’s registrations.
Fans of classic 90s comedy Friends sent Matthew (Perry/LeBlanc), David (Schwimmer) and Lisa (Kudrow) soaring in popularity – and might continue to next year with Matthew Perry’s autobiography renewing interest.
Sarah said: ‘We wonder if parents are just excited to be dusting off their bucket hats or if 90s babies are now starting to have their own and giving into nostalgia when it comes to naming their little ones.’
Popular TV
Ninjango characters Kai, Jayden, Maya and Cole are now popular.
Much loved classic children’s character Thomas (the Tank Engine) went steaming up to number 19 and Ada, the leading character in Ada Twist, Scientist rose seven places to number 30.
Beyond this, they believe even shows like Derry Girls have affected the top 100 names.
A plus
No less than 12 girls’ names in the BabyCentre top 100 start and end in A – around one in eight baby girls’ names in the charts.
This is four more than last year, with newcomers Anaya, Aisha and Amira.
The most popular of the A plus names was Ava.
Here are the top ten baby name trend predictions for 2023.
Top 100 names for boys
Top 100 names for girls
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Source: Read Full Article