After two years of disruption and uncertainty, new parents of 2022 are looking at names that convey hope and light! Playful names with a healthy dose of fun!
Here are some of the hottest playful baby names we’re seeing so far in 2022.
Bear
Bee
Birdie
Buddy
Coco
Dovie
Gigi
Honey
Lucky
Lulu
Moxie
Ozzy
Pixie
Rocky
Sonny
Teddy
Trixie
Ziggy
Baby names for 2022 are also showing themes of nature, retro flair, spirituality and happiness. It’s clear that the pandemic has highlighted our need for distraction and adventure while also giving us a longing for better times, connection, optimism and stability. Parents of 2022 are looking for names with special meaning and positivity to say farewell to the upheaval of the past two years.
Nature Names
Our wanderlust is ramping up again, and with it, a whole host of nature-inspired names. These names can conjure up beautiful landscapes or dream travel destinations. Some are perfect for babies whose parents love to hike and revel in the beauty of the mountains, and others are just right for babies who may have sand in their shoes and love the peaceful lull of the ocean.
Bali
Bay
Capri
Coast
Dune
Forest
Horizon
Koa
Lotus
Meridian
Ocean
Palmer
Prairie
Reef
Ridge
Sequoia
Taiga
Woods
Retro Names
Retro names have been all the rage in recent years, but this year, we’re seeing some names specific to the 1950s. For mid-century loving parents, these names may be just the ticket.
Betty
Frank
Douglas
Sally
Louie
Polly
Mae
Warren
Patti
Jane
Ralph
Vincent
Spiritual Names
Names that derive from religion, mysticism or other forms of spiritualism are showing up in 2022’s baby books.
Alma
Kali
Shine
Praise
Promise
Creed
Jericho
Veda
Stately Names
Baby name trends often reflect the popular television shows and movies of the era. Netflix’s Bridgerton was such a hit that Nameberry predicted that names from Britain’s Regency era will soon become popular in the U.S.
Names like:
Eloise
Daphne
Benedict
Phoebe
Rupert
Francesca
Simon
Genevieve
Happy Names
Maybe in the most delightful trend of all, people are looking beyond the doom and gloom of the two-year global pandemic toward happier, healthier times. And, with this new spirit of optimism comes a whole host of baby names that either mean, or sound like, hope and happiness.
Asher: Is of Hebrew origin and means fortunate, blessed, happy one.
Cayo: Is of Spanish origin and means rejoice.
Fane: Means someone of a cheerful disposition and originates from the Middle Ages.
Felix: Is of Latin origin and means happy, fortunate.
Gale: Of Old English origin meaning cheerful or happy.
Isaac: Biblical name meaning laughter.
Zorion: Has Basque origins and means happy.
Naim: From the African meaning happy.
Allegra: Is of Italian origin and means joyous.
Naomi: Means pleasantness in Hebrew.
Nara: Of Celtic origin and means happy.
Ada: Is of German origin and means noble, happy.
Bliss: In English meaning joy, happy.
Edie: From the English name Edith meaning happy.
Joy: Meaning delight or great happiness.
Felicity: Latin origin meaning good fortune, happy.
Leta: Meaning joyful, glad in Latin.
Whatever the babies of 2022 are remembered for, they will be remembered for being children born out of gladness for better days ahead and alongside hope for a brighter future. We will see that many of their names reflect the feelings of their parents who lived through an unprecedented time.
