2022 Names Used NEARLY EQUAL for M and F
- Azariah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"helped by God"Description:
Though this is a popular name for men in the Bible, today it's used with this spelling for nearly equal numbers of girls and boys. The Azaria variation is much more often given to girls.
- Lakoda
Description:
Lakoda is a masculine name with Native American influences, though it appears to be a modern variation or adaptation rather than a traditional tribal name. It likely draws inspiration from 'Lakota,' one of the three major divisions of the Sioux tribe, whose name means 'allies' or 'friends.' The altered spelling with a 'd' gives the name a distinctive quality while maintaining its indigenous resonance. Lakoda has gained some popularity in recent decades among parents seeking names with a nature-oriented, spiritual quality. The name evokes images of the American plains, tribal wisdom, and connection to the earth. While not extensively used, Lakoda appeals to those drawn to names that honor Native American culture and carry connotations of strength, independence, and natural harmony.
- Noell
Description:
Noell is a masculine name with Latin roots, derived from 'natalis' meaning 'birth' and associated with Christmas. It's a variation of the more common Noel, with the double 'l' adding a distinctive touch. While Noel has been used for both genders, Noell leans more masculine in usage. The name carries a festive, joyful connotation due to its Christmas associations. Though not among the most popular names, it has maintained steady if minimal usage throughout the years, particularly in Christian families or for boys born during the Christmas season. The name combines religious significance with a sophisticated, somewhat uncommon sound.
- Camari
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Camari is a modern masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Italian word 'camara' meaning 'chamber' or 'room', or have connections to Arabic origins meaning 'moon'. Some see it as a creative variation of names like Cameron or Kamari.
- Eivor
Origin:
Swedish, NorwegianMeaning:
"careful island; island defender; good luck"Description:
Traditionally a feminine name in Scandinavian culture, where these days it's mostly considered a grandmother name. Americans may associate it with Eivor Varinsdottir, a character from Assassain's Creed. She is likely the inspiration for the parents who gave this name to twelve boys and eight girls in 2022.
- Johari
Origin:
Arabic and Swahili from PersianMeaning:
"jewel"Description:
An attractive and traditional unisex name perfect for a cross-cultural child. Despite the current popularity of names ending in -ari, Johari is surprisingly rare in the US, though recent years have seen it rise slightly. It comes from the Arabic jawhar via the Persian gohar meaning "jewels, gemstones" making it a sparkly choice, and a relation of Jawhara and Cevahir.
- Findley
Description:
Findley is a masculine name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Fionnlagh, which combines the elements 'fionn' meaning 'fair' or 'white' and 'laogh' meaning 'warrior' or 'hero.' Historically used as a surname, Findley has gradually transitioned into use as a first name. It offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Finley spelling. The name carries connotations of bravery, nobility, and Celtic heritage. While not among the most popular boys' names, Findley maintains steady usage, particularly in families with Scottish ancestry. Its appealing combination of traditional roots with a slightly unconventional spelling gives it a classic yet distinctive quality.
- Lakota
Origin:
Native American tribal nameMeaning:
"friend to us"Description:
The name of one of the branches of the Great Sioux Nation has a very namelike sound, but is not used as a name by the Lakota people themselves, and could be seen as appropriative.
- Mayan
Origin:
Variation of Maayan, HebrewMeaning:
"spring of water"Description:
Unless you're making an intentional homage to the Maya civilization, the traditional spelling Maayan will prove less confusing.
- Alexie
Description:
Alexie is a feminine name with Slavic and Greek roots, functioning as a diminutive form of Alexandra or Alexis. Derived from the Greek "alexein" meaning "to defend" or "to help," it carries connotations of protection and strength. Popular in Russia and other Eastern European countries, Alexie offers a softer, more distinctly feminine alternative to the increasingly unisex Alexis. The name has a lyrical quality with its ending "ie" sound, creating a gentle yet substantial impression. While never achieving mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Alexie has maintained steady usage, particularly since the 1980s. Literary associations include Russian author Alexie Tolstoy, adding cultural depth to this charming variation of a classic name.
- Brae
Origin:
Modern invented name, ScottishMeaning:
"slope of a hill"Description:
A newly hatched cousin of Bree and Brea, with a touch of Bailey and Brynn there too, Brae feels like a name that could catch on. However, a 'bray' is also the sound a donkey makes.
- Shy
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"reserved, timid"Description:
Not the most aspirational word names you could give to a child, although it does work as a nickname. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter Chicago is often called Chi, pronounced "shy."
- Kani
Description:
Kani is a versatile masculine name with multicultural origins, appearing in several language traditions. In Hawaiian, it means "sound" or "music," while in Japanese it can mean "crab" depending on the kanji used. The name also appears in Kurdish culture where it signifies "spring" or "source." This cross-cultural presence gives Kani remarkable versatility and global appeal. As a shorter name with an easy pronunciation, it travels well across language boundaries. While not among the most common names in Western countries, its simplicity, pleasant sound, and positive meanings have attracted more parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names. The natural meanings associated with the name (spring, source, sound) connect it to elemental qualities.
- Monaco
Origin:
Place nameDescription:
With its trendy -o ending and connotations of luxury, we think the name of one of the smallest and wealthiest countries in the world has rich baby name potential.
- Eh
Description:
Eh is an uncommon masculine name with origins that are difficult to trace definitively. It may have emerged as a phonetic representation of a verbal pause or interjection, particularly in cultures where this sound carries meaning. In some Southeast Asian contexts, similar sounds can function as names or nicknames. Eh could also represent a shortened form of longer names in various cultures. The name is extremely rare in Western countries, with very few documented uses as a formal given name. Its simplicity and brevity give it a distinctive quality, though this may also present challenges as it could be confused with an expression rather than a name. Due to its uncommon nature, Eh lacks established traditional associations or meanings beyond cultural-specific interpretations.
- Worthy
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"deserving"Description:
A word name occasionally used for boys over the decades, and more recently for girls too, Worthy joins the likes of Sage, Merit, Chosen, and Brave. While some may see it as encouraging entitlement, a more positive viewpoint is that it promotes self-esteem and the belief that every child has merit and value.
- Hudsyn
Description:
Hudsyn represents a modern, alternative spelling of Hudson, a masculine name originally derived from an English surname meaning 'son of Hugh' or 'Hugh's son.' This contemporary variant with the 'y' substituting for 'o' follows the trend of creative name spelling that gained popularity in the early 21st century. The original name Hudson has associations with the Hudson River in New York and carries a strong, geographic American quality. The Hudsyn spelling maintains the name's strong, masculine sound while giving it a distinctive edge. Though significantly less common than Hudson, Hudsyn appeals to parents seeking a familiar name with a unique twist. The name projects an image of rugged individuality combined with modern style.
- Morgen
Description:
Morgen is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from the word for 'morning.' It can be considered a variant of Morgan, which has Welsh roots meaning 'sea-born' or 'sea-circle.' In German, 'Morgen' directly translates to 'morning' or 'tomorrow,' giving the name a sense of new beginnings and hope. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has maintained steady usage in Germanic regions. The name carries a fresh, optimistic quality and offers a slightly distinctive alternative to the more widely used Morgan. Morgen has a contemporary feel while maintaining traditional roots, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that is recognizable but not overly popular.
- Gatlyn
Description:
Gatlyn is a modern masculine name that has emerged in popularity during the early 21st century. With Germanic roots possibly related to names like Gatlin or Gatland, it carries connotations of 'companion' or 'fellow traveler.' The name has a contemporary sound while maintaining a strong, masculine feel. Gatlyn has been increasingly chosen by parents looking for distinctive alternatives to more common names like Caitlin or Gatlin. Its unique spelling and sound make it stand out in classroom roll calls while still being relatively easy to pronounce. Though not traditionally common, Gatlyn has found a growing audience among parents in the United States seeking modern-sounding names with character.
- Jadyn
Description:
For girls, the most popular form of a very popular name. See also Jaidyn, Jaiden, and Jaden.
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