Names that Peaked in 2012
- Blake
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fair-haired, dark"Description:
Blake -- an early unisex option -- dropped out of the Top 100 in 2017 for the first time since 1988, but remains a sophisticated choice. And yes, both conflicting meanings of Blake are accurate. It originated as a surname in England derived from a nickname. Much of its masculine image was influenced by the wealthy, silver-haired character Blake Carrington in the massively popular 80s TV series Dynasty. Rosie O'Donnell has a son named Blake.
- Kendall
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"valley of the river Kent"Description:
Originally an English surname, borrowed from the place name, Kendale, Kendall was given almost exclusively to boys until the 40s when it began to be used for a small number of girls each year. By the 80s, it was a gender-neutral choice, however, since the 1993 appearance of the character Kendall Hart in the soap opera All My Children, it has been leaning feminine.
- Alayna
Origin:
Spelling variation of Alana or ElenaMeaning:
"handsome, cheerful; bright shining light"Description:
Blending classic with contemporary elements, Alayna is considered a spin on the name Alana, which also draws inspiration from Elaine and Elena. An obscure choice until the 80s, it began to climb the charts after fencer Alayna Snell took part in the 1984 Olympics.
- Brynn
Origin:
Spelling variation of Bryn, WelshMeaning:
"hill"Description:
Brynn outshines the original Welsh Bryn in the popularity stakes. This simple, brisk name might be seen as a combination of Bree and Lynn, an androgynous-sounding choice that especially in this spelling is not truly unisex: Brynn, for boys, is not even in the Top 1000.
- Madilyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of MadelynDescription:
Madelyn is the most popular, phonetically-clear spelling of the lovely and stylish French name. Madilyn edges it toward Marilyn, though that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
- Alijah
Origin:
Spelling variation of Elijah, HebrewMeaning:
"Yahweh is God"Description:
Elijah is in the US Top 10 and is popular across New Zealand, The Netherlands, and The UK. Spelling variation Alijah however only appears in the US charts, where it has ranked in the Top 1000 since 2001. Given to 700 boys in a recent year, for every one baby Alijah, there are 16 Elijahs.
- Armani
Origin:
Italian surname derived from Herman or Arman, German or PersianMeaning:
"son of Ermanno; soldier; wish,hope"Description:
Armani is catching on along with other brand names, and this one is among the most gender-neutral — sitting in the Top 500 for both boys and girls. Its similarity to the likes of rising stars Amari, Arlo, and Amias, along with the more classic Arthur and Giovanni helps it feel more "name-y" than "brand-y".
- Camilo
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"young ceremonial attendant"Description:
The increasing popularity of Camila may have pushed this underrated Spanish name into the Top 1000 — though it remains far less popular than its feminine counterpart. A perfect familiar-but-rare choice.
- Kolton
Origin:
Spelling variation of ColtonDescription:
This inventive spelling is part cowboy and part Kardashian.
- Boston
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Unseen in the USA since 1901, Boston rocketed back into the Top 1000 in 2004 and, like other place-names such as Brooklyn, London and Paris, is now a reliable presence on the list.
- Azaria
Origin:
Spelling variation of AzariahMeaning:
"Yahweh has helped"Description:
A Biblical name with a modern feel, Azaria is a spelling variation of the Hebrew name, Azariah. Used as a masculine name in the Bible, this spelling is now more commonly used on girls.
- Yaretzi
Origin:
Nahuatl, AztecMeaning:
"you will always be loved"Description:
This unusual name from the Nahuatl or Aztec language has one of the best meanings around. It sprang onto the US popularity list in 2006 and made a brief appearance in the Top 300 before sliding down a bit. It's popular in Mexico and with US Americans of Latino or Hispanic heritage, hitting on two big girl name trends in those communities: Ya- beginnings and -i endings.
- Kinley
Origin:
Scottish surnameMeaning:
"fair hero"Description:
A Scottish surname name, more popular as the Presidential McKinley, meaning "son of the fair hero".
- Masen
Description:
Masen is a modern variant spelling of Mason, which originated as an English occupational surname meaning 'stoneworker' or 'builder.' This contemporary spelling has gained popularity in recent decades as part of the trend toward unique name variations. While Mason ranks highly on popularity charts in English-speaking countries, Masen offers a slightly more distinctive alternative while maintaining the same pronunciation. The name conveys strength and craftsmanship through its occupational roots. Masen has a crisp, masculine sound with its two clearly defined syllables. Its rise aligns with the popularity of other occupational names and surnames used as first names. Parents might choose Masen to honor family heritage or simply for its modern feel and subtle variation on a popular classic.
- Aliya
Origin:
Arabic, HebrewMeaning:
"heavens, highborn, exalted; to ascend, to rise"Description:
Simpler and less tied to the singer in this form, Aliya is a feminine form of the Arabic name Ali, meaning "lofty, sublime, high" or "exalted." Boosted to fame by the ill-fated singer, Aaliyah, and used across the Middle East, the US and the UK, Aliya is a powerful and pretty choice with a concise spelling.
- Temperance
Origin:
Virtue nameDescription:
Not too long ago, Temperance was found only on lists of Puritan baby names.
- Ayleen
Origin:
Variation of Aileen or AylaDescription:
The rise of Ayla seems to have revived this variation.
- Jionni
Description:
Jionni is a contemporary masculine name that has gained recognition primarily in the early 21st century. With Italian linguistic influences, it likely represents a creative variation of names like Giovanni (Italian for John) or Gianni. The name exudes a musical quality with its flowing vowel sounds and distinctive spelling. Jionni gained notable attention in American popular culture when reality television personality Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi chose it for her son in 2012, contributing to its increased recognition. Though still relatively uncommon, Jionni appeals to parents seeking a name with Italian flair but with a modern twist. The name carries a stylish, contemporary energy while maintaining loose connections to traditional naming patterns, embodying a balance between uniqueness and cultural resonance.
- Aleigha
Origin:
Variation of Aaliyah
- Jagger
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"carter"Description:
Jagger is a swaggering Rolling Stone of a name that's been picked up by a number of fellow celebs, including Lindsay Davenport and Brett Scallions--while Soleil Moon Frye pulled a gender switch when she bestowed it on her daughter. It's edgy with a touch of danger.
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