Names that Peaked in 2020
Across 7 pages
of 7
Kylan
Modern invented name
"Kyle's land; little Kyle"
A new-style name based on Kyle and a cousin of Dylan, in spelling if not sound or image. Currently in the US Top 600, it is given to more than 500 boys each year. While its invented status means it's…
Reina
Spanish, Yiddish or Japanese
"queen; pure; wise"
An appellation for the Virgin Mary, "Queen of the apostles." After three years off the US popularity charts, Reina rejoined the list in 2014, though it lags behind alternate spellings Raina, Rayna,…
Leyla
Spelling variation of Layla, Arabic
"night"
While Leyla is one of the rarer variations of Layla, only entering the US Top 1000 in the early 2000s, it holds a sweet spot in popularity now that we predict it will maintain into the future. But…
Andi
Diminutive of Andrea or Anderson, Greek or English from Scandinavian
"strong and manly, son of Anders"
Boyish nickname name that first heard in the Ricki/Terri era but finding new favor among parents who love names like Billie and Frankie, Scottie and Stevie. Sister spelling Andie has also been on the…
Zayd
Arabic
"increase, growth"
Zayd (or its most common variant Zaid), an old and still well used Arabic name, was a enslaved man whom Muhammad adopted as his son.
Violeta
Spanish; Bulgarian; Romanian; Serbian; Lithuanian; Albanian
"purple; violet (flower)"
Violeta is the variation of Violet found throughout various countries in Eastern Europe -- the name is styled this way in Bulgarian and Romanian as well as other languages -- and Spain, while…
Amias
Latin
"loved; friend"
Amias is a friendly and attractive sounding name, with a lovely meaning and knightly feel. Though it might sound like a Biblical name, similar as it is to Amos and Ozias, it is in fact a Latin name,…
Samir
Arabic
"a friend to talk with in the evening"
Samir has a pleasing sound and lovely meaning. One of those distinctive names that can also fit right in—and you could always call him Sam.
Keanu
Hawaiian
"the coolness, or the cool breeze"
An evocative name brought from Hawaii to the mainland by Keanu Reeves, who was born in Beirut to a part-Hawaiian, part-Chinese father. It moved into the Top 1000 for the first time in over a decade…
Aries
Latin
"a ram"
Better than Capricorn or Cancer, not as usable as Leo, the name of the Roman god of war becomes more possible as a baby name every day, as mythological names take the place of biblical names.
Chaim
Hebrew
"life"
A name that feels both lively and serious, Chaim was once more familiar as Hyman or Hymie. Now, the original form is on the rise, ranking in the Top 700 in the US, the Top 30 in Israel, and the Top…
Benicio
Spanish
"blessed"
Softer than Benedict, less popular than Benjamin, and bolder than Bennett, Puerto Rican actor Benicio Del Toro introduced this name to the American mainstream in the early 2000s, before which the…
Aliza
Hebrew
"joyful"
Aliza might seem like yet another variation of the eternal Alyssa/Alicia/Eliza loop, but it's a distinct name all its own. The z adds zip.
Idris
Welsh; Arabic
"ardent lord; studious, interpreter"
A name that crosses cultures, Idris was virtually unknown in the US before the emergence of the charismatic actor Idris Elba, first on The Wire and then for depicting Nelson Mandela. Since then, the…
Leilany
Variation of Leilani, Hawaiian
"heavenly flower"
Alternate spelling of Leilani, popular among Hispanic families.
Lennox
Scottish
"elm grove"
Lennox is one of the new breed of surname names on the rise as a Scottish name for girls as well as boys. The final x makes the name a bit masculine a la Max and Felix, but female inspirations…
Remy
French from Latin
"oarsman"
Remy is one of those rare names that combines ancient roots with modern sleekness. Boys outnumber girls with the classic Remy spelling, girls named Remi outnumber those named Remy. With either…
Ander
Basque form of Andrew and Andreas, Greek, "strong and manly"
"strong and manly"
This Basque form of the sturdy classic brings a fresh, cool edge to Andrew. It fits in with other trendy -er ending names while also still feeling classic and international. Derived om the Greek…
Huxley
English
"inhospitable place"
Huxley is definitely rising as a surname name, with its X that makes almost any name cooler. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015. The modern nicknames Hux and Huck certainly don't hurt. Last year,…
Ayan
Somali
"fortune"
The African name Ayan was first seen on the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014. It's both simple and distinctive, a winning combination.