Names that Peaked in 2023
Across 21 pages
of 21
Jenesis
Variation of Genesis
Genesis, meet Jennifer. This spelling of Genesis — the first book in the Bible — is comfortably in the Top 1000.
Jrue
Modern invented, variation of Drew
This phonetic spelling of Drew feels particularly distanced from the original classic Andrew. Jrue, along with other phonetic "Jr" names such as Jream, is on the rise in the US — even cracking the…
Yael
Hebrew
"ibex"
A common unisex name in Israel, more properly written as Ya'el, Yael rose more than 200 places in 2023 to become one of the fastest-rising boys' names of the year in the US. Yael is among the -ael…
Nyomi
Variation of Naomi, Hebrew
"pleasantness"
This spelling of Naomi increases the chances you'll get the nye-O-mee pronunciation and feels reminiscent of Japanese Kiyomi. The name entered the Top 1000 in 2020 and has lingered around the latter…
Promise
English word name
"a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified"
Promise is one of those word names with an uplifting meaning that is making inroads as a girls' name , like sisters Dream and Serenity. How promising is Promise as a first name? Our try at cleverness…
Coleson
English
"Son of Nicholas"
A mostly undiscovered alternative to the ultra-popular Colton; just 80 baby boys were named Coleson in 2016. It's also a surname name in its own right.
Waylen
English, variation of Waylon
"land beside the road"
Country singer Waylon Jennings bestowed a kind of outlaw image on his name, and parents have been loving the suave cowboy name Waylon in recent years — enough to crack to Top 100 in 2021. Alternative…
Avyaan
Sanskrit
"beginning, lucky"
Fast-rising boy name thanks to Indian actress Dia Mirza when she used it for her son in 2021. Avyaan is related to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of beginnings and good luck. Avyaan entered the US and…
Jesiah
Hebrew
"Jehovah exists"
There is much disagreement about the origin, meaning, or even existence of this name. Some sources cite Jesiah as the name of several minor Biblical figures, others say it's a variation of Josiah,…
Zev
Hebrew
"wolf"
Zev is a short, simple, animal name that may relate to the Old Testament Ze'ev -- except he was a villainous character.
Ayah
Arabic
"sign, miracle"
Sweet and simple, Ayah is a beautiful Arabic name with the particularly lovely meaning of "miracle". In Islam, Ayah refers to signs of God's existence, and is also the name for a verse in the Qur'an.…
Kylen
Modern invented name
"Kyle's land; little Kyle"
This relatively new name appears to have been created by adding the trendy -en suffix to Kyle, or by tweaking the spelling of the more popular and slightly older Kylan. While its invented status…
Jireh
Hebrew
"to see; the Lord will provide"
Jireh is a spiritual name that has been rising significantly for both sexes in recent years, although still remains quite rare. Jehovah-Jireh was the location of the binding of Isaac, where Jehovah…
Eren
Turkish
"saint, holy person"
Eren ranks among the Top 50 boys' names in Turkey, among the Top 1000 in England and Wales, and is virtually unknown in the US. With a sound that's similar to Aaron or Erin, it may be mistaken for…
Izan
Basque variation of Ethan or Japanese
"strong, firm; reliable mountain"
Izan, pronounced with the same vowel sounds and emphasis as Ethan, ranks among the Top 20 boys' names in Spain, where it's been popular for two decades. The US is starting to catch onto this…
Jericho
Biblical place-name
A biblical place name with trumpeting verve and strength. Though rarely heard as a first name, Jericho has appeared in the titles of films, TV series, songs, bands, comics, and video games (Clive…
Boaz
Hebrew
"swiftness"
Now that such Old Testament patriarchs as Elijah and Moses fill the playground, Boaz seems downright baby-friendly, having more pizzazz than many of the others, perhaps as a successor to Noah. A name…
Ainara
Basque
"swallow (bird)"
A distinctive nature name and member of the trendy bird category, Ainara might make an unusual choice with a lovely secret (to English speakers, anyway) meaning. A Top 100 choice in Spain and in the…
Ezrah
Hebrew, variation of Ezra
"help"
Ezra (and Ezrah) is potentially an abbreviation for the Hebrew phrase Azaryahu, meaning "Yah helps." In the Bible, Ezra led a group of fifteen hundred Israelites out of slavery in Babylon and back to…
Shmuel
Variation of Samuel, Hebrew
"told by God"
Shmuel is a Modern Hebrew variation of Samuel used almost exclusively by Orthodox Jewish families. Very popular in Israel, Shmuel also appeared on the US Top 1000 list in 2017, 2022, and 2023 and is…