2022 Names Used EQUALLY for M and F

  1. Mercury
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "Roman messenger god"
    • Description:

      Adventurous parents are starting to look back to names of ancient gods like Mercury, Zeus, and Apollo. This one is also a planet and a metallic element, and has a friendly nickname, Merc. The Roman god Mercury, which derives from the Latin words for trade or wages, is the patron of tradesmen and travelers and the fastest-moving planet in the solar system. Mercury is the planet associated with the sign of Virgo, so this is one of the prime names for Virgo babies.
  2. Vinnie
    • Description:

      Vinnie is primarily a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Vincent, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. The name derives from the Latin 'Vincentius,' meaning 'conquering.' Vinnie offers a friendly, approachable alternative to the more formal Vincent, with a casual charm that has remained consistently appealing. The name gained particular popularity in Italian-American communities and saw broader usage in the early to mid-20th century. While not typically among the top-ranking names, Vinnie maintains steady usage, often associated with its warm, unpretentious character. The name conjures images of a friendly, down-to-earth individual and is recognized across various English-speaking countries.

  3. Daryn
    • Description:

      Daryn is a modern masculine name with multiple origins. It can be considered a variant of Darren or Darin, which derive from the Irish surname Ó Dáiríne, meaning 'descendant of Dáiríne.' Another possible origin is as a variation of Darius, an ancient Persian name meaning 'possessor of good' or 'maintains good.' Daryn offers a contemporary spelling that maintains the strong, masculine sound while providing a touch of uniqueness. Though less common than traditional spellings, Daryn has maintained steady but modest usage in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking a familiar-sounding name with a distinctive spelling.

  4. Viridian
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "blue green color"
    • Description:

      Unusual and beautiful blue green color and name possibility, a la Cerulean.
  5. Estes
    • Origin:

      English, Welsh, and Spanish surname
    • Meaning:

      "of the East"
    • Description:

      For some, a name that will evoke the beauty of the national park in the Colorado Rockies.
  6. Zohar
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "light, brilliance"
    • Description:

      Though this name is used for both boys and girls in Israel, in the U.S. it sounds decidedly masculine, with Zohara the feminine form. Has a futuristic macho feel.
  7. Kacey
    • Origin:

      Variation of Casey
    • Description:

      Kayce — pronounced like Casey — is one of the hottest boy names of 2022 thanks to the show Yellowstone. This spelling was given to exactly 202 boys and 202 girls in 2022, making it one of the most truly unisex names.
  8. Nike
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "victory"
    • Description:

      Cool goddess name, but you might need to brace yourself for lots of sneaker jokes, depending on where you live.
  9. Derin
    • Origin:

      Variation of Darren, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little great one"
    • Description:

      A rare, gender-neutral take on Darren. As a feminine name, Derin has Turkish roots.
  10. Marvel
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "to be filled with wonder or astonishment"
    • Description:

      Marvel, once a feminine miracle name, has been resurrected as a unisex word name with a dose of superhero style.
  11. Jojo
    • Description:

      Jojo is a playful, gender-neutral name often used as a masculine name in its own right or as a nickname for names like Joseph, Jonathan, Jordan, or Johannes. Its repetitive structure gives it a bouncy, cheerful quality that resonates across cultures. The name gained significant visibility through pop culture, including the manga/anime series 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' and various musicians and celebrities. With its approachable two-syllable pattern, Jojo conveys a youthful energy and friendly personality. Though relatively uncommon as a legal first name in most Western countries, it has gained traction in recent decades as parents increasingly choose names with an informal, affectionate quality. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it recognizable in many regions worldwide.

  12. Fortune
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "luck, fate, wealth"
    • Description:

      Fortune is a middle name choice designed to generate good luck and prosperity.
  13. Jerusalem
    • Origin:

      Place name
    • Meaning:

      "city of the ancient god Shalem"
    • Description:

      Transferred from the geographical name, Jerusalem is a sacred city in many religious traditions, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is given to around a dozen babies of each sex per year in the US.
  14. Coley
    • Description:

      Coley is a unisex name traditionally used more often for boys, derived from the Irish surname Ó Caolaigh (O'Kelly) or as a diminutive form of Nicholas. The name means 'victorious people' in its Irish origin or can be connected to 'coal-black' in its English usage. Coley has an approachable, friendly quality with its soft sounds and informal feel. While never extremely popular, it has maintained consistent low-level usage in English-speaking countries, particularly in America. The name has a casual, easygoing charm that feels both youthful and adaptable to adulthood. Parents might choose Coley for its unpretentious nature and subtle connection to Irish heritage.

  15. Lowe
    • Origin:

      Variation of Loew or Lowell
    • Description:

      Surname names that might work as a first, though either of its original forms may be even better.
  16. Mauri
    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Maurice, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dark-skinned"
    • Description:

      An upbeat and accessible form of Maurice.
  17. Fendi
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "split"
    • Description:

      A high-style baby name that conjures the Italian luxury fashion house. Given to 11 boys and 13 girls in 2023, it's currently a gender-neutral choice in the US.
  18. Germaine
    • Origin:

      French from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "from Germany"
    • Description:

      This French feminine version of Germain is a unisex choice in the U.S., also spelled Jermaine, Jemaine, and Germain. Rooted in the ancient Latin Germanus, which may mean sprout or brother, it's no longer a fashionable choice in any version.
  19. Breslin
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "son of Breasal"
    • Description:

      An Irish surname choice that could very well make its way into first name territory, though its father name Breasal is virtually unknown in the US.
  20. Jayme
    • Description:

      Jayme is a versatile name used for both boys and girls, though traditionally more common for males. It originated as a medieval variant spelling of James, which derives from the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' The distinctive spelling with 'y' and 'e' emerged as a unique variation while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. For boys, Jayme offers a softer alternative to the classic James while preserving its strong heritage. The name has fluctuated in popularity over decades, never reaching top rankings but maintaining steady usage. Its appeal lies in combining traditional roots with a contemporary spelling twist. Jayme bridges formal and casual settings comfortably, offering versatility throughout life. The name's balanced sound and recognizable yet distinctive spelling make it appealing to parents seeking something familiar but not commonplace for their sons.