2022 Names Used NEARLY EQUAL for M and F

  1. Desi
    • Origin:

      Short form of Desiree, French
    • Meaning:

      "desired"
    • Description:

      Desi makes Desiree a lot cuter and more boyish.
  2. Roni
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my song or my joy"
    • Description:

      Roni may sound like the Doowop-era Ronnie or Ronni, often named for her dad Ron, but it's actually a freestanding Hebrew name with an uplifting meaning.
  3. Reilly
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "courageous"
    • Description:

      Riley is the spelling of this lively Irish name most often picked for girls, but this version is occasionally used.
  4. Amen
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      One of the new literalist religious names, like Blessing, Heavenly and Neveah. More male than female, but essentially unisex.
  5. Zailyn
    • Description:

      Zailyn is a modern masculine name with a contemporary sound, likely created as a unique variation combining popular name elements. The prefix 'Zai-' may draw inspiration from names like Zain or Zayn, while the '-lyn' suffix has become popular in contemporary naming trends. As a boy's name, Zailyn has emerged primarily in the 21st century, reflecting parents' increasing desire for distinctive yet melodic names. Though relatively uncommon, it fits well with current trends toward names with 'Z' beginnings and flowing sounds. Zailyn projects a modern, slightly adventurous image while maintaining a pleasant phonetic flow. The name offers uniqueness without seeming completely unfamiliar.
  6. Alexi
    • Description:

      Alexi is a feminine name with Greek roots, derived from 'Alexis' meaning 'defender' or 'helper.' While Alexis is more common and used for both genders, Alexi represents a distinctly feminine variant. It carries the same strong meaning while offering a softer sound with the 'i' ending. Popular in Slavic countries and gaining recognition in English-speaking regions, Alexi blends classic origins with contemporary appeal. The name conveys strength and protection while maintaining a melodic quality. Though less common than similar names like Alexandra or Alexia, Alexi offers a distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with familiarity.
  7. Kimoni
    • Description:

      Kimoni is a masculine name with diverse cultural roots. It may derive from East African origins, particularly Kenyan or Tanzanian languages, though specific meaning varies by dialect. In some interpretations, it contains elements meaning 'brave warrior' or 'one who is seen.' Alternatively, it could be a creative modern name combining elements like 'Kim' and 'Oni.' Kimoni has a melodic, rhythmic quality with its balanced syllables and strong consonants. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has seen increasing usage in diverse communities seeking names with global appeal. Kimoni projects strength and individuality while maintaining accessibility in pronunciation. Its international character makes it adaptable across cultures while still offering distinctiveness. The name's musical quality gives it a memorable, pleasant sound.

  8. Davy
    • Origin:

      Short form of David, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      Davy and Davey are certainly short forms that are frequently used but rarely wind up on the birth certificate. And why, since David is such a handsome, classic, yet short and simple name on its own?
  9. Eivor
    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Theory
    • Origin:

      English word name from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "idea, speculation"
    • Description:

      A wild word name, connected to ideas, explanations, speculation, and possibility, Theory makes a unexpected option. While some might sound oddly hypothetical for a real baby, it was nevertheless chosen for 14 girls in a recent year.
  11. Jianni
    • Description:

      Jianni is a masculine name with likely Italian origins, potentially derived from 'Gianni,' the Italian form of John. The name ultimately traces back to the Hebrew 'Yochanan,' meaning 'God is gracious.' The variant spelling with 'J' instead of 'G' may represent a modern adaptation or regional difference. While not among the most common male names in English-speaking countries, Jianni offers parents a melodic alternative to the more traditional Giovanni or Johnny. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining its classical roots, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet approachable name for their son.
  12. Jalyn
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Jalyn is a contemporary masculine name with modern American origins, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. This name emerged in popularity during the late 20th century as part of the trend toward creative spellings and distinctive-sounding names. Jalyn likely developed as a variation of names like Jalen, Jaylin, or Jason, combining popular sounds and elements.

  13. 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.
  14. Success
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "accomplishment"
    • Description:

      What's the recipe for success? Maybe it's having Success on the birth certificate.
  15. Emari
    • Origin:

      Variation of Emery; variation of Amari, German; Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "industrious; eternal"
    • Description:

      Most male Emaris use their name as a variation of Amari, which is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable. It is a truly gender-neutral name, given to baby girls and boys in similar numbers. Names ending in -ari are also one of our top trends of 2021.
  16. 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.
  17. Timber
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Timber as a name is given to slightly more girls than boys each year. It's actually got a cute sound, ala Kimber(ly) and may be an original tree choice for a girl. Timberly and Timberlee are also found (but not encouraged).
  18. 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.

  19. Layke
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Lake, nature name
    • Description:

      Layke is one of the names of the Waldrop sextuplets: Layke Bryars. Though this Layke happens to be a boy, the nature name works equally well for girls.
  20. Ashtyn
    • Origin:

      English, variation of Ashton
    • Meaning:

      "ash trees place"
    • Description:

      As Ashley becomes one of today's "mom names" thanks to its popularity amongst millennial-borns, Ashton is a fresh alternative. This particular spelling is nearly completely equally split between girls and boys in 2024.

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