2022 Names Used NEARLY EQUAL for M and F

Britain is an attractive place that is used nearly equally for boys and girls. But spelling it Britton makes it considerably more popular for both genders.

Akela is one of the unisex names used in Hawaii to signify Anglo choices: in Akela's case, Asher for boys or Adela for girls.

Unknown was given to nearly 80 American babies in a recent year, but we can only hope they won't stay as such. Like Baby, Babyboy, and Infantmale, Unknown is probably used as a placeholder by parents who need to register their baby but haven't decided on a given name yet, whether because of cultural naming traditions or because of indecision.

Adrian is an ancient gender-neutral name and Adri is its pan-European short form. Adriana is the most popular feminine form of the name in the US, followed by Adrianna, Adrienne, and then the unisex spelling Adrian. Adri works as a nickname for any of them.

Americans use Asani for their sons and daughters, but it originated as a Swahili masculine given name. With its bold meaning and popular -i ending, it appeals as a gender neutral name, given to 40 girls and 50 boys in a recent year.

Elis is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Welsh tradition, it relates to Elise or Elizabeth, meaning 'God is my oath.' In Scandinavian countries, particularly Finland, it has independent roots and can be used for either gender. The name gained some recognition through Brazilian musician Elis Regina. With its short, crisp sound, Elis offers a modern, minimalist alternative to more elaborate names like Elizabeth or Elise. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining historical connections. Its simplicity makes it appealing across cultural boundaries, while its relative rarity gives it distinction. Elis combines brevity with elegance in a name that works well internationally.

Virtue name Honor was given to just over 100 baby boys (and around the same number of baby girls) in 2022. Spelling variation Honour — the spelling of the word used in the UK — is used in much smaller numbers in the States, but is slowly increasing in use.

A modern invention that combines Taylor's ending with the kool initial K.

Mykah is a modern masculine name that represents a creative spelling variation of Micah, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'who is like God?' This contemporary spelling adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the original pronunciation. The name has gained modest popularity in the 21st century, particularly in the United States, as parents seek familiar names with unique presentations. Mykah carries the spiritual significance of its traditional counterpart—Micah was a biblical prophet—while the 'y' spelling gives it a fresh, contemporary feel. The name strikes a balance between being recognizable and distinctive, simple yet meaningful. Its short, two-syllable structure makes it appealing and accessible across cultural backgrounds.

Writer Jerzy Kosinski put this foreign variation on the U. S. name map.

An alternative spelling to the popular Riley, but significantly less used.

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.

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.

Rainn is a modern feminine name with roots in Old Norse, derived from 'regin' meaning 'counsel' or 'power.' It can also be connected to the English word 'rain,' evoking natural imagery of cleansing showers and renewal. The name gained modest recognition through actor Rainn Wilson, though it remains relatively uncommon for girls. Its distinctive spelling with the double 'n' gives it a contemporary edge while maintaining a soft, melodic sound. Rainn offers a nature-inspired choice that balances uniqueness with an accessible pronunciation, appealing to parents seeking a name that's both meaningful and uncommon.

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

A unisex Nahuatl name with a strong and stylish sound, but a meaning that some might find off-putting.

When Kim Kardashian and Kanye West named their daughter Chicago — after West's hometown — we expected it to rise for baby girls. But American parents have taken to Chicago as a boy name. It's been given to more boys than girls every year since 2018.

Easy (Ezekiel) Rawlins is the hard-boiled detective created by Walter Mosley.

Broadening your horizons when choosing a name for your baby may lead you here. Horizon feels like the cousin of names like Meridian, Geo and Stellar - scientific spins on nature names. Rize is the usual nickname for this choice.