2022 Names Used NEARLY EQUAL for M and F
- Ayomide
Origin:
YorubaMeaning:
"my joy has arrived"Description:
A melodious Yoruba name with one of the best meanings around.
- Noha
Origin:
Variation of Nohar, Nuha, or Nohara, Hebrew, Arabic, AssyrianMeaning:
"soft light; mind, wisdom; illumination"Description:
Noha is a multicultural, gender-neutral choice, with a bright but gentle feel. As a Hebrew and Assyrian name, it is associated with light and illumination, whereas as an Arabic name, it is used as a predominantly feminine choice, denoting wisdom. There is the possibility that in the States, some parents might be using it as an alternative to the hugely popular Noah too.
- Nicky
Origin:
Diminutive of Nicholas or NicoleDescription:
Nicky is a forever-cute short form of Nicholas once used as a full name but now relegated to nickname (no pun intended) status.
- 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.
- Amen
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
One of the new literalist religious names, like Blessing, Heavenly and Neveah. More male than female, but essentially unisex.
- Honour
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"honor"Description:
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.
- Jahlani
Description:
Jahlani is a feminine name with roots in several cultures. It likely derives from African or Hebrew origins, possibly a variant of 'Jahlan' meaning 'the shining one' or related to the Hebrew name 'Jael' meaning 'mountain goat' or 'to ascend.' The name carries a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and can also be interpreted as a combination of elements from different names. Jahlani has maintained a relatively rare status in the United States, giving it a distinctive appeal for parents seeking an uncommon yet beautiful name with multicultural resonance. The name's uniqueness and musical sound have contributed to its gradual increase in usage in recent years, particularly among families looking for names with deep cultural connections.
- Lynnex
Description:
Lynnex is a modern feminine name that appears to be a creative invention, possibly combining the popular name Lynn with a distinctive ending. With no clear historical origins, Lynnex represents the contemporary trend of creating unique-sounding names by modifying traditional ones or adding fashionable suffixes like '-ex.' Lynn itself derives from the Welsh word for 'lake' or could be a shortened form of names like Linda or Lynette. The addition of the 'ex' ending gives this name a contemporary, somewhat edgy quality. Lynnex has a crisp, modern sound with its two syllables and strong ending consonant. Extremely rare in usage, this name would stand out on any playground. Parents might choose Lynnex seeking individuality for their daughter while maintaining a subtle connection to more traditional naming conventions.
- Kani
Description:
Kani is a versatile masculine name with multicultural origins, appearing in several language traditions. In Hawaiian, it means "sound" or "music," while in Japanese it can mean "crab" depending on the kanji used. The name also appears in Kurdish culture where it signifies "spring" or "source." This cross-cultural presence gives Kani remarkable versatility and global appeal. As a shorter name with an easy pronunciation, it travels well across language boundaries. While not among the most common names in Western countries, its simplicity, pleasant sound, and positive meanings have attracted more parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names. The natural meanings associated with the name (spring, source, sound) connect it to elemental qualities.
- Aiman
Origin:
Variation of Ayman, ArabicMeaning:
"righteous, right-handed, blessed, lucky"Description:
The original spelling Ayman is much more common around the world, and would likely be considered more fashionable in the US, with its Y.
- Rawlins
Origin:
British surnameDescription:
Easy (Ezekiel) Rawlins is the hard-boiled detective created by Walter Mosley.
- Waylynn
Description:
Waylynn is a contemporary feminine name that combines elements of popular naming trends. It likely draws from the 'Way-' prefix seen in names like Wayne or Waylon and the trendy '-lynn' suffix common in names like Brooklyn or Adalynn. This modern creation has gained modest recognition in the 2010s, particularly in the United States, as parents sought distinctive names with a blend of strength and softness. The name has a nature-inspired quality that might evoke images of winding paths or country lanes. Though still uncommon, Waylynn appears occasionally on social media and in popular culture, contributing to its gradual rise as a unique feminine option.
- Reilly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"courageous"Description:
Riley is the spelling of this lively Irish name most often picked for girls, but this version is occasionally used.
- Jerzy
Origin:
Polish variation of GeorgeMeaning:
"farmer"Description:
Writer Jerzy Kosinski put this foreign variation on the U. S. name map.
- Bravery
Origin:
Virtue nameDescription:
This one's cutting right to the chase, but with such names as Justice and Peace on the rise, why not? And we guarantee your seven-year-old son will love it, though your 17-year-old, maybe not so much. Could be used as a middle name, as Talisa Soto and Benjamin Bratt did.
- Amarii
Origin:
Variation of Amari, Hebrew, Yoruba, ThaiMeaning:
"eternal"Description:
Names ending in I are peak cool. So cool, in fact, some parents are doubling up.
- North
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"cardinal direction of north"Description:
A lot of attention was drawn to this name when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their baby daughter, making it instantly unisex.
- Sonnie
Origin:
Variation of Sonny, EnglishMeaning:
"son"Description:
Madison, Addison, and Emerson are fairly well established in the US Top 1000 for girls, and now, some parents are considering Sonny and Sonnie for their daughters too. Given to nearly 90 girls collectively in a recent year, Sonny and Sonnie might appeal as alternatives to Summer, Sunny, Connie and Bonnie.
- 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.
- Skylan
Description:
Skylan is a feminine name with modern English origins, blending 'sky' with the popular -lan suffix found in names like Dylan and Rylan. Created in the late 20th or early 21st century, this contemporary name evokes images of openness, freedom, and limitless possibility. The sky element connects the name to nature while suggesting aspiration and expansiveness. Skylan appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds fresh and distinctive without being completely invented. While still relatively uncommon, it fits with naming trends favoring nature-inspired elements and melodic sounds. The name carries a sense of brightness and optimism, suggesting a personality that might be imaginative and unconfined by convention.
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