Most Popular Baby Names of 2022: Top Boy and Girl Names

In 2022, traditional and classic names continued to dominate the top spots. For boys, Liam maintained its popularity for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting both its Irish heritage and modern appeal. Noah and Oliver, both with biblical and literary connections, demonstrated the ongoing preference for timeless names with historical significance. The rise of Oliver particularly showed influence from British culture and royal connections. For girls, Olivia remained at the top, showing the enduring appeal of Latin-derived names and possibly influenced by celebrities like Olivia Wilde. Emma, with Germanic roots, stayed strong but showed slight decline from previous years. Charlotte's popularity was notably boosted by British royal influence (Princess Charlotte) and its classic, feminine appeal. Regional variations were observed, with Western states showing more diverse, unique names while Southern states maintained more traditional choices. A significant trend was the continued rise of gender-neutral names, though they hadn't yet broken into the top spots. Cultural diversity also influenced naming patterns, with more parents choosing names that reflect their heritage while still being easily pronounceable in English.