Baby Names 2022: Football Fever, 90s Nostalgia & TV Craze Shake Up the Charts!
Football Inspires Baby Names After England Women’s UEFA Win
England’s women footballers didn’t just bag the UEFA Championship – they scored big in baby name charts too! After their thrilling 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley, names like Leah (Williamson), Millie (Bright), and goal scorer Chloe (Kelly) have shot up the rankings. Teammate Lauren (Hemp) also saw a surge in registrations.
Even the Lionesses’ TV presenters and pundits got in on the action. Popular names including Gabby (Logan), Alexandra (Alex Scott), Susan (Sue Smith), and Isobel (Izzy Christiansen) have climbed the charts.
Sarah Redshaw, UK Managing Editor for BabyCentre, said: “As the Lionesses ended years of hurt for footy fans, parents made sure their names came home. It’s now over to the men to make the same kind of impact – no pressure!”
90s Revival Sparks Comeback for Classic Names
The 90s are back in a big way – and parents are naming their little ones after decade icons and popular classics. Names like Thomas, Jack, Daniel, Matthew, Samuel, Charlotte, and Emily are making a strong return.
Britpop influences sneak in too: Liam (Oasis) jumped 10 places, while Damon (Albarn of Blur) and Alex (James) climbed outside the top 100. The Stone Roses bassist Mani and Elastica’s lead singer Justine (Frischmann) also saw more registrations. Fans of classic 90s comedy Friends helped boost Matthew (Perry and LeBlanc), David (Schwimmer), and Lisa (Kudrow).
Sarah commented: “Are parents dusting off their bucket hats or is nostalgia for 90s babies naming their own little ones?”
TV & Reality Shows Drive Baby Name Trends
Small screen favourites continue to influence baby naming trends. Characters from children’s shows like Ninjango – Kai, Jayden, Maya, and Cole – surged up the charts. Meanwhile, the classic Thomas the Tank Engine chugged into the top 20 at number 19.
Ada Twist, Scientist also inspired parents, rising seven places to number 30.
Popular TV hit Derry Girls boosted names too, with Erin jumping 15 spots to number 49 and Orla nudging up to 87. With seasons now on Netflix, expect names like Clare, Michelle, and James to climb in 2023.
No Royal Baby Name Boom Despite Queen’s Passing
Surprisingly, royal baby names didn’t spike this year despite the nation mourning the Queen and crowning a new King. While Elizabeth rose mid-year, it didn’t hold for the full year. Names like Lilibet, Charlie, William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan all stayed steady without gains.
Still, regal names remain beloved classics for many parents.
Girls’ Names Starting and Ending with A Take Off
Twelve baby girl names in the top 100 now start and end with ‘A’ – a jump of four from last year. Rising stars include Anaya (68), Aisha (85), and Amira (93). Aaliyah (and its variant Aaliya) made the highest new entry at number 53.
Top favourites like Ava (top five), Amelia (6), and Aria (8) continue to charm parents. Other big movers are Ada and Ayla, up seven places each, and Aurora which leapt 16 places to 52. Anna climbed 11 to 61, and Arabella held strong at 70.
