Got a bundle of joy arriving in 2022 and looking for baby name inspo? These are the baby names you need to have on your list.

Baby naming experts have come up with a stellar list of 50 baby names that range from classic to edgy and utterly unique, that are perfect for 2022 babies.

For the past few years, the top baby names in Australia have been Charlotte and Oliver. These two monikers have reigned absolutely supreme, and in fact there hasn’t been much shuffling the in the top ten baby names for boys and girls. And there’s no doubt, the most popular baby names in the nation are beautiful – that’s why so many of us have used them. But new parents are constantly searching for a baby name that’s unique. That’s going to stand out from the crowd.

Luckily, the name experts at Nameberry have been analysing trends and data, to come up with 50 baby names that are going to be trending in 2022. They’ve looked at sounds and styles along with pop culture, current affairs and trends to come up with a list that is bursting with colourful, gorgeous baby names.

They also delved into international popular name data and their own charts to see what’s currently popular right now, and what’s likely to start heading into popular territory.

And here are the sublime baby names they predict will be hitting the popularity charts this year.

50 Baby Names For 2022

1. Arlo

A Spanish-origin name meaning ‘between two hills’ this stunner has been climbing the popularity charts for some time. While it’s still not that popular overseas, in Australia it was the 33rd most popular boy name in 2021. We love that it has a balance between edgy and classic.

2. August

Such a regal name, it’s little wonder that the Queen’s granddaughter Princess Eugenie chose this name for her firstborn bub. In fact, it’s become a pretty popular name in celebrity circles, Mandy Moore also picked this vintage name for her son.

3. Aurelius

Sigh. What an utterly divine baby name. It has quite a historical feel – Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor. Of Latin origin, it means ‘the golden one’ and also happens to be the name of one of Elle Macpherson’s son’s (Aurelius Cy Andrea Busson).

4. Betty

Could there be a more adorable baby name for 2022. With iconic actor Betty White passing away in December, this makes a touching tribute for Golden Girls fans. It’s also the name Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively chose for their daughter, and the title of one of their best friend’s songs, Taylor Swift’s ‘Betty’.

5. Blythe

This proper English name means ‘happy and carefree’, and works just as well for boys and girls. Still quite rare, predictions are that this name will be popular among 2022 parents.

6. Bridger

Not super popular at all, this strong moniker might just start climbing up the charts this year. It’s perfect if you’re into nature and are into camping and hiking, it’s a very ‘outdoorsy’ sounding name.

7. Bruno

If you’ve seen the Disney movie Encanto, you’ll understand why this ripper name is included in this list. Of course, fans of Bruno Mars have always loved it!

8. Calanthe

A floral name (it’s actually an orchid species), fans of The Witcher know this name well, thanks to Queen Calanthe.

9. Chance

While this might sound like a fairly modern baby name, Chance has its roots in older Latin monikers. It, of course, means fortune and luck!

10. Cleo

The shortened form of Cleopatra, which is what actress Christina Ricci chose to name her daughter, who was born late in 2021.

11. Cosmo

Another name which is likely to burst into the charts in 2022 is Cosmo, which is what actress Scarlett Johansson named her second child. It’s playful and celestial, and of course Seinfeld fans will love it too.

12. Daphne

An old world name that’s been introduced to a new generation thanks to the series Bridgerton. If you’re a lover of sweet baby names with a classic feel, this should be on your list.

13. Draco

Can you believe it’s been 25 years since Harry Potter was first published and 20 years since the first film’s release? Neither can we (anyone else feel incredibly old?!). While many of the other characters’ names have become popular over the past quarter of a century, this guy is slowly creeping up the charts. This could be Draco’s year!

14. Eloise

This incredibly popular name is destined to shine once again in 2022. Of French and English origin, it means ‘famous warrior’.

15. Emrys

Hailing from Welsh and Greek roots, this primarily boys’ name has been slowly gaining in popularity, along with other Ancient Greek monikers.

16. Estella

Thanks to yet another Disney movie (Cruella), Nameberry predicts that this name is likely to give happy vibes to many new parents in 2022.

17. Flora

If you adore nature or botanical baby names, this simple, sweet girl’s name is a winner. It’s background is Scottish/Latin and it, of course, means ‘flower’.

18. Forest

If you’re having a boy and love nature, predictions are you’re going to have Forest on your list. And if you’re having twins – how gorgeous would Flora and Forest be?

19. Imogen

A Celtic name which has actually been pretty popular in Australia for a little while. From 2011 to 2013, it was the 35th most popular Australian girl’s baby name.

20. Ivo

A short and sweet baby name, it may seem pretty modern, but it’s actually of German, Irish and Dutch origin. It’s unique, and would pair beautifully with a longer middle name.

21. Jonah

A Biblical name that has remained somewhat popular, it means ‘dove’ – a symbol of peace and unity. Perfection.

22. Kekoa

Nameberry included this name in its list, thanks to the popularity of American series The White Lotus – one of its stars is named Kekoa Kekumano. It’s a Hawaiian name meaning ‘the brave one’.

23. Hollis

Names ending in ‘s’ are predicted to make a big surge in 2022, and this stunner will be front and centre. A brilliant unisex name, it means ‘the holly tree’.

24. Indigo

A distinct 70s vibe oozes from this name, which is growing in popularity for both boys and girls. We adore it.

25. Lark

Gaining in popularity as a middle name (and used by celebrities including Milla Jovovich and Jennifer Connelly), Lark is predicted to become even more popular as a first name this year.

26. Lavender

Floral names abound in this list, and Lavender is right up there. Included as a nod to the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2022, which is Very Peri – a darker lavender colour.

27. Lilibet

This beauty needs little introduction, with Harry and Meghan using it for their daughter, paying homage to the Queen who goes by the nickname Lilibet.

28. Lux

A gender-neutral name, of Latin origin and meaning ‘light’ this short and sweet moniker is an absolute delight.

29. Maeve

A traditional Irish beauty meaning ‘she who intoxicates’, Maeve has roots in Irish mythology and is becoming favourite with new parents.

30. Magnus

Fans of Norse and Viking history will love the Scandi vibes of this name, which goes hand in hand with other Nordic names shooting up the charts, like Freya and Soren.

31. Mirabel

Yet another Encanto character, Mirabel is such a wonderful sing-song name that’s expected to make the rounds this year.

32. Oona

A more simple spelling of the name Oonagh, which actress Amber Heard named her daughter last year.

33. Oren

A Hebrew name that’s popular in Israel, Nameberry predicts that the upcoming Lord of the Rings reboot could propel this name into the stratosphere – the main antagonist is named Oren.

34. Otis

This gorgeous name is making a comeback (remember the movie Milo and Otis??). No doubt made popular again by the character in Sex Education.

35. Ottilie

When British influencer Zoe Sugg gave her baby this name, it rocketed to the top of the popularity charts in some parts of the world. And it seems this year, that trend will continue.

36. Perrin

Another pop culture name, drawn from the Amazon series The Wheel of Time.

37. Prairie

A literary classic, Little House on the Prairie gives off cosy vibes just like this beautiful name. And it’s now been given the celebrity tick of approval with Mark Webber and Teresa Palmer using it for their youngest daughter.

38. Rhaenyra

Game of Thrones fans will be all over this one – this unique name will be making an appearance in the prequel, House of the Dragon.

39. Rhodes

Actress Emma Roberts chose this scholarly name for her son a couple of years ago, but apparently it’s still climbing in popularity.

40. Romy

British PM Boris Johnson’s baby daughter was given this name in December 2021, propelling it back into popularity.

41. Rue

Such a clever, quick name that oozes spunk and style. We love that it sounds like a nickname, but isn’t. Mysterious much?!

42. Shiloh

It’s hard to speak of this name without thinking of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who chose it for their daughter back in 2006. But it’s coming back!

43. Sienna

Princess Beatrice chose this eternally popular name for her daughter, and it’s starting to creep into the popularity charts around the world.

44. Sire

Yet another celebrity baby name – Usher’s son was given the regal name Sire. Watch it head up the charts!

45. Taika

This year is the Chinese Year of the Tiger – and this supreme name means ‘tiger’. It’s also incredibly popular thanks toNew Zealand actor and filmmaker Taika Waititi.

46. Theo

Shortened names as first names continue to be popular, and this strong, bold option is predicted to head to the top of the pops.

47. Vander

Another pop culture name to adore, Vander is uber cool without being overly out there.

48. Vincenzo

An Italian name, heralding from the Latin word ‘vincens’ which means ‘to win’. A classic name which is growing in popularity once again, even in its short form of Enzo.

49. Wells

A left-of-centre water or nature-inspired baby name that’s right up there with Brooks and Banks.

50. Wilhelmina

Names like Willa, Winnie and Willow are already soaring up the popular name charts, but this gorgeous gal isn’t far behind. Such a darling, old-fashioned name!

More Baby Name Inspiration

Want even more beautiful baby names to add to your list? Check out these articles:

• 782 Unique Boy Names
• 27 Magical Names For Bewitching Babies
• 25+ Boho Baby Names
• 16 Names Mums Say They’d Never Use

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