Names.org has just released its predictions for the most popular baby names for the year 2022 on Monday, with the website making some surprising picks for their annual list. The findings were based on data from the United States Census Bureau and data regarding births in 2020 (the most recent year released) from the Social Security Administration.
Liam tops the names list for boys born this year, with the organization predicting 18,960 babies will carry that name in 2022. Coming in second is the name Noah, followed by Oliver, which is the third most popular choice for boys.
Elijah came in fourth in the names list for boys, followed by classic names such as William, James, and Benjamin, ranked fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively. New names might have entered the top 10 this year, but Henry remains a popular choice for parents-to-be, moving up one spot to No. 8.
Lucas went down one spot as a result, holding the No. 9 position. Rounding out the top 10 in the names list for boys is Alexander. Mateo and Theodore came close to barging in the top 10, with those name choices rising in popularity this year.
Olivia tops name list for girls
When it comes to baby girls, the leading choice for parents this year is the name, Olivia. The group is projecting that 16,510 babies will be given that name in 2022. Emma came in second, followed by Charlotte and Amelia, ranked third and fourth, respectively. Those names are gaining popularity, with Charlotte moving up one spot and Amelia climbing two spots.
Rounding out the top 10 in the names list for girls in 2022 are Sophia, Ava, Isabella, Mia, Evelyn, and Luna. Camilla got an honorable mention from the organization as it came close to making the top 10.
Luna stands out in the names list this year
Name.org's Matthew Kolb told Fox News Digital in an email on Monday that the name Luna stands out in their top 10 lists. He said that it was interesting to see Luna finally break into the top 10 as it has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Kolb also said that vintage and classic names are making a strong comeback this year, with Emma, Henry, Evelyn, Charlotte, William, James, and Benjamin making the top 10 in 2022. He said that vintage names declined during the 80s and 90s but are surging in popularity right now. Kolb pointed out that the name Liam, the top choice for baby boys this year in New York and the rest of the United States, is a derivative of the classic name William.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, several names are declining in popularity right now. Mason, Levi, Michael, Jack are decreasing in popularity for boys' names and fell short of the top 10. For the girls, Harper, Elizabeth, Sofia, Mila, and Ella are the names that are losing popularity.
