Baby Talk - Baby Names

Baby names are often sourced from pop culture and popular trends. The pandemic has been “the trend,” resulting in baby name themes related to what we were doing during this time.

• Nature – Many families spent time outside during the pandemic. If we were social distancing, finding new outdoor adventures, or just addressing cabin fever, nature became a more central factor within our lives. Nature-themed baby names are predicted to be on the rise in 2022, including Azalea, Magnolia, Dove, Bee, and Sunny.

• Travel – Although many of us greatly reduced our travel over the past two years, we still had a passion for exploring and planning post-COVID trips. Expect to see baby names that relate to places in 2022, including Prairie, Everest, Capri, Aspen, and River.

• TV Binging – How many of us did not binge watch TV during COVID? The names of some of these characters are becoming popular 2022 names. These include Eloise and Benedict (Bridgerton), Ted and Stevie (Schitt’s Creek), and Mare (Mare of Easttown).

• Gender Fluidity – Baby names that are appropriate for a child regardless of gender identity will trend in 2022. These include August, Finley, Rory, and Cameron.

What baby names have you heard that are pandemic-inspired? Please, share.