What do the new parents of 2022 want in a name? While the most popular baby names in Canada continue to ride the waves of certain ongoing trends (with names like Olivia, Sophia, Liam and Noah have been at the top of Canadian parents’ lists for several years), unique and pop-culture-inspired baby names just might be on the rise.
By perusing Nameberry’s recent roundup of the best baby names of 2022 — which scoured sources like celebrity birth announcements and the top music, films and TV shows of the moment — many of the coolest baby names of 2022 are unusual and inspired by pop culture.
Related: 200+ unique boy and girl names for your baby.
You can find the complete list of 50 names on Nameberry, but here are a few of our favourite pop-culture-themed picks from the list.
Betty
Betty is a classic name that’s making a comeback, thanks — quite likely — to a few of our favourite icons. There’s no denying the universal love for the great Betty White, of course — and Taylor Swift also brought Betty to the forefront of our pop-cultural conscious when she released the song “betty” on her 2020 album folklore.
Related: Pregnant celebrities: All stars due in 2022.
Bruno
Who says “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”? With a character (and, of course, a hit song) in Disney’s recent animated film, Encanto, the name Bruno is in our ears.
Daphne
Daphne is another example of a retro name that’s seeing a surge in popularity thanks to a pop culture hit. As fans get ready for the return of the Netflix series Bridgerton this March, Daphne Bridgerton (portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor) is a beloved character that’s bringing the name back onto the most-popular list.
Rhaenyra
While the spelling of this trending name — inspired by Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon — might be a bit tricky, it’s certainly unique, distinctive and even regal.
Related: These 20 baby names are going to be huge in 2022.
Mirabel
Encanto is spurring multiple trending baby names this year, and one of our favourites is Mirabel — which means, quite delightfully, “wonderful.”
Otis
Made popular once again by Asa Butterfield’s character in the British Netflix series Sex Education, Otis is a short, sweet and classic choice.
Related: All the best outfits from ‘Sex Education’ season three.
Vander
It appears that Netflix shows are driving quite a few name trends this year. Vander, inspired by the character on the animated series Arcane: League of Legends, is a name on the rise.
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