We took this year’s top baby names and found out what they *really* mean
Just like clothes, hair, music, cars, and home decor, names go in and out of fashion. Notice how your grandparents’ generation has a lot more Dottie’s, May’s, and Doris’s when compared to our generation. With this in mind, Nameberry compiled a list of 2017’s hottest baby names. The list was made from noting the most visited name pages in January 2017 compared to those of January 2016. We’ve researched what these baby names really mean — especially so we can see what values parents are focused on in 2017.
Just like in ancient times, modern parents take the meanings of names into consideration and it’s interesting to observe what names are chosen during a specific time in history because there’s sometimes a correlation. Perhaps the popular baby names of 2017 reflect what’s going on in the world today!
(We’re also throwing some super cute baby GIFs your way to brighten up your day!)
The top girl names of 2017 are:
1. Tatjana
A German variation of the Russian Tatiana. It is derived from the name of the ancient Sibine king Titus Tatius, ruler of Rome. The name Titus means “title of honor.”
2. Alizeh
Persian name meaning “wind.” More recognizable versions of Alizeh are Eliza and Alissa.
3. Tahiti
This name is solely based on the Polynesian island. It means “rising sun.”
4. Moana
Maori name meaning “sea.” This name is popular because of Disney’s Moana and is “often heard in New Zealand.” Moana is a Polynesian sea god and the name can also be used to describe the deep blue color of the sea.
5. Ines
Italian, Portuguese, Slovene, and Croation version of the name Agnes. It means “pure, virginal.” The name originally came from the heartbreaking romantic tale of Queen Ines of Castro and her lover King Peter of Portugal.
The top boy names of 2017 are:
1. Kyd
Kyd is an English surname that was held by the Elizabethan playwright Thomas Kyd, who wrote a Shakespeare version of “Hamlet.” Huh!
2. Benajah
Hebrew for “god has built,” this name appears in the Old Testament as the name of several minor figures. It can also be written as Benaiah.
3. Sulien
A Welsh name meaning “sun born,” Sulien is said to be the name of the “most learned man in Wales.”
4. Koa
Koa is Hawaiian for “warrior.” It is also a type of Hawaiian tree whose wood is used for canoes and surfboards.
5. Gunther
Meaning “bold warrior” in German. Anyone remember Gunther from Friends?
The top unisex names of 2017 are:
1. Quincy
Quincy is French with Latin roots meaning, “estate of the fifth son.” It also ties back to American roots, being the middle name of sixth president, John Quincy Adams.
2. Remi
Remi is also French for “oarsman.”
3. Winter
This name obviously speaks for itself and has been around since the seventeenth century! It entered into the Top 1000 U.S. names in 1978. A cute feminine nickname for Winter is Winnie.
4. Ellis
Welsh for “benevolent,” Ellis Bell was also Emily Bronte’s male pseudonym.
Looks like nature names are where it’s at!
Check out Nameberry for the full list of the top 2017 baby names and observations they’ve made about top names from the past. Names are more creative and worldly as ever. The generations to come are going to have some killer unique names that will definitely leave a lasting impression!