Each May the Social Security Administration publishes a highly anticipated update on the baby names that have risen most sharply in popularity. The 2026 data, released in May 2026, highlights a collection of names that jumped hundreds, even thousands, of spots on the list, reflecting recent cultural influences.
Boy names on the rise
Kasai surged 1,108 places to rank #639. The name means “fire” in Japanese and Swahili. Actress Skai Jackson announced the birth of her son Kasai in January 2025, a timing that likely helped propel the name. The growing visibility of rapper‑entrepreneur Kasai Guthrie may have added further momentum.
Akari climbed 1,089 spots to #542. Meaning “bright” or “light” in Japanese, Akari is part of a broader wave of Japanese‑inspired names gaining traction as anime viewership expands across the United States. Streaming platform Crunchyroll reported millions of new subscribers in 2025, underscoring the genre’s influence on naming trends.
Eziah moved up 789 places to #610. This modern twist on the biblical names Isaiah and Ezra benefits from the fashionable long “i” sound that also helped Kasai rise, signaling a renewed interest in contemporary‑styled Hebrew names.
Jasai advanced 775 spots to #439. Sharing Hebrew roots meaning “to save,” Jasai’s momentum appears linked to its phonetic similarity to the leading name Kasai, illustrating how sound‑alike names often follow each other on the charts.
Neithan rose 656 spots to #723. A stylized version of Nathan, Neithan has become especially popular among Spanish‑speaking families, reflecting a broader trend toward the “ei” vowel cluster seen in other rising names.
Girl names gaining attention
Klarity surged an impressive 1,396 spots to #791, making it the year’s biggest riser for girls. Rapper Kash Doll named her daughter Klarity Doll in June 2024 and released a single titled “Klarity” the same year, giving the name high visibility.
Rynlee climbed 1,222 places to #755. This surname‑style name joins a wave of similar choices such as Everlee and Karsyn, with the strongest growth reported in Texas, Oklahoma and the broader South.
Ailanny rose 963 spots to #932. One of several spellings of Ailany, the name benefited from the lyrical “‑lani” pattern that has been popular since Disney’s “Moana” debuted in 2016.
Naylani moved up 940 spots to #897, joining Kailani and Aylani in the Hawaiian‑inspired category. The name has been climbing steadily for years and shows no sign of slowing.
Madisson advanced 863 spots to #319. This double‑S variation of Madison reflects a trend of creative respellings, similar to the boost seen for Klarity, and demonstrates how classic favorites can re‑emerge in new forms.
What the trends reveal
While timeless classics like Liam and Olivia continue to dominate the top of the list, the rapid rise of names such as Kasai, Klarity and Rynlee illustrates how pop‑culture moments—celebrity baby announcements, music releases, and streaming media—shape parental choices. The data also highlights regional preferences, with certain names gaining particular traction in the South and among specific linguistic communities.
Next May, when the Social Security Administration releases its 2027 data, families can expect another set of fresh risers reflecting the cultural currents of the moment.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
