Every May the Social Security Administration releases a highly anticipated update on the baby names that have risen most sharply in popularity. The 2025 list, published in May 2026, highlights a mix of celebrity‑inspired choices, anime‑driven interest, and inventive spellings that are reshaping the naming landscape.
Top male name risers
Kasai jumped 1,108 spots to rank #639. The name means “fire” in Japanese and Swahili. Actress Skai Jackson announced the birth of her son Kasai in January 2025, and rapper‑entrepreneur Kasai Guthrie has also raised the name’s profile.
Akari climbed 1,089 spots to #542. Meaning “bright” or “light” in Japanese, Akari reflects a broader wave of Japanese‑inspired names, likely fueled by the continued growth of anime viewership in the United States.
Eziah rose 789 spots to #610. This modern twist on the biblical names Isaiah and Ezra benefits from the fashionable long “i” sound that has become popular in recent years.
Jasai moved up 775 spots to #439. Sharing Hebrew roots meaning “to save,” Jasai’s momentum appears linked to the success of similarly sounding names like Kasai.
Neithan advanced 656 spots to #723. A stylized version of Nathan, Neithan is especially popular among Spanish‑speaking families, illustrating a trend toward the “ei” vowel cluster in new names.
Top female name risers
Klarity surged 1,396 spots to #791, the year’s biggest riser for girls. Rapper Kash Doll named her daughter Klarity Doll in June 2024 and released a single titled “Klarity,” giving the name high visibility.
Rynlee climbed 1,222 spots to #755. Part of a wave of surname‑style names such as Everlee and Karsyn, Rynlee is gaining traction particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, and the broader South.
Ailanny rose 963 spots to #932. One of several spellings of Ailany, the name rides the lyrical “‑lani” trend that has grown since Disney’s “Moana” debuted in 2016.
Naylani moved up 940 spots to #897, joining other Hawaiian‑inspired names like Kailani and Aylani, a steady climb that shows no sign of slowing.
Madisson advanced 863 spots to #319. This double‑S variation of Madison reflects a broader pattern of creative respellings that have also boosted names such as Klarity.
What the trends reveal
While classic names like Liam and Olivia remain at the top of the overall list, the rapid rise of these unique choices highlights how pop‑culture moments—celebrity baby announcements, streaming‑service growth, and musical releases—can quickly influence naming preferences nationwide. As the next Social Security release approaches in May 2027, parents can expect new surges tied to emerging cultural currents.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
