Social Security Administration reveals 2025 baby name trends

The Social Security Administration’s 2026 release regarding 2025 baby name popularity reveals significant shifts in naming trends, driven largely by pop culture and cultural movements.

Among the most notable increases is the name Kasai, which rose 1,108 spots to number 639. Meaning ‘fire’ in Japanese and Swahili, its rise is linked to actress Skai Jackson naming her son Kasai in early 2025, as well as the influence of rapper Kasai Guthrie.

Japanese-inspired names are also seeing a surge, such as Akari, which climbed 1,089 spots to number 542. This trend may be connected to the growing popularity of anime and Japanese culture in the United States, evidenced by increased subscriptions to services like Crunchyroll.

Additionally, modern variations of Hebrew names are trending, including Eziah, which rose 789 spots to number 610, and Jasai, which saw an increase of 775 spots.