Baby Names No One Will Use In 2022

Nicole has been a go-to name for people who prefer the classics. The French name is a feminized version of Nicholas, and, while it's traditional, it doesn't sound old or stuffy (via Nameberry). Plus, nicknames like Nicki have made it appealing to many parents who want a more cutesy option. However, just like many names that have been trending for a long time, Nicole is starting to drop off. It's been slowly declining for several years but lost serious ground in 2021 when it dropped a whole 136 spots from its ranking in 2020 (via BabyCenter).

Since Nicole was quite well-used from the '70s through the late '90s, this is likely another case of oversaturation. People who are now naming their children likely feel they grew up knowing too many Nicoles, and now they want something more unique.

If you want a baby girl name of French origin other than Nicole, there are plenty of names you'll be seeing more of in the coming years. Esme is still quite unique, but it's slowly gaining popularity. Or, Nicolette is a variation on Nicole that hasn't yet been used quite as much in the U.S.