How popular is the baby name Keri in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Keri.

The graph will take a few moments to load. (Don't worry, it shouldn't take 9 months!) If it's taking too long, try reloading the page.


Popularity of the baby name Keri


Posts that mention the name Keri

Where did the baby name Carrie Anne come from in 1968?

The Hollies single "Carrie Anne" (1967)
The Hollies single

The song “Carrie Anne” by the British band The Hollies came out in May of 1967. It had been written by band member Graham Nash about singer Marianne Faithfull, but Graham was too shy to use Marianne’s real name in the lyrics, so “Carrie Anne” was substituted. The song peaked at #9 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart a few months later, in August.

The same year, various versions of the name debuted in the U.S. baby name data. It wasn’t until the next year, though, that the spelling Carrie Anne finally showed up:

Name1966196719681969
Carrieann.20*2718
Kariann.171720
Carianne.11*89
Karianne.6*1917
Cariann.5*1316
Carriann.5*8.
Carrianne..10*5
Carrieanne..7*6
Totals:.6410991
*Debut

Here’s the band performing the song in 1969. (Graham Nash had moved on to Crosby, Stills & Nash by this point, so he’s not part of the performance.)

Similar names featuring “Kerry,” like Kerrianne, also saw higher usage in the late ’60s. Three of these Kerry-variants (Kerryanne, Kerianne, & Keriann) debuted in ’68.

One non-U.S baby who was named Carrie Anne in 1967 was Canadian actress Carrie-Anne Moss, who went on to star in The Matrix as Trinity — the character that popularized the baby name Trinity impressively during the early 2000s.

The song was also one of the factors behind the swift rise of the name Carrie during the 1970s:

  • 1972: 5422 baby girls named Carrie
  • 1971: 5976 baby girls named Carrie
  • 1970: 4976 baby girls named Carrie
  • 1969: 3887 baby girls named Carrie
  • 1968: 3978 baby girls named Carrie
  • 1967: 3196 baby girls named Carrie
  • 1966: 2475 baby girls named Carrie

“Carrie Anne” kicked things off, but the rise was later fueled by actress Caroline “Carrie” Snodgress of the film Diary of a Mad Housewife (1970), the Stephen King book Carrie (1974), and the book-based movie Carrie (1976) — which featured Piper Laurie and a young John Travolta.

The baby name Carrie saw peak usage in 1976 and 1977, reaching 28th place in the rankings both years.

Do you like the name Carrie? How about the combo Carrie Anne?

Sources: The Hollies, Carrie-Anne, Chart History | Billboard, Carrie Anne – Wikipedia, Who’s that girl? Meet the muses who inspired some of our most iconic pop songs – Daily Mail

How did “The Real World” influence baby names?

Title of the TV series "The Real World" (1992-2019)
“This is the true story…of seven strangers…picked to live in a loft…and have their lives taped…”

Several months ago, the cast of the inaugural season of MTV’s The Real World held a 6-day reunion in the very same NYC loft they shared back in 1992. The reunion — which was filmed, of course — is now airing as a series on the Paramount+ platform. (Here’s the trailer.)

When I was a teenager, I loved watching The Real World. (And I appreciated that the names of the cast members were always prominently displayed in the opening credits!) So I think now would be a great time to go back and see if any Real World cast member names had an influence on U.S. baby names.

First, let’s start with a comprehensive list of all the cast member names from each of RW‘s 33 (!) seasons…

  1. The Real World: New York (1992): Andre, Becky, Eric, Heather, Julie, Kevin, Norman
  2. The Real World: California (1993): Aaron, Beth (x2), David, Dominic, Glen, Irene, Jon, Tami
  3. The Real World: San Francisco (1994): Cory, Jo, Judd, Mohammed, Pam, Pedro, Puck, Rachel
  4. The Real World: London (1995): Jacinda, Jay, Kat, Lars, Mike, Neil, Sharon
  5. The Real World: Miami (1996): Cynthia, Dan, Flora, Joe, Melissa, Mike, Sarah
  6. The Real World: Boston (1997): Elka, Genesis, Jason, Kameelah, Montana, Sean, Syrus
  7. The Real World: Seattle (1998): David, Irene, Janet, Lindsay, Nathan, Rebecca, Stephen
  8. The Real World: Hawaii (1999): Amaya, Colin, Justin, Kaia, Matt, Ruthie, Teck
  9. The Real World: New Orleans (2000): Danny, David, Jamie, Julie, Kelley, Matt, Melissa
  10. The Real World: Back to New York (2001): Coral, Kevin, Lori, Malik, Mike, Nicole, Rachel
  11. The Real World: Chicago (2002): Aneesa, Cara, Chris, Keri, Kyle, Theo, Tonya
  12. The Real World: Las Vegas (2002-2003): Alton, Arissa, Brynn, Frank, Irulan, Steven, Trishelle
  13. The Real World: Paris (2003): Ace, Adam, Chris, Christina, Leah, Mallory, Simon
  14. The Real World: San Diego (2004): Brad, Cameran, Charlie, Frankie, Jacquese, Jamie, Randy, Robin
  15. The Real World: Philadelphia (2004-2005): Karamo, Landon, Melanie, M.J., Sarah, Shavonda, Willie
  16. The Real World: Austin (2005): Danny, Johanna, Lacey, Melinda, Nehemiah, Rachel, Wes
  17. The Real World: Key West (2006): Janelle, John, Jose, Paula, Svetlana, Tyler, Zach
  18. The Real World: Denver (2006-2007): Alex, Brooke, Colie, Davis, Jenn, Stephen, Tyrie
  19. The Real World: Sydney (2007-2008): Ashli, Cohutta, Dunbar, Isaac, KellyAnne, Parisa, Shauvon, Trisha
  20. The Real World: Hollywood (2008): Brianna, Brittini, Dave, Greg, Joey, Kimberly, Nick, Sarah, Will
  21. The Real World: Brooklyn (2009): Baya, Chet, Devyn, J.D., Katelynn, Ryan, Sarah, Scott
  22. The Real World: Cancun (2009): Ayiiia, Bronne, CJ, Derek, Emilee, Jasmine, Joey, Jonna
  23. The Real World: D.C. (2009-2010): Andrew, Ashley, Callie, Emily, Erika, Josh, Mike, Ty
  24. The Real World: New Orleans (2010): Ashlee, Eric, Jemmye, McKenzie, Preston, Ryan (x2), Sahar
  25. The Real World: Las Vegas (2011): Adam, Dustin, Heather (x2), Leroy, Michael, Nany, Naomi
  26. The Real World: San Diego (2011): Alexandra, Ashley, Frank, Nate, Priscilla, Sam, Zach
  27. The Real World: St. Thomas (2012): Brandon (x2), LaToya, Laura, Marie, Robb, Trey
  28. The Real World: Portland (2013): Anastasia, Averey, Jessica, Johnny, Joi, Jordan, Marlon, Nia
  29. Real World: Ex-Plosion (2014): Arielle, Ashley (x2), Brian, Cory, Hailey, Jamie, Jay, Jenna, Jenny, Lauren, Thomas
  30. Real World: Skeletons (2014-2015): Bruno, Jason, Madison, Nicole, Sylvia, Tony, Violetta
  31. Real World: Go Big or Go Home (2016): CeeJai, Chris, Dean, Dione, Dylan, Jenna, Kailah, Sabrina
  32. Real World Seattle: Bad Blood (2016-2017): Anika, Anna, Jennifer, Jordan, Kassius, Katrina, Kimberly, Mike, Orlana, Peter, Robbie, Theo, Tyara, Will
  33. The Real World: Atlanta (2019): Arely, Clint, Dondre, Justin, Meagan, Tovah, Yasmin

The names in boldface line up with a discernible increase in baby name usage. (Other Real World names may have affected baby names as well, but it can be hard to tell when, say, a name is already common, or already on the rise.)

Here are details on all the boldfaced names, plus two more influential RW names (from seasons 6 and 18) that didn’t even belong to primary cast members.

  • The name Jacinda (from season 4; 1995) saw peak usage in 1996.
  • The name Flora (5; 1996) saw increased usage in 1997.
  • The name Kameelah (6; 1997) saw increased usage in 1998.
  • The name Syrus (6; 1997) saw increased usage in 1997.
  • The name Jason (6; 1997) was probably not affected, but the name of Jason’s girlfriend, Timber, saw increased usage in 1998.
  • The name Amaya (8; 1999) saw sharply increased usage in 1999 and 2000.
  • The name Kaia (8; 1999) saw increased usage in 1999.
  • The name Ruthie (8; 1999) saw increased usage in 1999.
  • The name Aneesa (11; 2002) saw peak usage in 2002.
  • The name Arissa (12; 2002-3) saw peak usage in 2003.
  • The name Brynn (12; 2002-3) saw sharply increased usage in 2003.
  • The name Irulan (12; 2002-3) debuted in the data in 2003.
    • It looks like she was named after the fictional character Princess Irulan from Frank Herbert’s Dune books…?
  • The name Trishelle (12; 2002-3) saw peak usage in 2004.
  • The name Mallory (13; 2003) saw increased usage in 2003 and 2004.
  • The name Cameran (14; 2004) saw peak usage in 2004.
  • The name Jacquese (14; 2004) both returned to the data and saw peak usage in 2004.
  • The name Johanna (16; 2005) saw increased usage in 2005.
  • The name Nehemiah (16; 2005) saw increased usage in 2005 and 2006.
  • The name Janelle (17; 2006) saw increased usage in 2006.
  • The name Svetlana (17; 2006) saw peak usage in 2007.
  • The name Colie (18; 2006-7) both returned to the data and saw peak usage in 2007.
  • The name Tyrie (18; 2006-7) saw peak usage in 2007.
  • The name of Tyrie’s girlfriend, Jazalle, debuted in 2007 and is a one-hit wonder so far.
  • The name Kellyanne (19; 2007-8) returned to the data in 2008.
  • The name Baya (21; 2009) saw sharply increased usage in 2009. In fact, Baya was one of the fastest-rising baby names of 2009.
  • The name Averey (28; 2013) saw peak usage in 2013.
  • The name Kassius (32; 2016-17) saw increased usage in 2017.

Of all the names above, which one(s) do you like most?

And, for all the Real World fans out there: which season(s) do you like most? :)

Source: The Real World (TV series) – Wikipedia

The earliest celebrity baby name debuts

When a major celebrity chooses an uncommon baby name, there’s a good chance that name will become trendy.

Seems like this might be a modern phenomenon, right? Maybe tied to the rise of the Internet?

Nope. In fact, I bet you’ll be surprised at just how far back it goes.

Let’s take a look at celebrity baby names through the decades, focusing on those that inspired debuts in the U.S. baby name data. (To debut, a rare names needs to be given to at least 5 babies of one gender or the other in a single year.)

1940s

Jerilyn Jessel
Lois Andrews and baby Jerilyn

Which name was the very first to debut in the U.S. baby name data thanks to a celebrity baby?

The answer depends on how strict you want to be about spelling.

If exact-spelling debuts are what you want, the first I know of doesn’t appear until the late ’40s.

If variant-spelling debuts are okay, though, there’s a celebrity baby name from the early ’40s that inspired a whopping six of them:

Jerilyn

In October of 1941, actor/comedian George Jessel (43 years old) and showgirl Lois Andrews (17) welcomed a baby girl named Jerilyn.

The name Jerilyn itself had already been in the data for a few years, but usage rose significantly in both 1941 and 1942:

  • 1943: 182 baby girls named Jerilyn [rank: 558th]
  • 1942: 325 baby girls named Jerilyn [rank: 397th]
  • 1941: 135 baby girls named Jerilyn [rank: 608th]
  • 1940: 10 baby girls named Jerilyn

The popularity of similar names like Jerrilyn and Jerelyn also increased, and six other variants appeared in the national dataset for the very first time in either 1941 or 1942:

1940194119421943
Jerilynn.56*16258
Jerrilynn.9*3819
Gerilyn..15*5
Jerilynne..7*.
Jarilyn..6*.
Geralynn..5*.
*Debut

In fact, Jerilynn and Gerilyn were the top baby name debuts of 1941 and 1942, respectively.

I was skeptical about this one for a while, as I’d never heard of George Jessel before. Was he really high-profile enough for his baby to have that sort influence? Turns out he was indeed a popular entertainer from the ’20s until at least the ’50s. He’s the one responsible for the “Garland” part of Judy Garland’s stage name, and some sources even claim he invented the Bloody Mary.

Even more variants of Jerilyn (e.g., Gerilynn) debuted during the ’40s and early ’50s, when young Jerilyn was being mentioned in newspaper articles and appearing on TV and in films with her father. Here’s a fundraising film from 1953, for instance, featuring both George and Jerilyn.

Jerilyn Jessel’s influence on U.S baby names was impressive, but, technically speaking, she didn’t put “Jerilyn” on the map.

Yasmin

The first exact-spelling celebrity baby name debut was Yasmin, which appeared in the data in 1949.

In December of 1949, actor Rita Hayworth and her husband Prince Aly Khan welcomed a baby girl named Yasmin. The same year, the baby name Yasmin appeared in the U.S. data for the very first time.

(The name Yasmin was late addition to this post. Thank you, Becca!)

1950s

Elizabeth Taylor and daughter Liza on the cover of LIFE in 1957
Liz & Liza in 1957 © LIFE

At least four of the baby names that debuted during the 1950s were inspired by celebrity babies:

Romina

In October of 1951, actors Tyrone Power and Linda Christian welcomed their first baby, Romina, who was named after the church in Italy (Santa Francesca Romana) where they had married in 1949. The same year, the baby name Romina appeared in the SSA’s data for the very first time.

Taryn

In September of 1953, Power and Christian welcomed their second baby girl, Taryn, whose name was likely inspired by “Tyrone.” The same year, the baby name Taryn debuted in the data.

Seneca

In November of 1956, boxer Floyd Patterson and his wife Sandra welcomed a baby girl named Seneca. The same year, the traditionally male name Seneca debuted in the data as a female name. Patterson said the name was inspired by a street in Brooklyn.

Monsita

In October of 1958, singer/actor Rosemary Clooney and actor José Ferrer welcomed a baby girl named Monsita — their fourth child. The same year, Monsita debuted. It fell off the list the very next year, though, making it a one-hit wonder.

Some honorable mentions from the 1950s:

  • Liza, which became more popular after Liz Taylor named her daughter Liza in 1957.
  • Tyrone, which became more popular after Tyrone Power named his third child Tyrone in 1959. The increased usage could also have been influenced by the death of the actor himself the same year, though.

1960s

Casey & Timolin Cole in 1963
Casey & Timolin Cole in 1963 © Ebony

At least four of the baby names that debuted during the 1960s were inspired by celebrity babies:

Timolin

In September of 1961, singer of Nat King Cole and his wife Maria welcomed identical twin baby girls named Timolin and Casey. The same year, the baby name Timolin debuted in the data.

Xan

In September of 1965, actor/director John Cassavetes and actress Gena Rowlands welcomed a baby girl named Alexandra “Xan” Cassavetes. The same year, the baby name Xan debuted in the data.

Joely

In October of 1967, singer Eddie Fisher and actress Connie Stevens welcomed a baby girl named Joely. The same year, the baby name Joely debuted in the data.

Maryum

In June of 1968, boxer Muhammad Ali and his wife Belinda welcomed a baby girl named Maryum. The same year, the baby name Maryum debuted in the data.

Chastity

In March of 1969, singers Cher and Sonny Bono, welcomed a baby girl named Chastity. The same year, the baby name Chastity debuted in the data. In May of 2010, Chastity legally changed genders and adopted the name Chaz.

Some honorable mentions from the 1960s:

  • Devera, which became more popular after actor Vince Edwards and his wife Kathy named their daughter Devera in late 1965.
  • Dodd, which became more popular after Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee named their son Dodd in late 1961.

1970s

Rasheda & Jamillah Ali in 1971
The Alis and babies Rasheda & Jamillah in 1971 © Ebony

At least eight of the baby names that debuted during the 1970s were inspired by celebrity babies:

Rasheda

In August of 1970, boxer Muhammad Ali and his wife Belinda welcomed twin baby girls named Rasheda and Jamillah. The same year, the baby name Rasheda debuted in the data.

(Both Jet magazine (in 1970) and Ebony magazine (in 1971) misspelled her name “Reeshemah.” The misspelling debuted in 1970 and saw peak usage in 1971.)

Ayanna

In 1971, comedian/activist Dick Gregory and his wife Lillian welcomed a baby girl named Ayanna. The same year, the baby name Ayanna debuted in the data.

Yohance

In July of 1973, Dick Gregory and Lillian welcomed a baby boy named Yohance. The same year, the baby name Yohance debuted in the data.

(I wrote more about baby names in the Gregory family a few years ago.)

Kidada

In March of 1974, musician/producer Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton welcomed a baby girl named Kidada. The same year, the baby name Kidada debuted in the data.

Taryll

In August of 1975, singer Tito Jackson (of The Jackson 5) and his wife Dee Dee welcomed a baby boy named Taryll. The same year, the baby name Taryll debuted in the data.

Turkessa

In April of 1975, singer Mary Wilson (of The Supremes) and her husband Pedro welcomed a baby girl named Turkessa. The same year, the baby name Turkessa debuted in the data. Turkessa was just 3 babies away from being the top baby name debut of the year. Here’s how Mary came up with the name:

Pedro brought me a beautiful plant. I asked him was it was called. “Turquesa,” he replied, “Spanish for turquoise.” So we named our daughter Turkessa.

Chudney

In November of 1975, singer Diana Ross (also of The Supremes) and her husband Robert welcomed a baby girl named Chudney. The next year, the baby name Chudney debuted in the data. Here’s how Diana came up with the name:

Friends kept suggesting popular names like Courtney, but so many girl babies were getting that. I suddenly thought of something I liked very much — chutney. Only I didn’t know how to spell it — I put a ‘d’ where the ‘t’ should have been on the birth certificate. And that’s how my little girl became Chudney!

Katiria

In 1978, Puerto Rican dancer/singer Iris Chacón and her husband Junno welcomed a baby girl named Katiria. The same year, the baby name Katiria debuted in the data. Most of these babies were born in New York.

1980s

Condola Rashad in 1987
The Rashads and baby Condola
© Ebony

At least three of the baby names that debuted during the 1980s were inspired by celebrity babies, and at least one was inspired by a celebrity grandbaby:

Rishawn

In September of 1984, singer Gladys Knight didn’t have a baby, but her son James (b. 1962) and his wife Michelene did. They welcomed a boy named Rishawn. The next year, the baby name Rishawn debuted in the data. It was one of the top debut names of 1985, in fact.

Shakari

In November of 1986, football player Willie Gault and his wife Dainnese welcomed a baby girl named Shakari. The next year, the baby name Shakari debuted in the data.

Condola

I wrote about Condola a few months ago, but here’s a recap: In December of 1986, actress Phylicia Rashad and sportscaster Ahmad Rashad welcomed a baby girl named Condola. The next year, the baby name Condola debuted in the data.

Satchel

In December of 1987, filmmaker/actor Woody Allen and actress Mia Farrow welcomed a baby boy named Satchel. The next year, the baby name Satchel debuted in the data. He now goes by Ronan, and rumor has it that he is *possibly* the biological son of Frank Sinatra.

An honorable mention from the 1980s:

  • Kady, which became more popular after Pia Zadora named her daughter Kady in early 1985.

1990s

Demi, pre-Scout, on cover of Vanity Fair, August 1991
Demi Moore and baby Scout (kinda)
© Vanity Fair

At least three of the baby names the debuted during the 1990s were inspired by celebrity babies:

Scout

In July of 1991, actors Demi Moore and Bruce Willis welcomed a baby girl named Scout. (And in August, that famous image of 7-months-pregnant Demi ran on the cover of Vanity Fair.) The next year, the baby name Scout debuted in the data, for both genders.

Aquinnah

In February of 1995, actor Michael J. Fox and his wife Tracy welcomed twin baby girls named Aquinnah and Schuyler. The same year, the baby name Aquinnah debuted in the data. (I wrote more about the name Aquinnah a few years ago.)

Sailor

In July of 1998, model Christie Brinkley and her husband Peter welcomed a baby girl named Sailor. The same year, the baby name Sailor debuted in the data as a girl name. It had debuted as a boy name the year before.

Some honorable mentions from the 1990s:

  • Ireland, which became more popular after Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger named their daughter Ireland in 1995.
  • Seven, which became more popular after Erykah Badu named her son Seven in 1997.
  • Zion, which became more popular after Lauryn Hill named her son Zion in 1997.
  • Selah, which became more popular after Lauryn Hill named her daughter Selah in 1998.
  • Ronan, which became more popular after Daniel Day-Lewis named his son Ronan in 1998.

2000s

Angelina and Maddox Jolie in 2002
Angelina Jolie and baby Maddox
© People

At least five of the baby names that debuted during the 2000s (the decade) were inspired by celebrity babies:

Eja

In August of 2001, singer Shania Twain and her husband Robert welcomed a baby boy named Eja. The same year, the baby name Eja debuted in the data (as a girl name).

Xen

In August of 2001, actors Tisha Campbell-Martin and Duane Martin welcomed a baby boy named Xen. The same year, the baby name Xen debuted in the data.

Cashel

In May of 2002, actors Daniel Day-Lewis and Rebecca Miller welcomed a baby boy named Cashel. The next year, the baby name Cashel debuted in the data.

Diezel

In March of 2003, singer Toni Braxton and musician Keri Lewis welcomed a baby boy named Diezel. The same year, the baby name Diezel debuted in the data.

Moxie

In June of 2005, magician Penn Jillette and his wife Emily welcomed a baby girl named Moxie (middle name CrimeFighter). The next year, the baby name Moxie debuted in the data.

Dannielynn

In September of 2006, model Anna Nicole Smith and her partner Larry Birkhead welcomed a baby girl named Dannielynn. The next year, the baby name Dannielynn debuted in the data.

Some honorable mentions from the early 2000s:

  • Massai, which became more popular after Nia Long named her son Massai in 2000.
  • Rocco, which became more popular after Madonna and Guy Ritchie named their son Rocco in 2000.
  • Denim, which became more popular after Toni Braxton named her son Denim in 2001.
  • Maddox, which became more popular after Angelina Jolie named her adopted son Maddox in 2002.
  • Carys, which became more popular after Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas named their daughter Carys in 2003.
  • Stellan, which became more popular after Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany named their son Stellan in 2003.
  • Apple, which became more popular after Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin named their daughter Apple in 2004.
  • Coco, which became more popular after Courtney Cox and David Arquette named their daughter Coco in 2004.
  • Zahara, which became more popular after Angelina Jolie named her adopted daughter Zahara in 2005.
  • Moses, which became more popular after Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin named their son Moses in 2006.
  • Kingston, which became more popular after Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale named their son Kingston in 2006.
  • Suri, which became more popular after Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes named their daughter Suri in 2006.
  • Shiloh, which became more popular after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their daughter Shiloh in 2006.
  • Pax, which became more popular after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their adopted son Pax in 2007.
  • Harlow, which became more popular after Nicole Richie and Joel Madden named their daughter Harlow in 2008.
  • Knox & Vivienne, which became more popular after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their twins Knox and Vivienne in 2008.
  • Honor, which became more popular after Jessica Alba named her daughter Honor in 2008.
  • Nahla, which became more popular after Halle Berry named her daughter Nahla in 2008.
  • Bronx, which became more popular after Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz named their son Bronx in 2008.

*

The 2010s are only half over and already we’ve seen more celebrity baby-inspired debuts than in any other decade — Naleigh, Aleph (for boys), Locklyn, Aaradhya, Sebella, Sparrow (for boys), Viaan, Naiovy, Eisele, and no doubt others I’ve missed.

Sources:

  • Manners, Dorothy. “Off the Grapevine.” Toledo Blade 14 Feb. 1977: P-3.
  • Wilson, Mary and Patricia Romanowski. Supreme Faith. New York: Harper Collins, 1991.
  • SSA

Anagram baby names (4 letters long)

Anagram baby names (4 letters)

Looking for a set of baby names with something in common? If so, here are some 4-letter anagram names for you to check out!

Anagrams are words that contain the same set of letters, but not in the same sequence. For instance, the words “race,” “care,” and “acre” are all anagrams of one another.

Anagram names can be a neat option for siblings — particularly multiples (like twins and triplets). They’re also a clever way to connect a baby name to the name of an older relative (e.g., grandpa Gary, grandson Gray).

Below are hundreds of four-letter names (collected from the SSA’s huge database of U.S. baby names) that happen to be anagrams of other names.

Four-letter anagram names

  • Adir, Adri, Ardi, Dair, Dari, Diar, Dira, Dria, Riad, Rida
  • Anir, Anri, Arin, Iran, Nari, Nira, Rain, Rani, Rian, Rina
  • Aris, Asir, Isra, Rais, Rias, Risa, Sair, Sari, Siar, Sira
  • Asim, Asmi, Isam, Isma, Mais, Misa, Saim, Sami, Siam, Sima
  • Alen, Anel, Elan, Elna, Lane, Lean, Lena, Neal, Nela
  • Alin, Anil, Ilan, Lain, Lani, Lian, Lina, Nali, Nila
  • Amin, Iman, Mani, Mian, Mina, Naim, Nami, Niam, Nima
  • Anvi, Avin, Avni, Ivan, Navi, Niva, Vani, Vian, Vina
  • Adin, Andi, Dain, Dani, Dian, Dina, Idan, Nida
  • Ahri, Hari, Hira, Irah, Irha, Rahi, Rhia, Riah
  • Amir, Amri, Iram, Irma, Mari, Mira, Rami, Rima
  • Ariv, Arvi, Avir, Avri, Ivar, Ravi, Riva, Vira
  • Arno, Aron, Noar, Nora, Oran, Orna, Roan, Rona
  • Emir, Emri, Imer, Imre, Irem, Meir, Meri, Remi
  • Eron, Nero, Nore, Oren, Reno, Reon, Roen, Rone
  • Aden, Dane, Dean, Dena, Edan, Edna, Neda
  • Aina, Anai, Ania, Iaan, Iana, Naia, Niaa
  • Akil, Alik, Ikal, Ilka, Kail, Kali, Kila
  • Akim, Kami, Kiam, Maik, Maki, Mika, Mkai
  • Akin, Anik, Kain, Kani, Kian, Kina, Nika
  • Alek, Elka, Kael, Kale, Kela, Klea, Lake
  • Alem, Amel, Elam, Elma, Leam, Mael, Mela
  • Alim, Amil, Ilma, Liam, Lima, Mali, Mila
  • Alis, Asil, Asli, Ilsa, Isla, Lisa, Sila
  • Alun, Lanu, Luan, Luna, Nalu, Nula, Ulan
  • Alyn, Lany, Layn, Lyan, Lyna, Nyla, Ylan
  • Anis, Isan, Nasi, Nisa, Sani, Sian, Sina
  • Ariz, Azir, Izra, Razi, Zair, Zari, Zira
  • Elon, Leno, Leon, Noel, Nole, Olen, Onel
  • Iron, Noir, Nori, Onir, Orin, Rion, Roni
  • Aari, Aira, Arai, Aria, Iara, Raia
  • Acel, Alec, Cael, Cale, Clea, Lace
  • Adel, Dael, Dale, Dela, Elda, Leda
  • Ahil, Hali, Hila, Ihla, Ilha, Liah
  • Aily, Ilay, Ilya, Iyla, Liya, Yali
  • Ajan, Ajna, Anja, Jaan, Jana, Naja
  • Alex, Axel, Axle, Lexa, Xael, Xela
  • Amen, Eman, Enma, Mane, Mena, Nema
  • Amor, Amro, Maor, Mora, Omar, Roma
  • Anni, Iann, Inna, Nain, Nani, Nina
  • Anze, Azen, Enza, Ezan, Zane, Zena
  • Ayin, Iyan, Niya, Nyia, Yani, Yian
  • Azel, Elza, Zael, Zale, Zeal, Zela
  • Ekin, Enki, Kein, Keni, Kien, Nike
  • Erik, Iker, Keir, Keri, Kier, Kire
  • Izan, Izna, Zain, Zani, Zian, Zina
  • Kior, Kiro, Kori, Kroi, Orik, Riko
  • Abel, Able, Bela, Elba, Leba
  • Abir, Abri, Arib, Bair, Bria
  • Adil, Dali, Ilda, Ladi, Lida
  • Aeri, Aire, Arie, Eira, Reia
  • Ahmi, Haim, Mahi, Mhia, Miah
  • Ahni, Hani, Hina, Ihan, Niah
  • Aima, Amai, Amia, Maia, Miaa
  • Alam, Alma, Amal, Lama, Mala
  • Alay, Alya, Ayal, Ayla, Laya
  • Alie, Eila, Elai, Elia, Leia
  • Alon, Lona, Naol, Nola, Olan
  • Amar, Amra, Aram, Mara, Rama
  • Amer, Emra, Erma, Mera, Rema
  • Ames, Esma, Mase, Mesa, Sema
  • Amzi, Azim, Izma, Mazi, Zaim
  • Anar, Aran, Arna, Nara, Rana
  • Anay, Anya, Ayan, Naya, Yana
  • Aras, Asar, Asra, Rasa, Sara
  • Arel, Earl, Lera, Rael, Real
  • Aren, Arne, Eran, Nare, Rena
  • Ares, Aser, Esra, Sare, Sera
  • Arif, Fira, Ifra, Rafi, Raif
  • Arlo, Lora, Orla, Ralo, Rola
  • Ayen, Enya, Eyan, Neya, Yena
  • Elim, Emil, Liem, Meli, Miel
  • Elin, Leni, Neil, Neli, Nile
  • Elis, Elsi, Esli, Ilse, Lise
  • Elya, Eyal, Eyla, Leya, Yael
  • Enok, Keno, Keon, Koen, Neko
  • Erin, Iren, Neri, Rein, Reni
  • Eris, Reis, Ries, Rise, Sire
  • Eryn, Nery, Reyn, Ryen, Ryne
  • Imon, Moni, Nimo, Nomi, Omni
  • Irya, Iyra, Riya, Yair, Yari
  • Isak, Kais, Kasi, Kisa, Skai
  • Izak, Kazi, Kiza, Zaki, Zkai
  • Lino, Lion, Loni, Nilo, Olin
  • Nyza, Yazn, Zayn, Zyan, Zyna
  • Aadi, Adia, Aida, Daia
  • Acer, Acre, Cera, Race
  • Adan, Adna, Dana, Nada
  • Adar, Arda, Dara, Raad
  • Adem, Amed, Dema, Emad
  • Adja, Daja, Jaad, Jada
  • Adly, Daly, Lady, Lyda
  • Adya, Ayda, Ayad, Daya
  • Adyn, Andy, Aydn, Dany
  • Ahan, Ahna, Anah, Hana
  • Aidy, Diya, Iyad, Yida
  • Aiko, Akio, Aoki, Kaio
  • Aila, Alai, Alia, Laia
  • Aimy, Miya, Myia, Yami
  • Aisa, Asai, Asia, Saia
  • Aiza, Azai, Azia, Zaia
  • Akon, Kano, Kaon, Kona
  • Alia, Alli, Illa, Lila
  • Aliz, Izla, Liza, Zila
  • Aman, Amna, Anam, Mana
  • Amay, Amya, Maya, Yama
  • Amit, Mati, Taim, Tiam
  • Amon, Mona, Noam, Oman
  • Amun, Anum, Manu, Muna
  • Amyr, Mary, Myra, Ramy
  • Anav, Avan, Nava, Vana
  • Ansh, Hans, Nash, Shan
  • Araf, Arfa, Fara, Rafa
  • Arik, Kari, Kira, Rika
  • Aryn, Nyra, Rayn, Ryan
  • Ashe, Esha, Shae, Shea
  • Asma, Masa, Saam, Sama
  • Atem, Mate, Meta, Tema
  • Atli, Liat, Lita, Tali
  • Avel, Elva, Vale, Vela
  • Aven, Evan, Neva, Vena
  • Avid, Davi, Diva, Vida
  • Avik, Kavi, Kiva, Vika
  • Avyn, Navy, Vyan, Yvan
  • Ayon, Noya, Yoan, Yona
  • Azar, Azra, Raza, Zara
  • Baer, Bear, Brea, Reba
  • Bain, Bani, Bina, Iban
  • Caly, Clay, Cyla, Lacy
  • Daer, Drea, Raed, Reda
  • Edin, Deni, Enid, Iden
  • Ehan, Hena, Neah, Neha
  • Eino, Eion, Enio, Ione
  • Elah, Hale, Hela, Leah
  • Elyn, Nely, Nyel, Nyle
  • Emry, Mery, Myer, Remy
  • Erza, Ezra, Reza, Zera
  • Etan, Etna, Nate, Tena
  • Gian, Gina, Inga, Nagi
  • Hays, Shay, Shya, Yash
  • Hera, Reah, Reha, Rhea
  • Inez, Izen, Zein, Zeni
  • Isha, Shai, Shia, Siah
  • Jani, Jian, Jina, Naji
  • Kaly, Kayl, Klay, Kyla
  • Kory, Kroy, Kyro, York
  • Miro, Omir, Omri, Romi
  • Nita, Tani, Tian, Tina
  • Riot, Rito, Tori, Troi
  • Aban, Bana, Naba
  • Adis, Sadi, Said
  • Afsa, Asaf, Safa
  • Aime, Amei, Amie
  • Aine, Eian, Neia
  • Aino, Ioan, Iona
  • Aiva, Avia, Vaia
  • Aker, Arek, Kera
  • Akya, Ayak, Kaya
  • Alan, Lana, Nala
  • Albi, Bali, Liba
  • Aloe, Eloa, Olea
  • Alva, Lava, Vala
  • Alys, Asly, Syla
  • Alyx, Axyl, Xyla
  • Amaj, Jama, Maja
  • Ange, Egan, Gena
  • Anka, Kaan, Kana
  • Anan, Anna, Nana
  • Anas, Asan, Sana
  • Angy, Gyan, Yang
  • Anne, Enna, Nena
  • Anny, Nyna, Yann
  • Anuj, Juan, Juna
  • Anza, Azan, Zana
  • Areg, Grae, Rage
  • Aric, Cari, Cira
  • Arly, Lyra, Ryla
  • Aros, Rosa, Sora
  • Arpi, Pari, Pria
  • Arun, Nura, Runa
  • Arye, Raye, Reya
  • Asif, Safi, Saif
  • Asya, Aysa, Saya
  • Atom, Mato, Toma
  • Atzi, Itza, Zita
  • Aury, Ruya, Yura
  • Avey, Veya, Yeva
  • Avya, Ayva, Vaya
  • Axen, Xane, Xena
  • Ayaz, Ayza, Zaya
  • Azon, Ozan, Zona
  • Azul, Zaul, Zula
  • Cami, Maci, Mica
  • Ciro, Cori, Rico
  • Cleo, Cloe, Cole
  • Dave, Deva, Veda
  • Dezi, Ediz, Zeid
  • Dima, Imad, Madi
  • Dino, Dion, Odin
  • East, Esta, Tesa
  • Elen, Leen, Neel
  • Elek, Elke, Klee
  • Elio, Loie, Olie
  • Elky, Kely, Kyle
  • Ella, Lael, Lela
  • Elli, Liel, Lile
  • Elsa, Sael, Sela
  • Elta, Leta, Teal
  • Emre, Meer, Reem
  • Emya, Maye, Meya
  • Enas, Sean, Sena
  • Enos, Enso, Eson
  • Envi, Evin, Iven
  • Enzo, Zeno, Zeon
  • Eren, Neer, Rene
  • Erum, Meru, Umer
  • Erys, Ryse, Syre
  • Even, Neev, Neve
  • Ezio, Zoei, Zoie
  • Ezri, Zier, Zire
  • Gail, Gali, Gila
  • Ghia, Giah, Haig
  • Haji, Jahi, Jiah
  • Hiro, Iroh, Rohi
  • Imir, Imri, Miri
  • Iqra, Qari, Qira
  • Isom, Mosi, Somi
  • Izek, Zeik, Zeki
  • Jami, Maji, Mija
  • Jane, Jean, Jena
  • Jino, Jion, Joni
  • Kadi, Kaid, Kida
  • Kane, Kean, Kena
  • Kary, Kyra, Ryka
  • Kilo, Liko, Loki
  • Kino, Kion, Niko
  • Kleo, Kloe, Kole
  • Kmya, Kyam, Myka
  • Lavi, Vail, Vali
  • Leor, Lore, Roel
  • Lior, Lori, Orli
  • Lory, Orly, Rylo
  • Maev, Mave, Meva
  • Moti, Timo, Tomi
  • Omer, Remo, Rome
  • Oryn, Rony, Ryon
  • Sita, Tasi, Tisa
  • Tera, Trae, Trea
  • Thai, Thia, Tiah
  • Tino, Tion, Toni
  • Tory, Troy, Ryot
  • Xain, Xian, Xina
  • Ynez, Zeyn, Zyen
  • Aaro, Roaa
  • Abem, Meba
  • Abhi, Hiba
  • Acai, Caia
  • Acen, Cane
  • Acyn, Cyan
  • Adae, Adea
  • Adah, Ahad
  • Adam, Amad
  • Adau, Duaa
  • Aela, Alea
  • Aera, Raea
  • Aeva, Avea
  • Aide, Deia
  • Aika, Akia
  • Aimi, Miia
  • Aivy, Viya
  • Aixa, Xaia
  • Ajah, Haja
  • Ajai, Jaia
  • Ajit, Taji
  • Ajla, Jala
  • Ajay, Jaya
  • Akai, Kaia
  • Alix, Axil
  • Ally, Lyla
  • Aloy, Loay
  • Alta, Tala
  • Amos, Soma
  • Arav, Vara
  • Arha, Raha
  • Ario, Oria
  • Arka, Kara
  • Arla, Lara
  • Arli, Lira
  • Arth, Hart
  • Aryo, Roya
  • Arys, Syra
  • Arzu, Uraz
  • Ason, Sona
  • Atif, Tifa
  • Audy, Uday
  • Avah, Hava
  • Avee, Eeva
  • Avie, Evia
  • Avis, Savi
  • Aviv, Viva
  • Avon, Nova
  • Ayah, Haya
  • Ayat, Taya
  • Ayse, Eyas
  • Azad, Zada
  • Azal, Zala
  • Azam, Maaz
  • Aziz, Izza
  • Badr, Brad
  • Bane, Bena
  • Beni, Ebin
  • Bert, Bret
  • Bode, Obed
  • Boen, Ebon
  • Bray, Brya
  • Bree, Eber
  • Bruk, Burk
  • Cade, Dace
  • Cadi, Caid
  • Cain, Cian
  • Cali, Laci
  • Cary, Cyra
  • Cash, Chas
  • Chaz, Zach
  • Cire, Eric
  • Coen, Enoc
  • Clio, Loic
  • Dade, Edda
  • Dash, Shad
  • Dava, Vada
  • Deen, Eden
  • Deja, Jade
  • Deka, Kade
  • Demi, Diem
  • Deon, Oden
  • Dewa, Wade
  • Deya, Eyad
  • Dior, Dori
  • Dory, Rody
  • Duha, Huda
  • Eder, Reed
  • Edyn, Endy
  • Egon, Geno
  • Ehab, Heba
  • Eisa, Esai
  • Eiza, Ezai
  • Ekam, Meka
  • Eker, Kree
  • Elea, Leea
  • Elif, Leif
  • Elih, Lehi
  • Eliz, Izel
  • Elly, Lyle
  • Elom, Melo
  • Eloy, Yoel
  • Elvy, Levy
  • Emet, Mete
  • Emit, Temi
  • Emma, Mame
  • Enis, Ines
  • Envy, Evyn
  • Eros, Rose
  • Eryk, Kyre
  • Esmi, Siem
  • Etai, Teia
  • Etta, Tate
  • Ever, Veer
  • Evie, Ivee
  • Evon, Nevo
  • Faya, Yafa
  • Faiz, Fiza
  • Flor, Rolf
  • Gael, Gale
  • Galo, Olga
  • Gema, Mega
  • Gary, Gray
  • Halo, Loah
  • Hank, Khan
  • Haru, Ruah
  • Hedy, Hyde
  • Heir, Heri
  • Hiya, Iyah
  • Iain, Niia
  • Icon, Nico
  • Igor, Rigo
  • Iris, Siri
  • Irys, Syir
  • Itay, Tiya
  • Iver, Revi
  • Ives, Sevi
  • Ivey, Yvie
  • Ivin, Nivi
  • Ivon, Novi
  • Jady, Jayd
  • Jair, Jari
  • Jake, Kaje
  • Jara, Raja
  • Jasa, Saja
  • Jase, Saje
  • Jasi, Jsai
  • Jiro, Jori
  • Joan, Jona
  • Joas, Ojas
  • Joey, Joye
  • Kado, Koda
  • Kady, Kayd
  • Kalo, Koal
  • Kaos, Oaks
  • Karl, Lark
  • Kate, Teak
  • Kato, Kota
  • Kaye, Keya
  • Kayn, Kyan
  • Kayo, Koya
  • Kaze, Keza
  • Kemi, Mike
  • Keny, Kyne
  • Kiel, Kile
  • Kiko, Koki
  • Kimi, Miki
  • Kimo, Miko
  • Kiri, Riki
  • Kyon, Nyko
  • Lalo, Lola
  • Levi, Liev
  • Lilo, Olli
  • Liyu, Yuli
  • Lois, Soli
  • Loza, Zola
  • Lula, Ulla
  • Luma, Malu
  • Lura, Raul
  • Lyam, Myla
  • Lyon, Nylo
  • Lyza, Zyla
  • Macy, Myca
  • Maru, Umar
  • Maty, Taym
  • Mays, Samy
  • Maze, Zema
  • Mely, Myel
  • Miyu, Yumi
  • Mory, Romy
  • Nafi, Naif
  • Nino, Noni
  • Noah, Noha
  • Nona, Onna
  • Nour, Onur
  • Nyir, Ryin
  • Onix, Xion
  • Onyx, Xyon
  • Opal, Pola
  • Orry, Rory
  • Osha, Soha
  • Oslo, Solo
  • Pars, Sarp
  • Prue, Pure
  • Reva, Vera
  • Roah, Roha
  • Roza, Zora
  • Ryel, Ryle
  • Ryze, Zyer
  • Saed, Sade
  • Saul, Sula
  • Seva, Svea
  • Sevy, Yves
  • Sota, Taos
  • Taro, Tora
  • Tavi, Vita
  • Teah, Thea
  • Tony, Tyon
  • Tovi, Vito
  • Trey, Tyre
  • Vyla, Ylva
  • Wali, Wila
  • Xayn, Xyan
  • Yuan, Yuna
  • Zaid, Ziad
  • Zavi, Ziva
  • Zayd, Zyad
  • Zoah, Zoha

Which pairing/group do you like best? Let me know in the comments!

To see anagram names of other lengths, check out these lists of 3-letter anagram names, 5-letter anagram names, 6-letter anagram names, 7-letter anagram names, and 8-letter anagram names.

[Latest update: April 2023]