There is so much to consider when naming a baby. Quickly realizing how some names bring up negative emotions or memories, considering favorite relatives, or looking into more distant family names, and finding a name that everyone agrees on can take time and patience. Occasionally a name that has been on your Top 10 baby name list (that you made when you were 13), gets used by your sister’s best friend—or worse—by a coworker. Well, what then?
While the most popular baby names may be just what you’re looking for, they also may give you names to avoid if searching for a unique and special name for your new bundle of joy. Regardless, these were the most recent popular baby names according to the United States Social Security Administration (SSA).
Girls
#10
Evelyn comes in at number 10 on the list, meaning “desired; or water, island” according to Nameberry. Joining similar names like Emma, Ava, and Mia, Evelyn has secured a spot at the top. Famous Evelyns include Evelyn Keyes, an American film actress; Evelyn West, a burlesque legend, and Evelyn Bryan Johnson, a coronel with the Civil Air Patrol.
#9
Harper is from English, meaning, (you guessed it!) someone who plays the harp. According to Nameberry, Harper is a “prime example of the trend of surnames that turn into boys’ names and then become girls’ names.” Famous Harpers include Haper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman, and David and Victoria Beckham’s daughter Harper Seven Beckham.
#8
A Scandinavian name, Mia is a pet name of Maria, meaning, “beloved” according to The Bump. Famous Mias include actress Mia Farrow, professional soccer player Mia Hamm, and model Mia Tyler.
#7
According to Nameberry, Amelia comes from the German Amal, meaning “work.” Nicknames for Amelia include Mia, Mila, and Lia. Famous Amelias include aviator Amelia Earhart and English pop star Amelia Lily.
#6
Charlotte comes in at number six and has been on the rise on the name charts both in the UK and in the US in recent years. As we all saw on Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was a force to be reckoned with. Charlotte comes from the male name Charles, meaning “free man.” Other notable Charlottes include novelist Charlotte Brontë, singer Charlotte Church, and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.
#5
Isabella is an Italian name according to Nameberry. A variation of Elizabeth, Isabella means “pledged to God.” Spelling variations including Isabel, Isobel, and Isabelle are popular, and nicknames Izzy and Bella are common. The most noteworthy Isabellas include model and actress Isabella Rossellini, and television actresses Isabella Gómez and Isabella Blake-Thomas.
#4
Closing in on the top of the US baby name list, Sophia lands at number four. Of Greek origin, meaning “wisdom” Sophia has hovered in the top 20 since 2003 and climbed to number one in 2011. Sofia and Sophie are common variations of the name and are more popular in several countries. Sophia Loren, Sophia Bush, and director Sofia Coppola are household names.
#3
Since 2005, Ava has been on the top 10 list in the US. Meaning “life; bird; water, island” Ava comes from Latin. Notable Avas include actress Ava Gardner, Tall Girl actress Ava Michelle Cota, and Girl Meets World actress Ava Kolker.
#2
Of German origin, Emma comes in second on the list of popular baby names. According to Baby Center, the name means “whole” or “universal.” Popular Emmas include Emma Watson of Harry Potter, and Academy Award winner, Emma Stone.
#1
Olivia is currently the number one girl name in the US meaning, “olive tree“ according to Baby Center. The name comes from Latin and is a derivative of Oliver. Well-known Oliva’s include Olivia Newton-John, Olivia Munn, and Olivia Wilde.
Boys
#10
“Firm and strong,” are the meanings of the Hebrew name, Ethan according to Nameberry. Empire Records star, Ethan Embry and Reality Bites actor Ethan Hawke are two of our favorite Ethans.
#9
Mason means “worker in stone.” Of English origin according to Baby Names, Mason is a unisex name. Famous Masons include classical guitarist Mason Williams, child reality star Mason Disick, and actor Mason Cook.
#8
“Man from Lucania,” is the meaning of the Latin name Lucas, according to Nameberry. Lucania was an area in Southern Italy that is now Basilicata. Lucas Cranach the Elder, was a celebrated German Renaissance artist.
#7
Since 1969, Benjamin has been on the top 100 baby names list according to BabyCenter. Meaning “son of my right hand,” Benjamin’s most common nicknames are Benny, Ben, and Benjie. Notable Benjamins include Benjamin Bratt, Ben Franklin, Ben E. King, Ben Kingsly, Ben Affleck, Ben Harper, and Ben Stiller.
#6
A Hebrew name, James means “supplanter” according to Nameberry. A classic, James has been in the top 20 names since 2000. There are several famous actors named James, including Franco, Dean, McAvoy, Marsden, Earl Jones, Caan, and musicians Brown and Taylor.
#5
Elijah is a Hebrew name that means “Yahweh is God.” Starting in 1880 Elijah was on the decline until the late 1960s when Elijah started to climb back up the charts. Elijah Wood from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy is the most famous person with the name.
#4
From the Germanic Wilhelm, William means “resolute protection.” Nicknames for William include Bill, Billy, and more recently Liam. Bill Hader, Billy Crystal, William Shatner, and William Shakespear all share the popular name.
#3
A name from the Latin word, olivarius, Oliver means “olive tree” according to Baby Center. Famous Olivers include Oliver Stone, Oliver Cromwell, and Oliver Sacks.
#2
“Rest” and “comfort” are the meanings of Noah, historically a Hebrew name. Noah Wyle and Noah Emmerich are American actors.
#1
Liam means “resolute protection,” and is of Irish origin according to Nameberry. Liam Neesom, Liam Hemsworth, and Liam Gallagher top the famous Liam list.
