As we approach Mother’s Day, the U.S. has revealed the top baby names for 2024, and there are a few surprises in the mix.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) released the highly anticipated annual list of baby names, which has been a tradition dating all the way back to 1880.
These names are based on Social Security card applications across all 50 states.
Liam and Olivia Continue Their Reign at the Top
For the sixth consecutive year, Liam and Olivia have claimed the top spots as the most popular baby names in the U.S.
Liam has dominated the boys’ list for eight straight years, while Olivia has held the crown for girls for the past six years.
The consistency in these names shows how much staying power they have in American culture.
Emma and Noah Hold Strong in Second Place
For the sixth year running, Emma continues to sit comfortably in the second spot for girls, and Noah does the same for boys.
These names have also proven to be timeless and remain favorites for many parents across the country.
Newcomers and Surprises in the 2024 List
This year, there have been a few shifts.
Luna, once a staple in the girls’ top 10, has dropped off the list, making room for Sofia, which has claimed the number 10 spot for the first time.
Among the most popular names for boys after Liam are Noah, Oliver, Theodore, James, and Henry, with Mateo, Elijah, Lucas, and William rounding out the top 10.
On the girls’ side, Emma, Amelia, Charlotte, Mia, Sophia, Isabella, Evelyn, and Ava follow Olivia, with Sofia joining the list.
Growing Trend of Cross-Cultural Names
Sophie Kihm, editor-in-chief of Nameberry, points out an interesting trend among American parents – the growing popularity of names with cross-cultural appeal.
According to Kihm, names that have a universal appeal are becoming increasingly popular.
Many parents, especially those from mixed cultural backgrounds, are opting for names that are easy to pronounce and understand around the world.
This global trend reflects the modern, interconnected world in which we live.
The Rising Influence of Social Media and Pop Culture on Baby Names
Interestingly, popular culture continues to have a significant influence on the names parents choose for their children.
Social media influencers and TV shows often play a huge role in this.
For example, the Hawaiian name Ailany, meaning ‘chief,’ saw a significant rise in popularity for girls in 2024, thanks in part to its presence on social media.
On the boys’ side, Truce, an Old English name meaning ‘peace,’ saw a remarkable jump, climbing over 11,000 spots to land at number 991.
It’s a clear reflection of how social media and popular trends influence naming choices.
The Continuing Popularity of Game of Thrones-Inspired Names
While many names rise and fall in popularity, some names have held steady over time. For instance, Game of Thrones-inspired names continue to make an impact.
In 2023, 397 girls were named Khaleesi, a name that was at its peak around 2018 when the show was still airing.
Even after the show’s conclusion, the names inspired by its characters continue to make their mark on the list.
Liam and Olivia’s Continued Influence
Liam, which overtook Noah in 2017 as the most popular boy’s name, remains the top choice for many parents.
Inspired by famous figures like actor Liam Neeson and former One Direction member Liam Payne, the name shows no signs of slowing down.
Similarly, Olivia’s reign as the most popular girl’s name continues.
The name’s rise can be linked to the popularity of Olivia Pope from the TV show Scandal and stars like Olivia Newton-John and Olivia Rodrigo.
The Shift Towards Softer, More Flowing Names
Over the years, parents seem to favor names that are easier on the ears. Linguists have noted a trend towards names that flow smoothly and have softer sounds.
Adam Cooper, a professor at Northeastern University, has observed that names ending in vowels or ‘nah’ sounds are increasingly common.
This trend reflects what’s known as “phonaesthetics,” or the study of the beauty of sounds in names.
A Slight Rise in Birthrate
The SSA also reported that in 2024, there were 3.61 million babies born in the U.S., a slight increase from the previous year.
This increase, although modest, shows a positive trend in the national birthrate, and the baby name list continues to reflect shifting societal influences and preferences.
The full list of baby names for 2024 can be found on the Social Security Administration’s website, offering a searchable database for anyone interested in exploring trends or choosing the perfect name.