Did you know that over 35 million babies are born each year in the U.S.? The Social Security Administration (SSA) diligently keeps track of the names given to every single one of them. Each spring, they publish an updated list of the most popular baby names based on how many newborns received those names during the past year.
As we enter a fresh decade, it’s interesting to observe how naming trends have evolved over the last ten years. Here are some fascinating insights about the top baby names:
- The SSA does not account for alternate spellings in their rankings. For instance, while Jayden sits at #14, if you included its variations like Jaidyn, Jadon, and so forth, it would likely climb higher. A notable example is Sophia, ranked #2, while its alternate spelling, Sofia, holds the #17 spot. Over the decade, 177,410 babies were named Emma and 166,986 were called Sophia. However, when you add in the 74,881 babies named Sofia, the total for Sophia/Sofia reaches an impressive 241,867, surpassing Emma for the top position.
- Another point to consider is the significant variability in girls’ names, while boys’ names remain more stable. This indicates that classic names for boys tend to endure. When looking at the data over the last century, ten boys’ names—like James, John, and Michael—continue to appear in the top 30, whereas only two girls’ names from this decade—Elizabeth and Emily—made that century-long list.
- Comparing the current decade to the previous one (2000-2010), several names have slipped from the top 30 for boys, including Nicholas, Ryan, and Tyler. In contrast, many more girls’ names have fallen out of favor, such as Ashley, Sarah, and Jessica.
- A noticeable trend is the growing popularity of shorter names, with names like Ava, Mia, and Ella gaining traction. Interestingly, while Jonathan has dropped out of the top 30, its shorter form, John, remains popular. The rise of unisex names can also be seen, with names like Avery, Harper, and Addison becoming increasingly common.
So, what have been the standout names across America in the last decade? Here are the top 30 for boys and girls:
Top 30 Boys’ Names of the Decade
- Noah
- Liam
- Jacob
- Mason
- William
- Ethan
- Michael
- Alexander
- James
- Elijah
- Daniel
- Benjamin
- Aiden
- Jayden
- Logan
- Matthew
- David
- Joseph
- Lucas
- Jackson
- Anthony
- Joshua
- Samuel
- Andrew
- Gabriel
- Christopher
- John
- Dylan
- Carter
- Isaac
Top 30 Girls’ Names of the Decade
- Emma
- Sophia
- Olivia
- Isabella
- Ava
- Mia
- Abigail
- Emily
- Madison
- Charlotte
- Elizabeth
- Amelia
- Chloe
- Ella
- Evelyn
- Avery
- Sofia
- Harper
- Grace
- Addison
- Victoria
- Natalie
- Lily
- Aubrey
- Lillian
- Zoey
- Hannah
- Layla
- Brooklyn
- Samantha
If you’re curious about the complete list of the top 200 names, check out the SSA’s website here.
Looking ahead to the upcoming decade, it’s a bit of a mystery what naming trends will emerge. Experts anticipate a rise in nature-inspired names like Birdie and Cove, as well as ancient Latin names such as Caius and Lucius. However, the influence of pop culture will likely bring some surprises, reflecting shifts we haven’t even seen yet. One thing is certain: classic boys’ names will likely continue to reign supreme.
If you need help or inspiration with baby names, be sure to explore our database filled with both popular and unique options. And for more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource from the CDC.
In summary, the last decade has shown a fascinating evolution in baby naming trends, highlighting the enduring popularity of classic names alongside the rise of shorter and unisex options.