Most Popular US Baby Names Revealed
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released its annual list of most popular baby names in the United States for 2024, with Olivia and Liam maintaining their reign as America's top choices for the sixth consecutive year.
Alongside the traditional top 10 rankings, the SSA highlighted names showing remarkable gains in popularity, with Truce and Ailany leading these rapidly rising newcomers.
Why It Matters
Baby naming trends often reflect broader cultural shifts and social values. While established favorites demonstrate Americans' continued preference for familiar yet contemporary names, the rapidly rising newcomers may signal emerging cultural influences and evolving parental preferences across the nation.
The annual list traditionally coincides with Mother's Day celebrations, highlighting the connection between this data collection and the important role parents play in their children's early documentation and identity establishment.
What To Know
The top 10 boys' names for 2024:
Liam Noah Oliver Theodore James Henry Mateo Elijah Lucas William
The top 10 girls' names for 2024:
Olivia Emma Amelia Charlotte Mia Sophia Isabella Evelyn Ava Sofia
Names Showing the Biggest Jumps in Popularity
Top five boys' names with the greatest increase:
Truce Colsen Bryer Halo Azaiah
Top five girls' names with the greatest increase:
Ailany Aylani Marjorie Scottie Analeia
According to the SSA, the boys' name Truce, meaning "peace," rose an astonishing 11,118 spots from last year's position to reach number 991 in the overall rankings. For girls, Ailany, which means "chief," topped the list of fastest-rising names.
What People Are Saying
Social Security Administration statement: "Social Security began compiling the baby's name list in 1997, with names dating back to 1880. At the time of a child's birth, parents supply the name to the agency when applying for a child's Social Security card, thus making Social Security America's source for the most popular baby names."
Frank Bisignano, Social Security Commissioner: "As Mother's Day nears, we remember the incredible impact that mothers have on our lives. Growing up with a working mom, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, resilience, and balance it takes to juggle both career and family."
Sophie Kihm, the editor-in-chief at Nameberry, previously told Newsweek: "Millennial parents, meanwhile, are more likely to go for the more traditional-leaning trends such as Croc names, old-fashioned choices that are so ugly they're beautiful; global Americana names, which are deeply rooted choices with international origins; and country rebrand names, many of which are old-school names being seen through a new lens."
A 10 month old baby boy and a 9 month old baby girl sit on the floor close together and play with blocks
A 10 month old baby boy and a 9 month old baby girl sit on the floor close together and play with blocks
Getty Images
What Happens Next
The complete list of 1,000 most popular baby names is now available on the Social Security Administration website.
The SSA continues to encourage families to apply for their child's Social Security number at birth, noting that this documentation is essential for claiming children as dependents for tax purposes and opening financial accounts in their name.
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