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Discover the most-loved baby names. These are the top names parents are choosing for their little ones, ranked by popularity.
Popular names have stood the test of time and are loved by many for good reason.
Common names are familiar, reducing spelling and pronunciation issues.
Well-known names are often seen as professional and trustworthy.
Popular names often have lovely meanings and rich cultural histories.
The most popular names for girls
Olive tree
Whole, universal
Free woman, petite
Industrious, striving
Life, bird
Mine, beloved
Wisdom
Devoted to God
Harp player
Wished for child
Moon
Father's joy
Island
Young ceremonial attendant
God is my oath
All, completely
Red, scarlet
God is gracious
Wisdom
Industrious, eager
Ruler of elves
Air, song, melody
Gracious, dear
Bright, shining one
Lily flower, purity
Blooming, fertility
Rival, eager
Ivy plant, fidelity
Night, dark beauty
Hazel tree
Bright shining one
Son of Maud
Son of Adam
Life
Weaver
Honor, light
From the boar meadow
New, star
Elegance, blessing
Dawn
Courageous
My God has answered
Life
Grace, favor
Purple flower
Water, stream
Star
Victory
Church, cemetery
Elf ruler
The most popular names for boys
Strong-willed warrior
Rest, comfort
Olive tree
My God is Yahweh
Supplanter
Son of the right hand
Resolute protector
Gift of God
Bringer of light
Ruler of the home
Defender of the people
Stone worker
Joined, attached
Strong, firm
God is my judge
Happy, blessed
Venerable, revered
God is gracious
Son of Jack
Supplanter
Lion
Little hollow
Gift of God
Who is like God?
Little fire
Heard by God
Young warrior
Cart driver
God will increase
God is gracious
Bringer of light
Light-giving
Beloved
He will laugh
Son of the sea
Son of the steward
Youthful, downy
Helper
God is my strength
Son of Jack
Lake colony
God strengthens
Thankful
Salvation of the Lord
Priceless one
God supports
Independent, nonconformist
Brave in war
Hugh's son
Gift of God
All baby name popularity rankings on BabyNameScout are derived directly from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), the most authoritative source for baby name statistics in the United States. The SSA has collected comprehensive naming data since 1880, recording every name given to babies with issued Social Security cards.
We analyze year-over-year changes to identify rising stars (names climbing rapidly in popularity),falling names (names declining from peak popularity), and steady classics (names that have maintained consistent popularity across decades). This helps you understand not just where a name stands today, but where it might be heading.
We update our popularity data annually when the SSA releases new statistics, typically in May for the previous calendar year. This ensures our rankings reflect the most current information available for making your naming decision.
Popular baby names become beloved for many reasons: beautiful sounds, meaningful origins, cultural significance, and timeless appeal. While some parents worry about their child sharing a name with classmates, popular names offer familiarity and ease of use that can be valuable throughout life.
The most popular names often reflect current cultural trends while maintaining classic appeal. Names like Olivia, Emma, Liam, and Noah have dominated popularity charts because they balance tradition with contemporary style. These names work well across different ages, from cute for babies to professional for adults.
When considering a popular name, think about its staying power. Will it still feel fresh in 10 or 20 years? Many parents find that popular names have proven their longevity, remaining beloved across generations. You can also make a popular name unique through creative middle name pairings or meaningful family connections.
The most popular names come from diverse origins. Latin names (Olivia, Julia), Hebrew names (Noah, Elijah), Greek names (Sophia, Alexander), and Germanic names (Emma, William) consistently rank high. Explore names by origin to find popular choices from your preferred cultural background.