America’s Favorite Baby Names Across Each State

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With every new generation, baby names serve as a cultural reflection, revealing trends, preferences, and sometimes, the whims of popular media. In the latest report from the Social Security Administration (SSA), Olivia and Liam emerged as the must-have names for newborns across the United States in 2023, but state-specific preferences highlight intriguing variations.

Short Summary:

  • Olivia remained the most popular female name in 18 states, while Liam continued his reign as the top male name in 22 states.
  • Charlotte surged in popularity, with 21 states opting for this name, indicating a potential shift in the naming landscape.
  • Influence from social media is rising, with names like Kaeli and Eiden making waves as fast-climbers in popularity charts.

In 2023, the Social Security Administration (SSA) unveiled its annual list spotlighting America’s preferred baby names, offering a fascinating outlook on what new parents across the nation are choosing for their bundles of joy. The perennial favorites, Olivia for girls and Liam for boys, continue to dominate the charts, yet the bubbling undercurrents of new trends are just as engaging.

Olivia has, somewhat unsurprisingly, held court in the top position as the preferred girl name, being a winner in 18 states. It’s a name that drips with modern elegance. According to SSA data, from Alabama to California, parents seem to gravitate toward Olivia as a top choice. However, there is a shift happening, as the emerging competition from Charlotte, who is riding in strong with 21 states now marking her as their champion girl name.

“Charlotte is rapidly rising in popularity, suggesting that Olivia could soon be dethroned after years at the top,” noted Shane, a baby name researcher dedicated to tracking such trends.

While Olivia embodies the ever-stylish allure, Charlotte represents a classic resurgence reminiscent of royal influences with links back to Britain’s crown. This revival is likely fueled by parents looking for names that command respect without losing touch with contemporary sensibilities. And speaking of regal names, Isla has made a very fitting debut in Hawaii, anchoring its newfound fame in meaning—translating to ‘island’—which perfectly captures the spirit of its locale.

For boys, Liam continues to bask in glory, reigning supreme in 22 states—stretching from cozy suburbs to sunny beaches. “The enduring appeal of Liam showcases a trend that emphasizes straightforward, strong-sounding names,” Shane explained. The popularity of Liam has surged by approximately 1.7% nationally, affirming its status as the go-to name for parents looking for a boy’s name that rolls off the tongue with confidence.

Perhaps echoing the rise of ‘Liam’, Oliver stands strong as a close contender, reigning in 13 states. Although down from 16 last year, its solid footing—especially among northern states—positions it well for a possible advancement in popularity in 2024. Meanwhile, Noah, despite being the second most favored name nationally, claimed the top spot in only nine states. Its appeal in populous states like California and Illinois, however, only bolsters its overall grandeur.

“Names like Liam and Charlotte are surfacing as beacons of modern baby naming—reflecting both traditional roots and contemporary resonance,” Shane pointed out.

Interestingly, the influence of popular culture is starting to leave its mark, as seen with names such as Kaeli—having catapulted 1,692 spots up the charts, possibly due to its viral connection to content creator Kaeli McEwen, popularly known as Kaeli Mae.

Furthermore, Eiden—another significant name on the rise within the boy’s category—fueled by TikTok star Wyatt Eiden’s staggering 1.6 billion views and notable social media following, shows how modern naming conventions can be influenced by the digital landscape.

Playing Favorites: A State-by-State Breakdown

Parenting is as diverse as the states encompassing America, and the data reflects that in the array of baby names. Consider Massachusetts, where Olivia and Charlotte lead the girl names, while boys gravitate towards Liam and Noah. Hawaii, however, has its own rhythm; with Olivia still leading, the addition of Isla shows how cultural connections can play a pivotal role in name choices.

Exploring further west, one finds California with Olivia and Emma at the forefront for girls, and Noah topping the boys’ list alongside Liam. For parents in the South, Olivia and William dominate the scene, while in the rural plains of North Dakota, names like Evelyn for girls and Oliver for boys take center stage.

This juxtaposition paints a picture of varied tastes across the nation. It’s equally important to note the names that are now becoming less common. The once-popular Emma—who held reign from 2008–2018—has essentially fallen out of favor except for the bustling states of New York and Texas. Meanwhile, names like Harper, Aurora, and Sophia have all vanished from state leaderboards, suggesting a significant shift in trends.

2023 Highlights: A Closer Look at Emerging Trends

Amidst the old favorites, emerging names are catching the eye of many parents. Ava and Amelia, for instance, are on the rise, with Ava claiming distinct spots in South Dakota and Mississippi, while Amelia flourishes across several states including Kentucky and West Virginia. While the influence of media might be prompting these shifts—just as it brought forth the likes of Kaeli and Eiden—it’s the cultural storytelling that often fascinates parents. These multiples are often tied to meanings or historical significance that resonates with individuals or families alike.

Notably, some names have made their presence known in singular states. For example, Catalina graces the top in Puerto Rico, while Elizabeth stands out particularly in Alabama. States tend to reflect distinct cultural heritages—much like the names within them. In West Virginia, the emergence of names like Willow and Waylon showcases the regional flavor, further underscoring how local preferences can carve unique paths for naming traditions.

As Shane aptly puts it, “The landscape of baby names reflects more than just trends; it embodies our changing societal values, cultural influences, and sometimes, a simple desire for unique expressions.” This diversity adds layers of complexity to our understanding of how parents choose names for their children.

The Future of Baby Names

As we look forward, what does the coming year hold for baby names? The SSA will unveil its next report in May of 2025, which means more fascinating trends are bound to emerge. Given the bounce of names like Charlotte and Isla into the mainstream, one has to wonder whether these names can sustain their momentum or whether a new contender will arise. In any case, it’s clear that the naming environment is as fluid as the culture around it.

As new names rise, it’s crucial to be aware of how shared social experiences—such as global trends, local culture, or social media phenomenon—are at play. Thus, parents are advised to remain attentive to these shifts, as they hunt for that elusive perfect name, knowing perhaps that it might just come down to personal resonance rather than popularity.

Conclusion: What’s in a Name?

In a way, names act as our first introductions to the world, encapsulating both familial traditions and broader cultural narratives. As new generations emerge, the names that parents choose become a lens through which societal shifts can be observed. So, whether it’s Olivia, Charlotte, or a name yet to be discovered, each choice tells part of a much larger story—a story we anticipate continuing to evolve in 2024 and beyond.


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Author
Shane
Shane is passionate about researching baby stuff for his baby girl. He worked for a premium brand consultancy. He runs the research on this site.