Popular Baby Names in the United States

Discover the most popular and trending baby names across America. From coast to coast, explore what American parents are choosing for their little ones in 2025.

Top 100 Baby Names in USA 2025

  1. Liam - Strong-willed warrior (Irish)
  2. Noah - Rest, comfort (Hebrew)
  3. Oliver - Olive tree (Latin)
  4. James - Supplanter (Hebrew)
  5. Elijah - The Lord is my God (Hebrew)
  6. William - Resolute protector (Germanic)
  7. Henry - Estate ruler (Germanic)
  8. Lucas - Light-giving (Latin)
  9. Benjamin - Son of the right hand (Hebrew)
  10. Theodore - Gift of God (Greek)
  1. Olivia - Olive tree (Latin)
  2. Emma - Universal (Germanic)
  3. Charlotte - Free woman (French)
  4. Amelia - Work, industrious (Germanic)
  5. Ava - Life (Latin)
  6. Sophia - Wisdom (Greek)
  7. Isabella - Pledged to God (Hebrew)
  8. Mia - Mine, beloved (Italian)
  9. Evelyn - Desired (English)
  10. Harper - Harp player (English)

Southern States

Popular Characteristics:

  • Strong biblical influence
  • Traditional family names
  • Double names (Mary Kate, John Paul)
  • Honor names after relatives

Trending in the South:

  • Boys: Elijah, Joshua, Caleb, Luke, Samuel
  • Girls: Grace, Faith, Hope, Sarah, Hannah
  • Regional Favorites: Beau, Knox, Magnolia, Savannah

Western States

Popular Characteristics:

  • Nature-inspired names
  • Creative spellings
  • International influences
  • Unique combinations

Trending in the West:

  • Boys: River, Ocean, Atlas, Phoenix, Sage
  • Girls: Luna, Aurora, Aria, Nova, Willow
  • Regional Favorites: Sierra, Dakota, Montana, Austin

Northeastern States

Popular Characteristics:

  • Classic, traditional names
  • Literary influences
  • Professional-sounding names
  • Historical references

Trending in the Northeast:

  • Boys: Alexander, Benjamin, William, Theodore
  • Girls: Charlotte, Eleanor, Katherine, Margaret
  • Regional Favorites: Boston, Camden, Madison, Victoria

Midwest

Popular Characteristics:

  • Friendly, approachable names
  • German/Scandinavian heritage
  • Agricultural connections
  • Strong family traditions

Trending in the Midwest:

  • Boys: Owen, Ethan, Jacob, Michael
  • Girls: Emma, Abigail, Elizabeth, Grace
  • Regional Favorites: Mason, Parker, Claire, Hazel
  1. Nature Names: River, Ocean, Forest, Sky
  2. Space/Celestial: Luna, Nova, Atlas, Orion
  3. Vintage Revival: Theodore, Evelyn, Arthur, Hazel
  4. Short & Sweet: Mia, Leo, Ava, Max
  5. Gender-Neutral: Sage, River, Quinn, Blake
  1. 90s Favorites: Jessica, Ashley, Tyler, Brandon
  2. Overly Popular: Names in top 10 for too long
  3. Complex Spellings: Simplified versions preferred
  4. Themed Sets: Less coordination between siblings

Cultural Influences on American Names

Celebrity Impact

  • Kardashian Effect: Saint, North, Chicago
  • Royal Influence: Charlotte, George, Louis
  • Music Stars: Beyoncé’s Blue Ivy started color names
  • Athletes: Brady, Kobe, Serena inspiring choices

Pop Culture References

  • TV Shows: Arya (Game of Thrones), Eleven (Stranger Things)
  • Movies: Elsa (Frozen), Luke (Star Wars)
  • Books: Hermione (Harry Potter), Katniss (Hunger Games)
  • Superheroes: Diana, Logan, Parker, Wanda

Immigration Influences

  • Hispanic Heritage: Sofia, Isabella, Diego, Santiago
  • Asian Influence: Kai, Aria, Maya, Zen
  • Middle Eastern: Aiden, Layla, Omar, Zara
  • African Heritage: Aaliyah, Amari, Zion, Nia

State-by-State Variations

California

  • Top Boys: Liam, Noah, Sebastian, Mateo
  • Top Girls: Olivia, Emma, Camila, Sofia
  • Unique Trends: Spanish influence, tech industry names

Texas

  • Top Boys: Liam, Noah, Oliver, Elijah
  • Top Girls: Emma, Olivia, Charlotte, Amelia
  • Unique Trends: Strong names, cowboy heritage

New York

  • Top Boys: Liam, Noah, Oliver, Lucas
  • Top Girls: Olivia, Emma, Charlotte, Sophia
  • Unique Trends: International flair, literary names

Florida

  • Top Boys: Liam, Noah, Oliver, Sebastian
  • Top Girls: Emma, Olivia, Charlotte, Isabella
  • Unique Trends: Latin influence, beach-inspired

American Naming Statistics

Quick Facts

  • Average Names per Child: 2.8 (first, middle, last)
  • Most Common Length: 5-7 letters
  • Popular Endings: Boys (-en, -on), Girls (-a, -ia)
  • Family Names: 40% named after relatives
  • Religious Influence: 60% have biblical connections

Naming Timeline

  • Announcement: 72% reveal name before birth
  • Decision Timeline: Average 5.2 months to decide
  • Name Changes: 8% change mind in final month
  • Regret Rate: 12% wish they chose differently

Resources for American Parents

Official Sources

  • Social Security Administration: Official rankings
  • CDC Birth Records: Statistical data
  • State Registries: Local trends and requirements

Cultural Resources

  • Family Heritage: Ancestry.com for family names
  • Religious Guidance: Church naming traditions
  • Regional Groups: Local parenting communities

Tips for Choosing American Names

Consider the Full Name

  1. Say it Out Loud: How does it sound with your last name?
  2. Check Initials: Avoid unfortunate acronyms
  3. Think Nicknames: What will friends call them?
  4. Professional Impact: How will it sound in business?

American Practicalities

  1. Spelling Simplicity: Easy for teachers and doctors
  2. Cultural Sensitivity: Respectful of name origins
  3. Regional Fit: Consider where you’ll live
  4. Future Flexibility: Names that age well

1950s-1960s

  • Boys: Michael, David, Robert, James
  • Girls: Mary, Susan, Linda, Karen
  • Style: Traditional, family-oriented

1980s-1990s

  • Boys: Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Joshua
  • Girls: Jessica, Jennifer, Amanda, Ashley
  • Style: Strong consonants, longer names

2000s-2010s

  • Boys: Jacob, Michael, Ethan, Joshua
  • Girls: Emily, Madison, Emma, Olivia
  • Style: Biblical revival, creative spellings

2020s-Present

  • Boys: Liam, Noah, Oliver, Elijah
  • Girls: Olivia, Emma, Charlotte, Amelia
  • Style: International flair, nature themes

Explore the rich tradition of American baby naming and find the perfect name that reflects your family’s values and dreams!