Most popular baby names of the 21st century in every state
Most popular baby names of the 21st century in every state
The names given to babies by their parents are usually rich in meaning, often from Hebrew words and with roots in the Bible—from Abigail, which can be translated as "my father's joy," to Noah, who escaped the great flood with all of the species of animals.
Many baby names honor prophets and saints admired for their characteristics of bravery or charity. There is Grace, for example, as in actress Grace Kelly and who later became Princess Grace of Monaco. Some names began as nicknames, Jack for John, or short versions of an original, such as Mia for Maria.
Several first names were originally family names, such as Ryan; or are the name of a near or far place on a map, like Logan; while others such as Hunter and Mason describe an original occupation. Then there are the names that break out after the popularity of a television show or movie. That's what happened with Madison as a first name. Puritans brought some of the most popular names with them to the colonies while others came later and reflect the diversity of the United States—from Jose to Isabella to Owen. Many cultures and religions welcome their new babies with naming ceremonies.
Throughout the years, whether babies' names are influenced by family background, nicknames, occupations, religion or a box office hit, there have always been those that rise to the top in popularity. Sometimes it's the names on those lists that attract the parents' attention as well. What were the top five names 100 years ago? For girls, they were Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Margaret, and Ruth, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). For boys, they were John, William, Robert, James, and Charles.
For the latest list, Stacker calculated the most popular baby names of the 21st century in every state using the Social Security Administration's historical baby names data. It tallied up babies born from 2000 to 2019, then pulled the top five picks for boys' and girls' names in every state. The data on the 2019 baby names was released in September 2020.
Take a look at your state to see which names are popular and then compare them to other states to see how they differ. And if you want to do more research, check out one of the websites recommended by the New York Public Library to find out more about what's behind popular baby names today.
Alabama
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (5,971 babies born)
- #2. Madison (5,591 babies born)
- #3. Olivia (4,456 babies born)
- #4. Anna (4,449 babies born)
- #5. Emily (4,335 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (10,141 babies born)
- #2. James (7,228 babies born)
- #3. John (6,821 babies born)
- #4. Jacob (6,407 babies born)
- #5. Joshua (5,703 babies born)
The name Olivia appears to have come from William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” in which the character is a noblewoman who falls in love with a page. It is possibly a form of the Latin word “oliva” meaning “olive,” or from the name Oliver. Olivia Newton-John is the British-born, Australian-raised singer who starred in the musical “Grease.”
Alaska
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (942 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (798 babies born)
- #3. Sophia (695 babies born)
- #4. Madison (692 babies born)
- #5. Emily (683 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. James (989 babies born)
- #2. Michael (942 babies born)
- #3. Jacob (939 babies born)
- #4. William (901 babies born)
- #5. Ethan (893 babies born)
Sophia is Greek for “wisdom.” It is the name of a famous place of worship in Istanbul—Hagia Sophia or “holy wisdom”—which has been a Byzantine church, a mosque, and a museum. The Italian actress Sophia Loren is among the most famous with this name.
Arizona
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Isabella (7,865 babies born)
- #2. Emma (7,446 babies born)
- #3. Sophia (7,371 babies born)
- #4. Emily (6,940 babies born)
- #5. Mia (6,776 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (9,383 babies born)
- #2. Daniel (8,946 babies born)
- #3. Michael (8,453 babies born)
- #4. Anthony (8,327 babies born)
- #5. Jose (7,955 babies born)
Mia is short for Maria in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Germany. It also means “mine” in Italian. Mia Farrow is an actress who was once married to Frank Sinatra and whose longtime partner was Woody Allen. She appeared in 13 of his movies before they split acrimoniously. Another famous person with this name is Mia Hamm, a retired soccer player and two-time Olympic gold medalist for the United States.
Arkansas
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (3,578 babies born)
- #2. Madison (3,444 babies born)
- #3. Emily (3,077 babies born)
- #4. Olivia (2,843 babies born)
- #5. Abigail (2,557 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (4,242 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (3,917 babies born)
- #3. Ethan (3,370 babies born)
- #4. James (3,250 babies born)
- #5. Joshua (3,020 babies born)
Emily is the feminine version of Emil, derived from the Latin word, “aemulus,” which means “rival” or “competitor.” The name became popular in England after the German House of Hanover ascended to the British throne. Emily’s List is a fundraising organization that works to electe pro-choice Democratic women to office. Emily Bronte was a British author who wrote “Wuthering Heights,” and Emily Blunt is a British actress who appeared in “The Devil Wears Prada.”
California
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emily (51,081 babies born)
- #2. Isabella (49,482 babies born)
- #3. Sophia (48,213 babies born)
- #4. Mia (40,522 babies born)
- #5. Emma (40,034 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Daniel (64,104 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (57,800 babies born)
- #3. Anthony (56,913 babies born)
- #4. Matthew (51,132 babies born)
- #5. David (50,400 babies born)
The name Jacob is derived from the Hebrew "Ya'aqov" and in the Old Testament, he is the father of 12 sons, after whom the 12 tribes of Israel were named. One possible meaning of Jacob is a "supplanter," because this Jacob was believed to have been born holding his twin brother's heel and later tricked him into giving up his rights as the first born son for a bowl of soup. "Grimm's Fairy Tales" were written by brothers Jacob and Wilhelm. A modern-day famous Jacob is the actor Jake Gyllenhaal, whose full name is Jacob Benjamin Gyllenhall.
Colorado
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (5,854 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (5,587 babies born)
- #3. Isabella (5,202 babies born)
- #4. Sophia (4,778 babies born)
- #5. Emily (4,714 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (6,485 babies born)
- #2. Alexander (5,879 babies born)
- #3. William (5,518 babies born)
- #4. Noah (5,338 babies born)
- #5. Ethan (5,296 babies born)
Alexander is the Latin version of the Greek name, “Alexandros,” meaning “defending men” or a “warrior.” The most famous Alexander was the fourth-century king Alexander the Great, whose empire extended from Greece to Persia and Egypt. Then there was Alexander Hamilton, the founding father who was made newly popular by Lin Manuel-Miranda’s musical, and Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone. Alex Rodriguez or “A-Rod,” the former baseball player, is engaged to actress, dancer, and singer Jennifer Lopez.
Connecticut
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Olivia (4,838 babies born)
- #2. Emma (4,361 babies born)
- #3. Isabella (4,221 babies born)
- #4. Emily (3,925 babies born)
- #5. Sophia (3,654 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (5,818 babies born)
- #2. Matthew (5,176 babies born)
- #3. Ryan (4,867 babies born)
- #4. Jacob (4,555 babies born)
- #5. Alexander (4,443 babies born)
Michael is a Hebrew name meaning “who is like God?” An archangel in the Bible, Michael is often depicted as the patron saint of soldiers, and a leader of the armies against Satan and in Christianity. The name was the most popular boy’s name from 1954 to 1998 in the United States. Canadian-born Michael J. Fox, known for the movie “Back to the Future,” created the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research after his own diagnosis of the disease. Another famous Michael is Michael Jordan, basketball player who played for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and is the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
Delaware
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Olivia (1,081 babies born)
- #2. Emily (1,007 babies born)
- #3. Madison (987 babies born)
- #4. Emma (986 babies born)
- #5. Ava (959 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (1,448 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (1,155 babies born)
- #3. William (1,141 babies born)
- #4. Ryan (1,082 babies born)
- #5. Matthew (1,080 babies born)
Ryan is an Irish name, from the surname O’Riain, which indicates a “descendent of Rian.” It could mean “little king” from the Irish word “ri” for king. Ryan O’Neal is an American actor who starred in “Love Story” and then with his daughter, Tatum, in “Paper Moon.” Ryan Gosling, the Canadian actor, played a jazz pianist in “La La Land.”
Florida
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Isabella (26,328 babies born)
- #2. Sophia (19,730 babies born)
- #3. Emma (18,852 babies born)
- #4. Emily (18,843 babies born)
- #5. Olivia (17,714 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (24,568 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (22,659 babies born)
- #3. Joshua (21,514 babies born)
- #4. Daniel (20,786 babies born)
- #5. Matthew (20,518 babies born)
Daniel, a name that means “God is my judge” in Hebrew, has been popular in English since the 16th century. Daniel was a Jewish prophet and a slave in the Babylonian court who interpreted dreams for King Nebuchadnezzar. Thrown into the lion’s den at the urging of his enemies, he was saved by God. A few other famous Daniels: the American explorer Daniel Boone; Daniel Radcliffe, the British actor who played Harry Potter; and Dan Aykroyd, the Canadian-born comedian who gained fame on “Saturday Night Live.”
Georgia
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Madison (11,714 babies born)
- #2. Emma (10,739 babies born)
- #3. Emily (10,246 babies born)
- #4. Olivia (9,660 babies born)
- #5. Ava (8,880 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (17,761 babies born)
- #2. Joshua (13,072 babies born)
- #3. Jacob (12,943 babies born)
- #4. Christopher (12,374 babies born)
- #5. Michael (12,329 babies born)
In Greek, Christopher means "bearing Christ" or "carrying Christ," and though many consider that in a figurative way, Saint Christopher was said to have literally carried Jesus across a river: He is the patron saint of travelers. It has been in use as an English name since the 1400s. A beloved fictional character is Christopher Robin of A.A. Milne's "Winnie-the-Pooh" children's books. A famous real-life Christopher in today's world, Chris Pratt, played Andy Dwyer in the NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation."
Hawaii
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (1,030 babies born)
- #2. Isabella (961 babies born)
- #3. Sophia (926 babies born)
- #4. Mia (899 babies born)
- #5. Chloe (845 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Noah (1,708 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (1,372 babies born)
- #3. Joshua (1,325 babies born)
- #4. Jacob (1,278 babies born)
- #5. Elijah (1,251 babies born)
Chloe means “green shoot” as in the tender sprouts of a new plant, and it described Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, especially of grains. Chloe Bennet, an actress and singer, played Daisy Johnson in Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” on ABC.
Idaho
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (2,358 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (1,997 babies born)
- #3. Emily (1,624 babies born)
- #4. Abigail (1,578 babies born)
- #5. Madison (1,466 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (1,977 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (1,918 babies born)
- #3. William (1,802 babies born)
- #4. Logan (1,721 babies born)
- #5. Samuel (1,619 babies born)
The girl’s name Abigail is from the Hebrew words for “father” and “joy,” and it’s translated as “my father is joy” or “my father’s joy.” During the 17th century, the name came to mean “a lady’s personal maid,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, which cites the play “The Scornful Lady” in which Abigail was a servant. Mary Abigail Wambach, better known as Abby Wambach, is the retired soccer player who was twice an Olympic gold medalist.
Illinois
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Olivia (15,742 babies born)
- #2. Emma (14,996 babies born)
- #3. Emily (14,711 babies born)
- #4. Isabella (13,380 babies born)
- #5. Sophia (12,959 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (18,163 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (17,997 babies born)
- #3. Alexander (16,797 babies born)
- #4. Daniel (16,650 babies born)
- #5. Anthony (15,063 babies born)
Isabella is a Spanish version of Elizabeth, a name that in the Middle Ages became popular among royalty. In the United States, Isabella supplanted Isabel as the preferred form in the 1990s, and by 2009 was the country’s most popular name for girls. Isabella Rossellini is an actress, filmmaker, and former Lancôme model.
Indiana
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (9,638 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (8,631 babies born)
- #3. Madison (7,128 babies born)
- #4. Emily (6,734 babies born)
- #5. Abigail (6,674 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (9,928 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (8,444 babies born)
- #3. Noah (7,851 babies born)
- #4. William (7,553 babies born)
- #5. Michael (7,248 babies born)
Noah is from the Hebrew name “Noach,” meaning rest. In the Bible, Noah built the Ark to survive the great flood decreed by God to destroy mankind for its wickedness, and he famously brought with him every species of animal. Noah was a common name among the Puritans and the most popular name for boys between 2013 and 2016. Noah Webster gave us a dictionary, while two other well-known Noahs are actors Noah Wyle who played Dr. Carter on “ER,” and Noah Gray-Cabey, actor and pianist who was on “My Wife and Kids” and “Heroes.”
Iowa
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (4,877 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (3,864 babies born)
- #3. Madison (3,025 babies born)
- #4. Ava (2,948 babies born)
- #5. Emily (2,801 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (4,183 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (3,640 babies born)
- #3. Noah (3,438 babies born)
- #4. William (3,352 babies born)
- #5. Logan (3,272 babies born)
Ava is a variation of Eve. In Persian, the name means "voice" or "sound." In Latin, it means "blooming" or "birdlike" and in Hebrew, "life." Ava Gardner was a famous actress. Ava DuVernay is the first Black woman to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for best director for the 2014 movie "Selma."
Kansas
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (4,217 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (3,483 babies born)
- #3. Emily (3,040 babies born)
- #4. Abigail (2,972 babies born)
- #5. Madison (2,893 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (4,054 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (3,663 babies born)
- #3. William (3,515 babies born)
- #4. Alexander (3,023 babies born)
- #5. Noah (2,987 babies born)
Ethan is an Old Testament name meaning “enduring” or “long-lived.” America’s most famous Ethan is the Revolutionary War’s Ethan Allen. Ethan Hawke is an American actor who has been nominated for four Academy Awards. Ethan Coen is an American filmmaker, who often works with his brother, Joel, and together they are known as the Coen brothers.
Kentucky
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (6,178 babies born)
- #2. Madison (5,840 babies born)
- #3. Emily (5,001 babies born)
- #4. Olivia (4,974 babies born)
- #5. Hannah (4,567 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (7,757 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (7,698 babies born)
- #3. James (6,518 babies born)
- #4. Ethan (5,626 babies born)
- #5. Noah (5,151 babies born)
Hannah is derived from the Hebrew name Channah, which means “grace” or “favor,” or “God has favored me.” In the Bible, it was the name of Samuel’s mother, who became pregnant after a blessing. Hannah became popular as an English name after the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. Snowboarder Hannah Teter won the gold medal in the halfpipe at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy; Ben & Jerry’s limited ice cream flavor “Maple Blondie” was created for her.
Louisiana
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Madison (5,748 babies born)
- #2. Emma (5,337 babies born)
- #3. Olivia (4,622 babies born)
- #4. Ava (4,583 babies born)
- #5. Emily (4,033 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (5,207 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (5,167 babies born)
- #3. Joshua (5,133 babies born)
- #4. William (5,059 babies born)
- #5. Ethan (5,015 babies born)
The Hebrew-derived name Joshua means “God is salvation.” In the Old Testament, Joshua was at Mount Sinai with Moses when he received the Ten Commandments from God. Joshua Bell is a famous violinist, and Joshua Rifkin is an American conductor and keyboard player.
Maine
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (1,925 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (1,621 babies born)
- #3. Abigail (1,492 babies born)
- #4. Emily (1,423 babies born)
- #5. Madison (1,350 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (1,788 babies born)
- #2. Benjamin (1,493 babies born)
- #3. Noah (1,435 babies born)
- #4. Ethan (1,391 babies born)
- #5. William (1,365 babies born)
Benjamin, in the Old Testament, is the youngest of Jacob’s 12 sons and a founder of one of the southern tribes of Israel. In Hebrew, the name means “son of the south” or “son of the right hand.” Benjamin Franklin is one of America’s most famous Benjamins. Ben Affleck appeared in “Good Will Hunting.” Ben Stiller is an actor and comedian, the son of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
Maryland
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Madison (5,930 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (5,767 babies born)
- #3. Emma (5,619 babies born)
- #4. Emily (5,544 babies born)
- #5. Sophia (5,134 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (7,831 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (7,385 babies born)
- #3. Joshua (7,053 babies born)
- #4. William (6,756 babies born)
- #5. Matthew (6,483 babies born)
Matthew means "gift of God," in Hebrew. Also called Levi, Matthew was one of Jesus' 12 apostles, a tax collector who was credited with having written the first gospel of the New Testament. The actor Matthew Broderick starred in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," was the voice of Simba in "The Lion King," and is married to Sarah Jessica Parker. Matthew McConaughey appeared in "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Mud."
Massachusetts
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Olivia (9,397 babies born)
- #2. Emma (9,211 babies born)
- #3. Emily (8,004 babies born)
- #4. Sophia (7,847 babies born)
- #5. Isabella (7,808 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (10,556 babies born)
- #2. Matthew (9,990 babies born)
- #3. Ryan (9,646 babies born)
- #4. William (9,290 babies born)
- #5. Benjamin (9,248 babies born)
William is from the German “Willahelm,” meaning “will” or “desire” and “helmet” or “protection.” After William the Conqueror became the first Norman king of England, the name soared in popularity. William Shakespeare is among the most famous bearers of the name. Some other famous writers include William Faulkner and William Burroughs, and among famous actors is William Shatner of “Star Trek.”
Michigan
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Olivia (12,392 babies born)
- #2. Emma (12,374 babies born)
- #3. Madison (10,807 babies born)
- #4. Ava (9,878 babies born)
- #5. Emily (9,296 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (15,388 babies born)
- #2. Michael (11,611 babies born)
- #3. Ethan (11,273 babies born)
- #4. Noah (10,900 babies born)
- #5. Andrew (10,418 babies born)
Often a last name—think founding father James Madison—Madison means “the son of Maud.” The 1984 movie “Splash” is credited with its initial popularity as a first name after the character played by Daryl Hannah sees a street sign for Madison Avenue in New York City. Madison Hubbell is an American ice dancer from Michigan, and a member of the U.S. Olympic team.
Minnesota
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (7,559 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (7,322 babies born)
- #3. Grace (5,930 babies born)
- #4. Ava (5,753 babies born)
- #5. Sophia (5,575 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (7,380 babies born)
- #2. William (6,892 babies born)
- #3. Ethan (6,826 babies born)
- #4. Benjamin (6,688 babies born)
- #5. Jack (6,369 babies born)
Jack is a nickname for John. It became slang for “man” and is featured in many fairy tales such as “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Jack and Jill.” Jake is another form of Jack. Famous Jacks include Jack Nicholson, who acted in “Chinatown” and “Five Easy Pieces,” and the writer Jack Kerouac, who wrote “On the Road” and “The Dharma Bums.” Jack Nicklaus is an American golfer whose given name is actually Jack.
Mississippi
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Madison (3,912 babies born)
- #2. Emma (2,951 babies born)
- #3. Anna (2,592 babies born)
- #4. Ava (2,519 babies born)
- #5. Olivia (2,467 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (5,445 babies born)
- #2. James (4,660 babies born)
- #3. John (4,236 babies born)
- #4. Christopher (3,820 babies born)
- #5. Joshua (3,502 babies born)
Anna is a variation of the Hebrew names Channah or Hannah, meaning “grace” or “favor.” It was popular in the Byzantine Empire and during the Middle Ages. St. Anne is believed by Christians to be the Virgin Mary’s mother. Anna Kournikova is a former professional tennis player, who is married to Enrique Iglesias.
Missouri
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (8,665 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (7,484 babies born)
- #3. Madison (6,649 babies born)
- #4. Abigail (6,130 babies born)
- #5. Emily (6,010 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (9,014 babies born)
- #2. William (8,049 babies born)
- #3. Ethan (6,882 babies born)
- #4. Michael (6,716 babies born)
- #5. Logan (6,529 babies born)
Logan is from a surname, a Scottish word meaning "a little hollow" in Scottish Gaelic. It's a town in East Ayrshire, in southwest Scotland. There also was a clan of Logans. The Clan Logan Society has a number of goals, including "to encourage the wearing of the Clan tartan and Highland dress; and also the display and wearing of the clan crest." Among notable Logans: Logan Lerman, an American actor who played the title role in the "Percy Jackson" fantasy adventures.
Montana
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (1,215 babies born)
- #2. Madison (1,056 babies born)
- #3. Olivia (976 babies born)
- #4. Emily (798 babies born)
- #5. Abigail (748 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (1,049 babies born)
- #1. William (1,049 babies born)
- #3. Ethan (975 babies born)
- #4. Logan (944 babies born)
- #5. James (927 babies born)
James is from the Hebrew name “Ya’aqov,” and from the Latin “Iacobus.” Two apostles in the Bible were named James, and it has long been popular in the United States. It has never slipped from the top 20 names for boys, and six presidents were named James. Notable celebrities include: James Dean, an American actor who symbolized teenage discontent; the American actor James Earl Jones, who appeared in “The Great White Hope” and provided the voice of Darth Vader in several of the “Star Wars” films; and James Stewart, who acted in such classics as “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and “Anatomy of a Murder.”
Nebraska
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (2,813 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (2,395 babies born)
- #3. Emily (2,029 babies born)
- #4. Ava (1,846 babies born)
- #5. Madison (1,840 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (2,814 babies born)
- #2. William (2,234 babies born)
- #3. Ethan (2,214 babies born)
- #4. Noah (2,117 babies born)
- #5. Samuel (2,094 babies born)
Samuel is a Hebrew name that means either the “name of God” or “God has heard.” In the Old Testament, he was the last of the judges who ruled and anointed Saul and then David as kings of Israel. One of the most famous American Samuels used a pen name. That was Samuel Clemens who wrote as Mark Twain.
Nevada
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Isabella (3,079 babies born)
- #2. Sophia (2,846 babies born)
- #3. Emily (2,816 babies born)
- #4. Emma (2,755 babies born)
- #5. Olivia (2,440 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Anthony (3,887 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (3,573 babies born)
- #3. Daniel (3,459 babies born)
- #4. Michael (3,204 babies born)
- #5. Alexander (3,148 babies born)
Anthony is the English version of the Roman family name Antonius. The most famous Roman with the name was Marcus Antonius or Mark Anthony. The name got its “h” because in the 17th century, it was mistakenly associated with a Greek word “anthos” meaning “flower.” Some famous Anthonys include the British actor, Anthony Hopkins, who appeared in “The Silence of the Lambs,” and Tony Bennett, the American musician.
New Hampshire
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (1,972 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (1,869 babies born)
- #3. Emily (1,503 babies born)
- #4. Abigail (1,438 babies born)
- #5. Madison (1,398 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (1,984 babies born)
- #2. Benjamin (1,634 babies born)
- #3. Ryan (1,581 babies born)
- #4. Logan (1,493 babies born)
- #5. Matthew (1,463 babies born)
Benjamin was the youngest of Jacob’s 12 sons in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, the name means “son of the south,” and one of the southern tribes of Israel was named after him. Ben Kingsley is a notable British actor who played Mohandas Gandhi in the movie “Gandhi” and who was born Krishna Pandit Bhanji. He also appeared in “Schindler's List.”
New Jersey
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Isabella (10,995 babies born)
- #2. Emily (10,744 babies born)
- #3. Olivia (10,417 babies born)
- #4. Sophia (9,612 babies born)
- #5. Emma (9,376 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (17,168 babies born)
- #2. Matthew (15,559 babies born)
- #3. Joseph (13,605 babies born)
- #4. Anthony (12,922 babies born)
- #5. Ryan (12,735 babies born)
As a name, Olivia might have originated with William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and the woman of noble birth who falls in love with a page. Its meaning could come from the word "olive" or the Latin form, "oliva." The actress Olivia de Havilland was an Academy Award winner for best supporting actress in "Gone With the Wind."
New Mexico
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Isabella (2,103 babies born)
- #2. Sophia (1,823 babies born)
- #3. Mia (1,778 babies born)
- #4. Emily (1,602 babies born)
- #5. Emma (1,534 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (2,722 babies born)
- #2. Joshua (2,513 babies born)
- #3. Michael (2,438 babies born)
- #4. Elijah (2,414 babies born)
- #5. Isaiah (2,379 babies born)
Isaiah is Hebrew for “God is salvation.” One of the most important prophets of the Old Testament was Isaiah from Jerusalem who was said to be the author of the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah Thomas is an American basketball player who spent his entire 13-year NBA career on the Detroit Pistons as a point guard.
New York
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Olivia (22,489 babies born)
- #2. Isabella (22,336 babies born)
- #3. Emily (22,058 babies born)
- #4. Emma (21,631 babies born)
- #5. Sophia (20,821 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (34,486 babies born)
- #2. Matthew (30,020 babies born)
- #3. Joseph (28,395 babies born)
- #4. Daniel (26,043 babies born)
- #5. Jacob (25,461 babies born)
Joseph is from the Hebrew name “Yosef,” meaning “he will add” or “God will add a son.” In the Old Testament, he is the 11th son of Jacob. In the New Testament, he is Mary’s husband. In the United States, it has been one of the top 25 names for boys since 1880, with Joe and Joey as common nicknames. Notables with this name include Joe DiMaggio, an American baseball player who played for the New York Yankees; Joseph Smith, who founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while living in upstate New York; and Joe Biden, former U.S. senator, vice president, and 2020 presidential candidate.
North Carolina
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (11,832 babies born)
- #2. Madison (10,611 babies born)
- #3. Olivia (9,663 babies born)
- #4. Emily (9,349 babies born)
- #5. Ava (8,894 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (16,335 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (13,554 babies born)
- #3. Joshua (11,927 babies born)
- #4. James (11,360 babies born)
- #5. Noah (11,157 babies born)
The name James is from the Hebrew name “Ya’aqov.” It was the name of two apostles in the Bible—Saint James the Greater, who was John’s brother and who was beheaded; and James the Lesser. The name has been consistently popular in the United States and has never slipped from the top 20 most common names.
North Dakota
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (1,248 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (1,060 babies born)
- #3. Madison (882 babies born)
- #4. Ava (865 babies born)
- #5. Grace (781 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (1,080 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (1,070 babies born)
- #3. Logan (998 babies born)
- #4. Mason (948 babies born)
- #5. Noah (886 babies born)
Grace is from the Latin “gratia” and means “unmerited love from God.” It’s one of the so-called virtue names, that also include Faith, Patience, Hope, and Charity. Actress Grace Kelly became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III. Grace Slick is the musician who performed with Jefferson Airplane and later Jefferson Starship in the 1960s.
Ohio
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (15,995 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (14,994 babies born)
- #3. Madison (13,283 babies born)
- #4. Ava (12,115 babies born)
- #5. Emily (11,391 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (18,258 babies born)
- #2. Michael (15,060 babies born)
- #3. Andrew (13,682 babies born)
- #4. William (13,517 babies born)
- #5. Ethan (13,459 babies born)
Andrew is the English version of a Greek name "Andreas," which means "masculine" or "manly;" originally from "aner" meaning "man." Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Greece, Romania, Russia, and Scotland. Famous Andrews include the American President Andrew Jackson and Andrew or "Andy" Roddick, the American tennis player.
Oklahoma
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (4,807 babies born)
- #2. Emily (3,939 babies born)
- #3. Madison (3,937 babies born)
- #4. Olivia (3,614 babies born)
- #5. Abigail (3,415 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (5,160 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (4,453 babies born)
- #3. William (4,268 babies born)
- #4. Michael (3,984 babies born)
- #5. Joshua (3,775 babies born)
In the Old Testament, Jacob, a twin, was supposed to have been holding his older brother Esau’s heel at birth. When their father was dying, Jacob tricked his father into blessing him instead of Esau, thus one meaning for the name is “supplanter.” Jacob went on to become the father of the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel. The first name of the boxer Jake LaMotta was Giacobbe, the Italian version of Jacob.
Oregon
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (4,752 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (4,237 babies born)
- #3. Emily (3,843 babies born)
- #4. Sophia (3,629 babies born)
- #5. Abigail (3,229 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (4,464 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (4,031 babies born)
- #3. Alexander (3,815 babies born)
- #4. Benjamin (3,703 babies born)
- #5. Daniel (3,637 babies born)
The meaning of Alexander comes from two Greek works, “to defend” and “man.” A famous warrior was Alexander the Great of Macedon, who founded the city of Alexandria in Egypt in 331 B.C. It was famous for the Lighthouse of Alexandria, known as “Pharos,” a 330-foot structure that became one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Pennsylvania
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (15,815 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (15,139 babies born)
- #3. Emily (13,498 babies born)
- #4. Madison (13,016 babies born)
- #5. Ava (12,454 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (18,319 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (17,200 babies born)
- #3. Ryan (14,703 babies born)
- #4. Matthew (14,599 babies born)
- #5. Joseph (13,996 babies born)
In the Old Testament, Joseph, one of 12 brothers, was a favorite of his father Jacob. Sold by his brothers into slavery, he eventually became an adviser to the Pharaoh and also reconciled with his family. Notables with this name include American actor Joseph Cotten; Joseph Stalin, former Soviet ruler; and Joe Namath, aka “Broadway Joe,” who played football for both the AFL and the NFL during his career.
Rhode Island
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Olivia (1,522 babies born)
- #2. Isabella (1,436 babies born)
- #3. Emma (1,406 babies born)
- #4. Sophia (1,383 babies born)
- #5. Emily (1,244 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Michael (1,752 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (1,559 babies born)
- #3. Matthew (1,506 babies born)
- #4. Benjamin (1,373 babies born)
- #5. Alexander (1,307 babies born)
Emma is a Germanic name that means “whole” or “universal,” an abbreviation of names with the preface “ermen” or “ermin.” Two notable Emmas include Emma Stone, the American actress who won an Academy Award for best actress for her performance in “La La Land;” and Emma Watson of the “Harry Potter” film series, who also played Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.”
South Carolina
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Madison (5,377 babies born)
- #2. Emma (4,810 babies born)
- #3. Olivia (4,279 babies born)
- #4. Emily (4,227 babies born)
- #5. Elizabeth (3,600 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (8,339 babies born)
- #2. James (6,263 babies born)
- #3. Jacob (5,534 babies born)
- #4. Christopher (5,196 babies born)
- #5. Joshua (5,178 babies born)
Christopher is a Greek name, meaning "bearing Christ," which Saint Christopher was said to have done when he carried Jesus over a river. He is the patron saint of travelers. The actor Christopher Reeve played "Superman" until he was paralyzed after a riding accident. Christopher Meloni, another actor, was NYPD Detective Elliot Stabler on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."
South Dakota
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (1,217 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (1,016 babies born)
- #3. Ava (866 babies born)
- #4. Hannah (842 babies born)
- #5. Emily (802 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (1,217 babies born)
- #2. Mason (1,047 babies born)
- #3. Ethan (1,041 babies born)
- #4. Logan (999 babies born)
- #5. Noah (986 babies born)
In the Old Testament, Hannah was the name of Samuel’s mother, who became pregnant after a blessing. It means “favor” or “being favored.” The film “Hannah and Her Three Sisters” was a drama written and directed by Woody Allen, which starred Mia Farrow; and Hannah Arendt was a famous German American writer who is famous for her writings about the Nazis.
Tennessee
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (9,254 babies born)
- #2. Madison (8,281 babies born)
- #3. Olivia (7,070 babies born)
- #4. Emily (7,007 babies born)
- #5. Abigail (6,557 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (12,987 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (10,258 babies born)
- #3. James (9,610 babies born)
- #4. Ethan (7,986 babies born)
- #5. Elijah (7,879 babies born)
Elijah comes from the Hebrew name “Eliyyahu,” which means “my God is Yahweh.” In the Old Testament, Elijah was a prophet who challenged King Ahab and his Phoenician queen Jezebel over their worship of the god Ba’al. During a Passover seder, a cup of wine is poured for Elijah and the door is opened to welcome him. Elijah Wood is an American actor who appeared in “Lord of the Rings” as Frodo Baggins.
Texas
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emily (33,952 babies born)
- #2. Emma (32,656 babies born)
- #3. Isabella (31,468 babies born)
- #4. Mia (28,982 babies born)
- #5. Sophia (28,892 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jose (42,582 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (41,330 babies born)
- #3. Daniel (36,810 babies born)
- #4. David (34,327 babies born)
- #5. Joshua (33,672 babies born)
Jose is a form of Joseph in Spain and Portugal that is sometimes used as a middle name for girls and women or the second part of a double name, for example “Maria Jose.” It was the most popular name for boys in Spain in the first half of the 20th century. Jose Canseco is a former player for MLB who was known for his power hitting; and Jose Ferrer was an actor who won an Academy Award for “Cyrano de Bergerac.”
Utah
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (5,310 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (4,924 babies born)
- #3. Abigail (3,733 babies born)
- #4. Emily (3,566 babies born)
- #5. Elizabeth (3,317 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Ethan (5,160 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (5,081 babies born)
- #3. William (4,980 babies born)
- #4. Samuel (4,419 babies born)
- #5. Joshua (4,131 babies born)
Originally a Hebrew name, Elizabeth means “my God is an oath,” taken from the Hebrew words for “God” and “oath.” It became popular in England after Queen Elizabeth I assumed the throne in the 16th century, and has been in the top 30 names in the United States since 1880. Elizabeth Taylor, the actress, was famous for her roles in films such as “Cleopatra” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning British monarch.
Vermont
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (852 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (718 babies born)
- #3. Emily (578 babies born)
- #4. Abigail (575 babies born)
- #5. Madison (554 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (785 babies born)
- #2. William (664 babies born)
- #3. Noah (642 babies born)
- #4. Owen (639 babies born)
- #5. Benjamin (626 babies born)
With an Irish origin, Owen means "the yew tree" or "youth." It was derived from the Welsh name Owain and the Irish name Eoghan. Owain was one of the Knights of the Round Table in the Arthurian legend. Owen Wilson is an American actor who appeared in "The Royal Tenenbaums."
Virginia
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (9,278 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (8,734 babies born)
- #3. Madison (8,560 babies born)
- #4. Emily (8,353 babies born)
- #5. Abigail (8,025 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (12,937 babies born)
- #2. Jacob (11,382 babies born)
- #3. Michael (10,381 babies born)
- #4. James (9,886 babies born)
- #5. Joshua (9,259 babies born)
An archangel in the Bible, Michael appears in the Book of Daniel as a protector of Israel and becomes a patron saint of Christian soldiers. In the Book of Revelation, he leads armies against Satan. In the United States, Michael was the most popular boy’s name from 1954 to 1998. It means “Who is like God?”
Washington
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (8,378 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (8,047 babies born)
- #3. Emily (7,166 babies born)
- #4. Sophia (6,717 babies born)
- #5. Isabella (6,200 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (8,102 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (7,887 babies born)
- #3. Alexander (7,720 babies born)
- #4. Daniel (7,016 babies born)
- #5. Benjamin (6,877 babies born)
Daniel means “God is my judge.” He was a Jewish prophet, enslaved in the court of Nebuchadnezzar, who interpreted dreams. He was saved from the lion’s den by God. The British author Daniel Defoe wrote “Robinson Crusoe.” Daniel Day-Lewis is an actor who appeared in “My Left Foot,” “In the Name of the Father,” and “Gangs of New York.”
Washington DC
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Olivia (823 babies born)
- #2. Elizabeth (815 babies born)
- #3. Sophia (807 babies born)
- #4. Emma (733 babies born)
- #5. Ava (676 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. William (1,829 babies born)
- #2. John (1,421 babies born)
- #3. Alexander (1,381 babies born)
- #4. James (1,368 babies born)
- #4. Michael (1,368 babies born)
Sophia means “wisdom.” It was the name of a saint whose daughters were martyred during the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s reign and who died of grief. The iconic actress Sophia Loren won the Academy Honorary Award for her life’s work in motion pictures.
West Virginia
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Madison (2,690 babies born)
- #2. Emma (2,533 babies born)
- #3. Emily (2,263 babies born)
- #4. Olivia (2,073 babies born)
- #5. Abigail (2,012 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (3,369 babies born)
- #2. Hunter (2,429 babies born)
- #3. Ethan (2,245 babies born)
- #4. Noah (2,146 babies born)
- #5. Logan (2,111 babies born)
Hunter is not surprisingly from the English last name for “a hunter.” Some famous Hunters include Hunter Thompson, the journalist and founder of the style known as Gonzo journalism; and Hunter Biden, the son of 2020 Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Wisconsin
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (7,468 babies born)
- #2. Olivia (7,082 babies born)
- #3. Emily (5,552 babies born)
- #4. Ava (5,499 babies born)
- #5. Sophia (4,958 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (7,389 babies born)
- #2. Ethan (6,791 babies born)
- #3. Mason (6,458 babies born)
- #4. Logan (6,379 babies born)
- #5. Alexander (5,843 babies born)
Mason means "stoneworker," an English last name from an Old French word of Germanic origin. The Free and Accepted Masons is a secret fraternity that grew out of the guilds of stonemasons of the Middle Ages. In 2011, it was the second most popular name for boys. Mason Crosby is an American football player, while Mason Disick is the son of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick.
Wyoming
Most popular names for girls:
- #1. Emma (619 babies born)
- #2. Madison (531 babies born)
- #3. Olivia (460 babies born)
- #4. Elizabeth (409 babies born)
- #5. Emily (409 babies born)
Most popular names for boys:
- #1. Jacob (582 babies born)
- #2. Wyatt (571 babies born)
- #3. William (550 babies born)
- #4. Logan (537 babies born)
- #5. Ethan (527 babies born)
Wyatt has a long history. It is from an English last name, that in turn came from the medieval first name “Wyot.” The name in Old English was “Wigheard,” meaning “brave” and “battle.” The best known Wyatt in the United States was Wyatt Earp, a lawman in the West, who took part in a gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, in 1881.
