American culture is dynamic and ever-evolving, traceable by changes and trends in popular culture from fashion to music. But another way of observing changes in society is by analyzing the names parents give to their children. Of course, people pick names for different reasons—but the most important factors include religion, popular culture, and more simply, the names other people are giving their children.
Even though there have been so many women in history who have achieved amazing things, it seems that little girls' names are mostly popularized by the stars of the entertainment industry: a child actress who was a beacon of hope during the Great Depression; the name that a famous singer named his own daughter; the title of a popular song; and the name that fictional characters gave their baby in a sitcom.
Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for girls of the last decade in Kentucky using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by number of babies from 2010 to 2019.
See if you can guess the reasons behind the popularity—some are obvious, but others may surprise you.
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1 / 50Willow is a name of English origin meaning "slender" or "graceful".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 664
- Number of babies in 2019: 111 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +382.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2019
National
- Rank: #118
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26,875
PxHere
2 / 50Lydia is a name of Greek origin meaning "woman from Lydia".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 669
- Number of babies in 2019: 52 (#72 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -11.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #46 in 2014
National
- Rank: #90
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 32,585
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
3 / 50Kinsley is a name of English origin meaning "king's meadow".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 680
- Number of babies in 2019: 84 (#34 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +140.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2017
National
- Rank: #125
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26,108
Nitin Kumar // Pexels
4 / 50Khloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 680
- Number of babies in 2019: 41 (#95 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -66.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2010
National
- Rank: #86
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 33,683
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
5 / 50Madelyn is a name of English origin meaning "woman from Magdala".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 700
- Number of babies in 2019: 61 (#62 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -14.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #38 in 2014
National
- Rank: #66
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,099
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Canva
6 / 50Kylie is a name of Aboriginal origin meaning "boomerang".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 720
- Number of babies in 2019: 32 (#130 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -71.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2010
National
- Rank: #77
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,984
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
7 / 50Ellie is a name of Greek origin meaning "shining light".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 746
- Number of babies in 2019: 93 (#24 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +144.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2018
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 43,126
Nina Buday // Shutterstock
8 / 50Savannah is a name of Native American origin meaning "open plain".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 754
- Number of babies in 2019: 46 (#85 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -43.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2011
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,704
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
9 / 50Piper is a name of English origin meaning "pipe or flute player".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 780
- Number of babies in 2019: 74 (#41 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +105.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #32 in 2018
National
- Rank: #88
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 32,970
FamVeld // Shutterstock
10 / 50Hadley is a name of English origin meaning "heather meadow".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 782
- Number of babies in 2019: 68 (#50 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +7.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2013
National
- Rank: #129
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25,366
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Aaron Amat // Shutterstock
11 / 50Scarlett is a name of English origin meaning "scarlet" or "red".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 783
- Number of babies in 2019: 94 (#22 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +213.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2018
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58,161
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
12 / 50Serenity is a name of English origin meaning "calmness". Serenity is ultimately derived from the Latin word serenus.
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 787
- Number of babies in 2019: 85 (#32 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +57.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #32 in 2019
National
- Rank: #67
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,671
Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock
13 / 50Peyton is a name of English origin meaning "fighting-man's estate".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 793
- Number of babies in 2019: 34 (#121 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -72.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2010
National
- Rank: #63
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,546
Pixabay
14 / 50Kennedy is a name of Irish origin meaning "chieftain".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 798
- Number of babies in 2019: 62 (#61 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +8.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2014
National
- Rank: #68
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,475
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15 / 50Audrey is a name of English origin meaning "noble strength".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 807
- Number of babies in 2019: 64 (#56 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -24.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2015
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,522
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16 / 50Sadie was originally a nickname for Sarah, Sadie is a girl's name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 827
- Number of babies in 2019: 72 (#44 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +35.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2014
National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 36,467
Pexels
17 / 50Alexis is a name of Greek origin meaning "helper".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 860
- Number of babies in 2019: 24 (#183 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -87.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2010
National
- Rank: #60
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 40,255
Tetiana Iatsenko // Shutterstock
18 / 50Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 870
- Number of babies in 2019: 74 (#41 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -22.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2012
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,009
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
19 / 50Nevaeh is a name of American origin, Nevaeh is "heaven" spelled backwards.
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 898
- Number of babies in 2019: 58 (#64 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -47.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2011
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,770
Canva
20 / 50Aubree is a name of German origin meaning "elf ruler".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 912
- Number of babies in 2019: 70 (#46 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +84.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2013
National
- Rank: #91
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 32,511
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Canva
21 / 50Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 914
- Number of babies in 2019: 74 (#41 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -31.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2017
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
Blend Images // Shutterstock
22 / 50Anna is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 950
- Number of babies in 2019: 66 (#54 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2010
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,140
Pixabay
23 / 50Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 980
- Number of babies in 2019: 63 (#59 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -55.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2010
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
Natalia Kirichenko // Shutterstock
24 / 50Kaylee is a name of American origin meaning "crown".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 984
- Number of babies in 2019: 40 (#98 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -77.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2010
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,464
Canva
25 / 50Caroline is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,000
- Number of babies in 2019: 93 (#24 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +24.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2018
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,510
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26 / 50Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,067
- Number of babies in 2019: 81 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2013
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
Canva
27 / 50Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,074
- Number of babies in 2019: 122 (#15 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +93.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2018
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
New Africa // Shutterstock
28 / 50Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,082
- Number of babies in 2019: 127 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +21.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2019
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
ucchie79 // Shutterstock
29 / 50Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,102
- Number of babies in 2019: 137 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +114.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2016
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
Canva
30 / 50Paisley is a name of Scottish origin meaning "church".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,118
- Number of babies in 2019: 122 (#15 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +221.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2015
National
- Rank: #72
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37,385
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31 / 50Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,123
- Number of babies in 2019: 153 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +200.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2018
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
Canva
32 / 50Zoey is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,155
- Number of babies in 2019: 86 (#29 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -23.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2013
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,766
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
33 / 50Brooklyn is a name derived from Dutch word Breukelen, meaning "broken land".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,189
- Number of babies in 2019: 54 (#69 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -65.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2011
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 60,169
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
34 / 50Aubrey is a Norman French variation of the German name "Alberic", meaning "elf ruler".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,290
- Number of babies in 2019: 88 (#28 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -24.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2012
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,791
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
35 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,296
- Number of babies in 2019: 89 (#26 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2011
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
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Kateryna Gurska // Shutterstock
36 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,381
- Number of babies in 2019: 110 (#18 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2016
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
Canva
37 / 50Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,415
- Number of babies in 2019: 69 (#47 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -68.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2012
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
Canva
38 / 50Avery is a name of English origin meaning "ruler of the elves".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,417
- Number of babies in 2019: 138 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +38.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2017
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,792
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
39 / 50Lillian is a name of Latin origin meaning "lily".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,426
- Number of babies in 2019: 126 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -21.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2014
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,824
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
40 / 50Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,477
- Number of babies in 2019: 157 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2019
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
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Bodler // Shutterstock
41 / 50Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,496
- Number of babies in 2019: 242 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +195.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
42 / 50Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,560
- Number of babies in 2019: 63 (#59 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -75.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2010
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
43 / 50Addison is an Old English name, meaning "son of Adam".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,767
- Number of babies in 2019: 94 (#22 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -63.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2010
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,901
Mcimage // Shutterstock
44 / 50Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,774
- Number of babies in 2019: 125 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -51.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2010
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
lascot studio // Pexels
45 / 50Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,833
- Number of babies in 2019: 228 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +256.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2019
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
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Canva
46 / 50Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,112
- Number of babies in 2019: 158 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2013
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
Lopolo // Shutterstock
47 / 50Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,325
- Number of babies in 2019: 150 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -60.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2010
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
Impact Photography // Shutterstock
48 / 50Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,391
- Number of babies in 2019: 210 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -10.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2018
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
Oleggg // Shutterstock
49 / 50Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,495
- Number of babies in 2019: 241 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +11.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2019
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
50 / 50Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
Kentucky
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,070
- Number of babies in 2019: 231 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2018
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
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