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 Massachusetts 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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Canva
1 / 50Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,003
- Number of babies in 2019: 121 (#36 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +42.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #36 in 2019
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
javi_indy // Shutterstock
2 / 50Sophie is a French derviation of the name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,010
- Number of babies in 2019: 100 (#49 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -20.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2012
National
- Rank: #79
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,572
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
3 / 50Violet is a name of English origin based on the purple flower of the same name. Violet is ultimately derived from Latin "Viola".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,011
- Number of babies in 2019: 103 (#45 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +33.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #33 in 2013
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,473
Canva
4 / 50Penelope is a name of Greek origin meaning "weaver".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,014
- Number of babies in 2019: 123 (#33 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +179.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2017
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,478
photoDiod // Shutterstock
5 / 50Alexandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,029
- Number of babies in 2019: 76 (#74 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -47.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2010
National
- Rank: #95
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 30,812
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Lopolo // Shutterstock
6 / 50Claire is a name of French origin meaning "clear".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,032
- Number of babies in 2019: 103 (#45 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -2.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2016
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,669
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
7 / 50Savannah is a name of Native American origin meaning "open plain".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,038
- Number of babies in 2019: 76 (#74 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -24.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #36 in 2015
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,704
Liudmila Fadzeyeva // Shutterstock
8 / 50Aubrey is a Norman French variation of the German name "Alberic", meaning "elf ruler".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,082
- Number of babies in 2019: 87 (#62 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +27.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2012
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,791
Coy_Creek // Shutterstock
9 / 50Aria is a name of Hebrew, and Italian origin meaning "song" or "melody".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,086
- Number of babies in 2019: 117 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +431.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2016
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 52,115
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
10 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,096
- Number of babies in 2019: 64 (#84 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -59.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2010
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46,466
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Canva
11 / 50Scarlett is a name of English origin meaning "scarlet" or "red".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,097
- Number of babies in 2019: 110 (#44 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +124.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2017
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58,161
FamVeld // Shutterstock
12 / 50Stella is a name of Latin origin meaning "star".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,107
- Number of babies in 2019: 124 (#32 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +79.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2017
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,134
FreelySky // Shutterstock
13 / 50Leah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "weary".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,113
- Number of babies in 2019: 89 (#60 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -31.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2011
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55,865
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
14 / 50Gianna is a name of Italian origin meaning "Lord is gracious".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,119
- Number of babies in 2019: 74 (#76 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -47.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2012
National
- Rank: #82
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 34,445
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
15 / 50Eleanor is a name of Greek origin meaning "bright".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,119
- Number of babies in 2019: 139 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +93.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2019
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 40,013
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pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
16 / 50Addison is an Old English name, meaning "son of Adam".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,119
- Number of babies in 2019: 83 (#68 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -47.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2010
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,901
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
17 / 50Lucy is a name of Latin origin meaning "light".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,127
- Number of babies in 2019: 121 (#36 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +19.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2016
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,941
PxHere
18 / 50Caroline is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,147
- Number of babies in 2019: 96 (#54 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -21.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2014
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,510
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
19 / 50Samantha is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "told by God".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,212
- Number of babies in 2019: 55 (#99 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -67.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2010
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,808
Pexels
20 / 50Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,248
- Number of babies in 2019: 143 (#26 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +11.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2018
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
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s_oleg // Shutterstock
21 / 50Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,251
- Number of babies in 2019: 121 (#36 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +0.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2011
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,009
lascot studio // Pexels
22 / 50Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,253
- Number of babies in 2019: 180 (#14 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +400.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2018
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
Amalia Zilio // Shutterstock
23 / 50Zoe is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,272
- Number of babies in 2019: 144 (#24 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +11.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2011
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,969
Pixabay
24 / 50Maya has several possible origins and meanings. It may be a derivation of Maia, an ancient goddess of Greek mythology. Some believe it is of Hebrew origin meaning "water". Maya also means "illusion' in Sanskrit.
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,338
- Number of babies in 2019: 137 (#28 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +8.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2018
National
- Rank: #62
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,621
Canva
25 / 50Anna is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,385
- Number of babies in 2019: 114 (#41 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -32.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2013
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,140
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Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock
26 / 50Lillian is a name of Latin origin meaning "lily".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,389
- Number of babies in 2019: 112 (#43 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2010
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,824
Pixabay
27 / 50Nora is a derivation of the name Norah, a name of Latin origin meaning "honor".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,408
- Number of babies in 2019: 180 (#14 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +125.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2017
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,001
Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock
28 / 50Victoria is a name of Latin origin meaning "victory".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,422
- Number of babies in 2019: 115 (#40 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -18.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2013
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,815
Fuller Photography // Shutterstock
29 / 50Gabriella is a name of Italian origin meaning "God is my strength".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,433
- Number of babies in 2019: 90 (#59 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -53.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2010
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,971
Blend Images // Shutterstock
30 / 50Julia is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,470
- Number of babies in 2019: 120 (#38 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -40.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2011
National
- Rank: #78
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,821
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Oleksiy Avtomonov // Shutterstock
31 / 50Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,561
- Number of babies in 2019: 149 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2010
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
Malakhova Ganna // Shutterstock
32 / 50Sofia is a derivation of the Greek name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,624
- Number of babies in 2019: 154 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +2.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2014
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,222
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
33 / 50Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,651
- Number of babies in 2019: 129 (#29 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2012
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
34 / 50Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,670
- Number of babies in 2019: 145 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2012
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
Canva
35 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,756
- Number of babies in 2019: 153 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -20.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2011
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
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Canva
36 / 50Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,757
- Number of babies in 2019: 223 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +137.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2017
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
37 / 50Avery is a name of English origin meaning "ruler of the elves".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,959
- Number of babies in 2019: 183 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2013
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,792
Natalia Kirichenko // Shutterstock
38 / 50Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,995
- Number of babies in 2019: 151 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -38.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2010
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
Mcimage // Shutterstock
39 / 50Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,130
- Number of babies in 2019: 261 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +70.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2019
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
40 / 50Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,231
- Number of babies in 2019: 206 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -31.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2011
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
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Canva
41 / 50Grace is a name of Latin origin meaning "gracious".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,290
- Number of babies in 2019: 192 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -19.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2016
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 72,867
Bodler // Shutterstock
42 / 50Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,585
- Number of babies in 2019: 246 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -11.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2016
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
Oleggg // Shutterstock
43 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,665
- Number of babies in 2019: 176 (#16 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -44.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2013
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
Canva
44 / 50Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,671
- Number of babies in 2019: 209 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -36.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2010
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
45 / 50Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,098
- Number of babies in 2019: 368 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +66.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2019
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
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Canva
46 / 50Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,208
- Number of babies in 2019: 260 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2010
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
47 / 50Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,706
- Number of babies in 2019: 311 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -37.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2010
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
Pixabay
48 / 50Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,016
- Number of babies in 2019: 290 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -41.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2011
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
Canva
49 / 50Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,223
- Number of babies in 2019: 354 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -7.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2018
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
Pixabay
50 / 50Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
Massachusetts
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,307
- Number of babies in 2019: 442 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -1.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
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