William Shakespeare's famous female protagonist once asked, "What's in a name?" The answer? Honestly, quite a bit. Though the young lovestruck Juliet presents her soliloquy in the interest of proving quite the opposite—that a name means nothing, and her affection for Romeo should not be hindered by feuding family names—the truth about the weight carried by a name is quite contrary to her point.
The reality is that names tell stories. They tell stories about those who give them to us, and they come to tell stories about us as we carry them through our lives. They tell stories about cultural trends and current events that inform them or about the long-standing traditions that serve to carry them on from generation to generation. Names are like mirrors that reflect where we've come from, who we are, what connects us, and where we're going.
This is a time when finding unique baby names seems to be a high priority. Yet a look at baby name trends over the past decade shows that even as we grasp for the unconventional, there's still a fair share of names that reign supreme when it comes to baby name selection.
Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys of the last decade in New York using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by number of babies from 2010 to 2019.
Keep reading to see if your name made the list.
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Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,957
- Number of babies in 2019: 363 (#48 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #46 in 2018
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 69,859
Jason is a name of Greek origin meaning "healer".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,125
- Number of babies in 2019: 268 (#73 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -53.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #37 in 2010
National
- Rank: #78
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 50,437
Adam is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "earth".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,188
- Number of babies in 2019: 366 (#47 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -11.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #41 in 2014
National
- Rank: #77
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 50,549
Julian is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,259
- Number of babies in 2019: 428 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +8.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #37 in 2019
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,350
Evan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "Lord is gracious".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,268
- Number of babies in 2019: 293 (#66 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -52.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2012
National
- Rank: #60
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,670
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Luke is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,280
- Number of babies in 2019: 376 (#45 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -21.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #44 in 2015
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,102
Tyler is a name of English origin meaning "doorkeeper of an inn" or "owner of a tavern".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,480
- Number of babies in 2019: 208 (#102 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -72.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2010
National
- Rank: #66
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 59,197
Isaac is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will laugh".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,678
- Number of babies in 2019: 497 (#34 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +22.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2019
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94,338
Carter is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "transporter of goods".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,730
- Number of babies in 2019: 419 (#40 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +7.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2018
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 95,047
Nathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "given".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,837
- Number of babies in 2019: 401 (#44 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -27.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2014
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 87,848
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Oliver is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree planter".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,870
- Number of babies in 2019: 665 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +148.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2019
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 97,962
Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning "twin".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,878
- Number of babies in 2019: 426 (#38 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -24.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2017
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 69,846
Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "high mountain".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,895
- Number of babies in 2019: 402 (#42 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -20.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2017
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,306
Owen is a name of Welsh origin meaning "young warrior".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,910
- Number of babies in 2019: 477 (#35 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +3.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2016
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 90,980
Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,087
- Number of babies in 2019: 368 (#46 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -49.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2010
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,658
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Henry is a name of German origin meaning "estate ruler".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,309
- Number of babies in 2019: 582 (#24 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +34.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2019
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 92,441
Christian is a name of English origin meaning "follower Of Christ".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,371
- Number of babies in 2019: 339 (#54 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -52.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2012
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 83,934
Justin is a name of Latin origin meaning "righteous".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,415
- Number of babies in 2019: 252 (#79 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -76.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2010
National
- Rank: #90
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 45,410
Jackson is a name of English origin meaning "son of Jack".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,492
- Number of babies in 2019: 502 (#31 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +12.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2017
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,997
Sebastian is a name of Latin origin meaning "venerable".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,499
- Number of babies in 2019: 542 (#28 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +18.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2016
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,518
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Elijah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is God".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,636
- Number of babies in 2019: 515 (#29 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -20.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2019
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136,649
Gabriel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my strength".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,103
- Number of babies in 2019: 499 (#32 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2015
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,296
Samuel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "name of God".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,296
- Number of babies in 2019: 570 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -17.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2019
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 107,854
Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,315
- Number of babies in 2019: 402 (#42 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -52.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2010
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104,818
Jack is a name of English origin meaning "God is gracious".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,611
- Number of babies in 2019: 650 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -11.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2019
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,569
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John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,756
- Number of babies in 2019: 551 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -35.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2010
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,521
Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,008
- Number of babies in 2019: 423 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -59.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2010
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,951
Nicholas is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,150
- Number of babies in 2019: 511 (#30 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -47.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2010
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66,619
Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,236
- Number of babies in 2019: 463 (#36 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2010
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 101,885
William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,526
- Number of babies in 2019: 615 (#20 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2018
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 159,600
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Logan is a name of Scottish origin meaning "Little hollow".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,760
- Number of babies in 2019: 700 (#14 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +4.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2017
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 126,600
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "son of my days".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,160
- Number of babies in 2019: 752 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2019
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134,226
Dylan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "son of the sea".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,593
- Number of babies in 2019: 692 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -11.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2016
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 96,183
James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,701
- Number of babies in 2019: 824 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -8.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2019
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 139,307
Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,901
- Number of babies in 2019: 599 (#22 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -53.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2011
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 111,883
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David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 8,910
- Number of babies in 2019: 700 (#14 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2010
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 116,382
Aiden is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "born of fire".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,084
- Number of babies in 2019: 696 (#16 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2015
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 129,374
Ryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "little king" or "illustrious".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,238
- Number of babies in 2019: 605 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2012
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 90,850
Lucas is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,707
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,002 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +18.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2019
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,453
Alexander is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,802
- Number of babies in 2019: 776 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -32.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2018
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 141,833
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Mason is a name of English origin meaning "one who works with stone".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,841
- Number of babies in 2019: 754 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +7.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2013
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 157,591
Jayden is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "thankful".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,880
- Number of babies in 2019: 585 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -59.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2010
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 125,780
Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10,024
- Number of babies in 2019: 771 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -40.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2010
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 133,595
Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10,687
- Number of babies in 2019: 780 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -37.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2011
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 124,808
Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10,877
- Number of babies in 2019: 855 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2011
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,341
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Noah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "rest".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,277
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,256 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +39.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2019
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 182,896
Ethan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "strong" or "enduring".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,461
- Number of babies in 2019: 881 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2015
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 148,857
Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,974
- Number of babies in 2019: 905 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -40.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2012
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 144,741
Jacob is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "to follow".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12,404
- Number of babies in 2019: 943 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2014
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162,876
Liam is a name of German origin meaning "protection".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12,486
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,489 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +102.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 173,636
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