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 New York 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 / 50Allison is a variation of the French name Alice, meaning “noble.”
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,715
- Number of babies in 2019: 196 (#72 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -41.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #39 in 2010
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 48,893
Canva
2 / 50Alexa is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,742
- Number of babies in 2019: 121 (#137 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -67.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #33 in 2015
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,868
lascot studio // Pexels
3 / 50Zoey is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,852
- Number of babies in 2019: 281 (#45 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +41.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #38 in 2013
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,766
George Rudy // Shutterstock
4 / 50Kayla is a name of Irish origin meaning "slim and fair".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,858
- Number of babies in 2019: 190 (#77 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -58.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2010
National
- Rank: #97
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 30,086
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
5 / 50Valentina is a feminine form of the Roman name Valentinus, which is derived from the Latin word "valens" meaning "healthy" or "strong".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,888
- Number of babies in 2019: 351 (#33 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +70.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2018
National
- Rank: #117
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26,946
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Canva
6 / 50Aria is a name of Hebrew, and Italian origin meaning "song" or "melody".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,903
- Number of babies in 2019: 421 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +651.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2018
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 52,115
Pixabay
7 / 50Camila is a name of Latin origin meaning "young ceremonial attendant".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,967
- Number of babies in 2019: 343 (#34 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +50.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2019
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,693
Haywiremedia // Shutterstock
8 / 50Savannah is a name of Native American origin meaning "open plain".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,993
- Number of babies in 2019: 252 (#51 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -3.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2015
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,704
Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock
9 / 50Ariana is a name of Italian origin meaning "most holy".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,024
- Number of babies in 2019: 271 (#47 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +5.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2014
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,185
CroMary // Shutterstock
10 / 50Brianna is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,034
- Number of babies in 2019: 152 (#107 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -69.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2010
National
- Rank: #74
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 36,716
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Surne1shots // Shutterstock
11 / 50Anna is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,098
- Number of babies in 2019: 228 (#60 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -39.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #33 in 2013
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,140
Rob Marmion // Shutterstock
12 / 50Julia is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,126
- Number of babies in 2019: 227 (#61 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -52.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2010
National
- Rank: #78
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,821
javi_indy // Shutterstock
13 / 50Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,161
- Number of babies in 2019: 447 (#16 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +577.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2019
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
Nina Buday // Shutterstock
14 / 50Arianna is a name of Italian origin meaning "most holy".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,214
- Number of babies in 2019: 190 (#77 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2013
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,661
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
15 / 50Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,223
- Number of babies in 2019: 358 (#31 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +27.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2019
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
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Pixabay
16 / 50Scarlett is a name of English origin meaning "scarlet" or "red".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,325
- Number of babies in 2019: 441 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +208.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2019
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58,161
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
17 / 50Ashley is a name of English origin meaning "ash tree meadow".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,356
- Number of babies in 2019: 183 (#84 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -65.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2010
National
- Rank: #73
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37,075
Canva
18 / 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.
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,431
- Number of babies in 2019: 319 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -9.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2016
National
- Rank: #62
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,621
Canva
19 / 50Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,451
- Number of babies in 2019: 371 (#29 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +34.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2016
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
Canva
20 / 50Rachel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "ewe".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,475
- Number of babies in 2019: 311 (#40 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -21.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2016
National
- Rank: #149
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 20,833
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Canva
21 / 50Esther is a name of Persian origin meaning "star".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,612
- Number of babies in 2019: 354 (#32 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +6.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2018
National
- Rank: #202
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 15,602
Malakhova Ganna // Shutterstock
22 / 50Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,674
- Number of babies in 2019: 290 (#44 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -38.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2010
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,009
Bodler // Shutterstock
23 / 50Hailey is a name of English origin meaning "hay's meadow".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,756
- Number of babies in 2019: 308 (#41 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -35.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2011
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,649
Tatiana Katsai // Shutterstock
24 / 50Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,777
- Number of babies in 2019: 427 (#20 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +58.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2017
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
25 / 50Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,897
- Number of babies in 2019: 308 (#41 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -37.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2010
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
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26 / 50Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,898
- Number of babies in 2019: 361 (#30 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -9.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2013
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
Canva
27 / 50Zoe is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,948
- Number of babies in 2019: 386 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +1.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2013
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,969
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
28 / 50Avery is a name of English origin meaning "ruler of the elves".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,954
- Number of babies in 2019: 380 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +25.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2015
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,792
Canva
29 / 50Gianna is a name of Italian origin meaning "Lord is gracious".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,980
- Number of babies in 2019: 332 (#36 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -37.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2010
National
- Rank: #82
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 34,445
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
30 / 50Samantha is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "told by God".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,040
- Number of babies in 2019: 230 (#58 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -62.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2010
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,808
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31 / 50Victoria is a name of Latin origin meaning "victory".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,678
- Number of babies in 2019: 383 (#26 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -12.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2013
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,815
Unsplash
32 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,717
- Number of babies in 2019: 379 (#28 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2010
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock
33 / 50Gabriella is a name of Italian origin meaning "God is my strength".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,717
- Number of babies in 2019: 332 (#36 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -46.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2010
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,971
Amalia Zilio // Shutterstock
34 / 50Grace is a name of Latin origin meaning "gracious".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,988
- Number of babies in 2019: 411 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -16.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2015
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 72,867
Studio Romantic // Shutterstock
35 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,085
- Number of babies in 2019: 416 (#22 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2012
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46,466
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36 / 50Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,432
- Number of babies in 2019: 533 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2019
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
Canva
37 / 50Sofia is a derivation of the Greek name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,587
- Number of babies in 2019: 445 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -9.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2014
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,222
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
38 / 50Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,632
- Number of babies in 2019: 736 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +121.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2019
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
39 / 50Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,907
- Number of babies in 2019: 488 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2012
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock
40 / 50Leah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "weary".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,309
- Number of babies in 2019: 570 (#9 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -16.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2018
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55,865
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Oleksiy Avtomonov // Shutterstock
41 / 50Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,443
- Number of babies in 2019: 836 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +117.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2019
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
42 / 50Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,961
- Number of babies in 2019: 518 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2014
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
Pexels
43 / 50Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,159
- Number of babies in 2019: 453 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -53.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2010
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
Coy_Creek // Shutterstock
44 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 7,917
- Number of babies in 2019: 570 (#9 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -39.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2012
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
Pixabay
45 / 50Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,194
- Number of babies in 2019: 856 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +5.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2017
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
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Pixabay
46 / 50Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,365
- Number of babies in 2019: 839 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -15.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2017
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Nitin Kumar // Pexels
47 / 50Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,587
- Number of babies in 2019: 884 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2010
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
48 / 50Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,657
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,040 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -0.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2018
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
Pixabay
49 / 50Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,915
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,060 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -10.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
Canva
50 / 50Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
New York
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12,071
- Number of babies in 2019: 933 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -32.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2014
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
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