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 North Carolina 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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Eli is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "my God" or "elevated".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,407
- Number of babies in 2019: 187 (#60 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -12.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #37 in 2012
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 69,687
Jaxon is a name of American origin meaning "son of Jack”.
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,429
- Number of babies in 2019: 267 (#29 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +107.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2018
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,946
Hunter is a name of English origin meaning "one who hunts".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,462
- Number of babies in 2019: 170 (#68 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2013
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 74,682
Isaiah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is salvation".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,476
- Number of babies in 2019: 212 (#52 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #36 in 2010
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 75,977
Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,518
- Number of babies in 2019: 239 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -7.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2017
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 69,859
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Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,569
- Number of babies in 2019: 171 (#67 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -56.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2010
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,658
Isaac is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will laugh".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,572
- Number of babies in 2019: 266 (#30 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +34.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2019
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94,338
Owen is a name of Welsh origin meaning "young warrior".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,611
- Number of babies in 2019: 291 (#26 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +25.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2019
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 90,980
Dylan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "son of the sea".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,613
- Number of babies in 2019: 194 (#57 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -35.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #32 in 2014
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 96,183
Oliver is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree planter".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,613
- Number of babies in 2019: 412 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +243.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2019
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 97,962
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Josiah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Jehovah has healed".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,628
- Number of babies in 2019: 255 (#33 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +16.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2017
National
- Rank: #62
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 62,838
Jeremiah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "appointed by God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,667
- Number of babies in 2019: 190 (#58 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #33 in 2011
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66,502
Brayden is a name of Irish origin meaning "brave".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,674
- Number of babies in 2019: 143 (#83 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2012
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,848
Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,687
- Number of babies in 2019: 197 (#56 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2010
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 111,883
Henry is a name of German origin meaning "estate ruler".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,825
- Number of babies in 2019: 350 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +63.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2019
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 92,441
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Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,887
- Number of babies in 2019: 187 (#60 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2010
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104,818
Grayson is a name of English origin meaning "son of the steward".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,975
- Number of babies in 2019: 387 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +118.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2019
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66,231
Christian is a name of English origin meaning "follower Of Christ".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,988
- Number of babies in 2019: 217 (#50 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -46.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2011
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 83,934
Wyatt is a name of English origin meaning "brave in war".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,014
- Number of babies in 2019: 340 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +39.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2019
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 87,572
Levi is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "joining".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,092
- Number of babies in 2019: 353 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +54.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2019
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 77,717
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Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,125
- Number of babies in 2019: 217 (#50 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -38.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2017
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 124,808
Cameron is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "crooked river".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,128
- Number of babies in 2019: 239 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2012
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66,066
Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,208
- Number of babies in 2019: 284 (#28 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2010
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,341
Landon is a name of English origin meaning "long hill".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,271
- Number of babies in 2019: 226 (#44 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2012
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,187
Luke is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,308
- Number of babies in 2019: 311 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +5.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2016
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,102
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Caleb is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "faithful".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,311
- Number of babies in 2019: 241 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -46.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2010
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,530
David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,432
- Number of babies in 2019: 262 (#32 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -43.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2010
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 116,382
Lucas is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,448
- Number of babies in 2019: 371 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +35.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2017
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,453
Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,515
- Number of babies in 2019: 295 (#24 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2013
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 133,595
Gabriel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my strength".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,534
- Number of babies in 2019: 231 (#42 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2014
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,296
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John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,609
- Number of babies in 2019: 325 (#16 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -22.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2015
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,521
Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,628
- Number of babies in 2019: 224 (#47 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -54.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2011
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 101,885
Carter is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "transporter of goods".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,630
- Number of babies in 2019: 364 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +49.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2018
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 95,047
Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,635
- Number of babies in 2019: 224 (#47 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -58.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2010
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,951
Samuel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "name of God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,664
- Number of babies in 2019: 303 (#20 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2010
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 107,854
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Logan is a name of Scottish origin meaning "Little hollow".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,727
- Number of babies in 2019: 315 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -16.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 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".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,784
- Number of babies in 2019: 334 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -5.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2016
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134,226
Alexander is a name of Greek origin meaning “defender of man".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,840
- Number of babies in 2019: 296 (#22 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2010
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 141,833
Jayden is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "thankful".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,890
- Number of babies in 2019: 239 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -56.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2010
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 125,780
Aiden is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "born of fire".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,951
- Number of babies in 2019: 309 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -25.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2015
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 129,374
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Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,112
- Number of babies in 2019: 292 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -41.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2016
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 144,741
Ethan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "strong" or "enduring".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,113
- Number of babies in 2019: 287 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -45.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2010
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 148,857
Jackson is a name of English origin meaning "son of Jack".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,688
- Number of babies in 2019: 419 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -18.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2019
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,997
Jacob is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "to follow".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,763
- Number of babies in 2019: 301 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2010
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162,876
Liam is a name of German origin meaning "protection".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,125
- Number of babies in 2019: 685 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +151.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 173,636
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James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,147
- Number of babies in 2019: 514 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -1.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2019
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 139,307
Elijah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,340
- Number of babies in 2019: 461 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -20.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2013
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136,649
Mason is a name of English origin meaning "one who works with stone".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,757
- Number of babies in 2019: 460 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -9.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2014
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 157,591
Noah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "rest".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,002
- Number of babies in 2019: 605 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +7.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2018
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 182,896
William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,978
- Number of babies in 2019: 585 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2017
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 159,600
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