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 Rhode Island 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.
You may also like: The truth about minimum coverage requirements in Rhode Island
FreelySky // Shutterstock
1 / 50Brooklyn is a name derived from Dutch word Breukelen, meaning "broken land".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 143
- Number of babies in 2019: 13 (#62 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +160.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2016
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 60,169
Canva
2 / 50Zoey is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 145
- Number of babies in 2019: 21 (#30 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +110.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2019
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,766
Fuller Photography // Shutterstock
3 / 50Madeline is a name of English origin meaning "high tower".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 151
- Number of babies in 2019: 14 (#55 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -17.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2011
National
- Rank: #85
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 32,293
Canva
4 / 50Mila is a name of Slavic origin meaning "dear" or "gracious".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 156
- Number of babies in 2019: 24 (#23 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: data not available
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2018
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 43,930
Surne1shots // Shutterstock
5 / 50Madelyn is a name of English origin meaning "woman from Magdala".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 157
- Number of babies in 2019: 16 (#47 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +60.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #36 in 2016
National
- Rank: #63
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,099
You may also like: Coldest Novembers in Rhode Island since 1895
javi_indy // Shutterstock
6 / 50Penelope is a name of Greek origin meaning "weaver".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 159
- Number of babies in 2019: 22 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +340.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2017
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,478
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
7 / 50Hailey is a name of English origin meaning "hay's meadow".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 160
- Number of babies in 2019: 11 (#81 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -52.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2011
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,649
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
8 / 50Savannah is a name of Native American origin meaning "open plain".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 163
- Number of babies in 2019: 10 (#93 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -37.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2016
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,704
Tatiana Katsai // Shutterstock
9 / 50Lillian is a name of Latin origin meaning "lily".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 175
- Number of babies in 2019: 14 (#55 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2011
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,824
ucchie79 // Shutterstock
10 / 50Aaliyah is an Arabic name meaning "high" and "exalted".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 175
- Number of babies in 2019: 16 (#47 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +14.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2014
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46,547
You may also like: Spicy insights in Rhode Island for National Hot Sauce Day from Instacart data
FamVeld // Shutterstock
11 / 50Juliana is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 176
- Number of babies in 2019: 11 (#81 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2012
National
- Rank: #131
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 19,785
Lopolo // Shutterstock
12 / 50Leah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "weary".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 176
- Number of babies in 2019: 14 (#55 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2011
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55,865
Canva
13 / 50Zoe is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 177
- Number of babies in 2019: 16 (#47 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2010
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,969
Canva
14 / 50Camila is a name of Latin origin meaning "young ceremonial attendant".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 178
- Number of babies in 2019: 29 (#12 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +81.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2019
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,693
Canva
15 / 50Mackenzie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "son of the bright one".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 179
- Number of babies in 2019: 17 (#41 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -10.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2013
National
- Rank: #74
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,176
You may also like: Hottest Februarys in Rhode Island since 1895
Pixabay
16 / 50Addison is an Old English name, meaning "son of Adam".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 183
- Number of babies in 2019: 9 (#105 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -62.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2013
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,901
Canva
17 / 50Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 183
- Number of babies in 2019: 29 (#12 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +383.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2019
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
18 / 50Samantha is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "told by God".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185
- Number of babies in 2019: 12 (#71 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -63.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2010
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,808
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
19 / 50Gianna is a name of Italian origin meaning "Lord is gracious".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 191
- Number of babies in 2019: 11 (#81 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -54.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2011
National
- Rank: #76
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 34,445
Pixabay
20 / 50Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 195
- Number of babies in 2019: 22 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +46.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2018
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
You may also like: See how popular pumpkin spice is in Rhode Island
Nitin Kumar // Pexels
21 / 50Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 199
- Number of babies in 2019: 21 (#30 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -4.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2011
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,009
Canva
22 / 50Scarlett is a name of English origin meaning "scarlet" or "red".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 200
- Number of babies in 2019: 27 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +285.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2019
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58,161
Lopolo // Shutterstock
23 / 50Aubrey is a Norman French variation of the German name "Alberic", meaning "elf ruler".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 201
- Number of babies in 2019: 13 (#62 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -13.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2013
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,791
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
24 / 50Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 202
- Number of babies in 2019: 21 (#30 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +16.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2013
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
25 / 50Nora is a derivation of the name Norah, a name of Latin origin meaning "honor".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 206
- Number of babies in 2019: 27 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +145.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2015
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,001
You may also like: Record snowfalls in Rhode Island history
Canva
26 / 50Violet is a name of English origin based on the purple flower of the same name. Violet is ultimately derived from Latin "Viola".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 210
- Number of babies in 2019: 31 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +287.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2019
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,473
Canva
27 / 50Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 212
- Number of babies in 2019: 26 (#18 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +271.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2016
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
28 / 50Julia is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 218
- Number of babies in 2019: 13 (#62 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -65.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2010
National
- Rank: #72
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,821
Darkdiamond67 // Shutterstock
29 / 50Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 219
- Number of babies in 2019: 22 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +100.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2016
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
riggleton // Shutterstock
30 / 50Victoria is a name of Latin origin meaning "victory".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 247
- Number of babies in 2019: 20 (#33 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -16.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2011
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,815
You may also like: Best public colleges in Rhode Island
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
31 / 50Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 247
- Number of babies in 2019: 15 (#52 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2015
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
32 / 50Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 259
- Number of babies in 2019: 15 (#52 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -51.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2012
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
Pixabay
33 / 50Sofia is a derivation of the Greek name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 261
- Number of babies in 2019: 27 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -12.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2013
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,222
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
34 / 50Aria is a name of Hebrew, and Italian origin meaning "song" or "melody".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 265
- Number of babies in 2019: 26 (#18 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +333.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2017
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 52,115
s_oleg // Shutterstock
35 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 272
- Number of babies in 2019: 26 (#18 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -31.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2012
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
You may also like: Cities with the most expensive homes in Rhode Island
Canva
36 / 50Gabriella is a name of Italian origin meaning "God is my strength".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 287
- Number of babies in 2019: 16 (#47 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -61.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2010
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,971
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
37 / 50Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 299
- Number of babies in 2019: 34 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -5.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2019
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
Canva
38 / 50Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 351
- Number of babies in 2019: 25 (#21 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -46.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2010
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
39 / 50Avery is a name of English origin meaning "ruler of the elves".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 355
- Number of babies in 2019: 25 (#21 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -10.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2014
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,792
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
40 / 50Grace is a name of Latin origin meaning "gracious".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 363
- Number of babies in 2019: 39 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2019
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 72,867
You may also like: Highest-rated IPAs in Rhode Island
Canva
41 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 372
- Number of babies in 2019: 18 (#38 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -62.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2011
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
Natalia Kirichenko // Shutterstock
42 / 50Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 377
- Number of babies in 2019: 48 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +100.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2018
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
43 / 50Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 400
- Number of babies in 2019: 33 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -43.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2010
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
Canva
44 / 50Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 462
- Number of babies in 2019: 26 (#18 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -23.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2013
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
Black-Photogaphy // Shutterstock
45 / 50Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 475
- Number of babies in 2019: 61 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +221.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
You may also like: Rhode Island frozen pizza trends, according to Instacart data
Krystyna Taran // Shutterstock
46 / 50Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 590
- Number of babies in 2019: 51 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -32.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2014
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
47 / 50Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 655
- Number of babies in 2019: 45 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2017
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
48 / 50Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 664
- Number of babies in 2019: 46 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2010
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
49 / 50Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 726
- Number of babies in 2019: 57 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -25.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2016
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
Red Light Films // Pexels
50 / 50Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
Rhode Island
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 730
- Number of babies in 2019: 53 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -41.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2013
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
You may also like: Most popular boy names in the 90s in Rhode Island
