Most popular baby names for boys of the last decade in California

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December 25, 2021
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Most popular baby names for boys of the last decade in California

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 California 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.

#50. Luis

Luis is a name of German origin meaning "famous warrior".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,187
- Number of babies in 2019: 643 (#73 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #42 in 2011

National
- Rank: #99
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,905

#49. Evan

Evan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "Lord is gracious".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,299
- Number of babies in 2019: 701 (#64 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -39.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #44 in 2010

National
- Rank: #60
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,670

#48. Jesus

Jesus is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "to deliver".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,435
- Number of babies in 2019: 672 (#68 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2010

National
- Rank: #117
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 33,597

#47. Jackson

Jackson is a name of English origin meaning "son of Jack".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,473
- Number of babies in 2019: 850 (#50 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +0.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #43 in 2015

National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,997

#46. Brandon

Brandon is a name of English origin meaning "beacon hill" or "crow".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,559
- Number of babies in 2019: 375 (#126 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -76.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2010

National
- Rank: #71
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 53,983

#45. Santiago

Santiago is a name of Spanish origin meaning "Saint James".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,624
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,351 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +66.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2019

National
- Rank: #109
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 36,241

#44. Diego

Diego is a name of Spanish origin meaning "supplanter".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,652
- Number of babies in 2019: 770 (#54 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -49.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2010

National
- Rank: #118
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 33,206

#43. Kevin

Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 9,946
- Number of babies in 2019: 431 (#111 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -68.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2014

National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,137

#42. Luke

Luke is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10,334
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,038 (#36 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +15.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2018

National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,102

#41. Damian

Damian is a name of Greek origin meaning "to tame".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 10,783
- Number of babies in 2019: 989 (#40 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -7.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #36 in 2013

National
- Rank: #112
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,043

#40. Christian

Christian is a name of English origin meaning "follower Of Christ".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,181
- Number of babies in 2019: 737 (#59 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -53.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2010

National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 83,934

#39. Oliver

Oliver is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree planter".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,692
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,596 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +144.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2019

National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 97,962

#38. Samuel

Samuel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "name of God".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 11,926
- Number of babies in 2019: 997 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -24.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2018

National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 107,854

#37. Isaiah

Isaiah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is salvation".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12,020
- Number of babies in 2019: 917 (#42 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -32.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2013

National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 75,977

#36. Gabriel

Gabriel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my strength".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12,080
- Number of babies in 2019: 871 (#47 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -46.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2010

National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,296

#35. Ryan

Ryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "little king" or "illustrious".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 12,557
- Number of babies in 2019: 870 (#48 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2010

National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 90,850

#34. Jose

Jose is a name of Spanish origin meaning "God will increase".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,032
- Number of babies in 2019: 890 (#44 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -53.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2010

National
- Rank: #70
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 54,957

#33. Mateo

Mateo is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "gift of God".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,765
- Number of babies in 2019: 2,209 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +375.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2019

National
- Rank: #79
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 50,318

#32. Jonathan

Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,779
- Number of babies in 2019: 834 (#51 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -58.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2010

National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,658

#31. Christopher

Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 13,923
- Number of babies in 2019: 885 (#46 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -56.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2010

National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 101,885

#30. Lucas

Lucas is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,114
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,708 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +54.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2019

National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,453

#29. William

William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,227
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,184 (#26 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -23.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2018

National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 159,600

#28. James

James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,244
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,347 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +3.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2018

National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 139,307

#27. Joshua

Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,280
- Number of babies in 2019: 803 (#53 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -62.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2010

National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,951

#26. Logan

Logan is a name of Scottish origin meaning "Little hollow".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,390
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,268 (#20 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -12.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2017

National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 126,600

#25. Aaron

Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "high mountain".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,606
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,080 (#31 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -25.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2017

National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,306

#24. Joseph

Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 14,781
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,041 (#35 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -44.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2010

National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,341

#23. Elijah

Elijah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is God".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 15,088
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,507 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +1.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2019

National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136,649

#22. Dylan

Dylan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "son of the sea".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 15,184
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,197 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -20.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2015

National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 96,183

#21. Mason

Mason is a name of English origin meaning "one who works with stone".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 15,678
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,227 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2012

National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 157,591

#20. Adrian

Adrian is a name of Latin origin meaning "man of Adria".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 15,712
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,183 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -40.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2010

National
- Rank: #59
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,815

#19. Isaac

Isaac is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will laugh".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 16,454
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,313 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -25.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2013

National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94,338

#18. Angel

Angel is a name of Greek origin meaning "messenger of God".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 16,558
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,115 (#30 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -56.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2010

National
- Rank: #63
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 62,700

#17. Andrew

Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,277
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,042 (#34 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -56.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2011

National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104,818

#16. Benjamin

Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "son of my days".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,591
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,742 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +17.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2019

National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134,226

#15. Aiden

Aiden is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "born of fire".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,678
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,394 (#16 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2015

National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 129,374

#14. Michael

Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 17,941
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,229 (#22 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -41.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2014

National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 144,741

#13. Nathan

Nathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "given".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 18,283
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,150 (#29 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -49.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2013

National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 87,848

#12. Liam

Liam is a name of German origin meaning "protection".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 18,501
- Number of babies in 2019: 2,387 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +133.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2019

National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 173,636

#11. David

David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 18,868
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,247 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2011

National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 116,382

#10. Sebastian

Sebastian is a name of Latin origin meaning "venerable".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 18,965
- Number of babies in 2019: 2,143 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +49.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2017

National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,518

#9. Julian

Julian is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 19,165
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,850 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -3.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2019

National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,350

#8. Anthony

Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 19,694
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,219 (#24 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2010

National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 111,883

#7. Jayden

Jayden is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "thankful".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 21,662
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,402 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2012

National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 125,780

#6. Alexander

Alexander is a name of Greek origin meaning “defender of man".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22,650
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,825 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2010

National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 141,833

#5. Matthew

Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 22,661
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,557 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2016

National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 124,808

#4. Ethan

Ethan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "strong" or "enduring".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 23,874
- Number of babies in 2019: 2,090 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -15.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2013

National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 148,857

#3. Daniel

Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 24,502
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,739 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -44.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2011

National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 133,595

#2. Jacob

Jacob is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "to follow".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25,368
- Number of babies in 2019: 1,646 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2013

National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162,876

#1. Noah

Noah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "rest".

California
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25,430
- Number of babies in 2019: 2,668 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +25.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019

National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 182,896

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