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 Connecticut 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.
Mila is a name of Slavic origin meaning "dear" or "gracious".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 486
- Number of babies in 2019: 75 (#24 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +650.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2018
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 43,930
Caroline is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 497
- Number of babies in 2019: 47 (#51 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -14.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #33 in 2011
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,510
Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 503
- Number of babies in 2019: 38 (#68 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -44.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #33 in 2010
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46,466
Alexandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 509
- Number of babies in 2019: 33 (#86 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -44.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2011
National
- Rank: #95
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 30,812
Penelope is a name of Greek origin meaning "weaver".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 514
- Number of babies in 2019: 82 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +382.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2019
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,478
Ariana is a name of Italian origin meaning "most holy".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 522
- Number of babies in 2019: 39 (#67 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #32 in 2015
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,185
Stella is a name of Latin origin meaning "star".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 528
- Number of babies in 2019: 59 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +43.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2018
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,134
Anna is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 530
- Number of babies in 2019: 44 (#56 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2010
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,140
Mackenzie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "son of the bright one".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 540
- Number of babies in 2019: 49 (#50 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -18.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2014
National
- Rank: #80
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,176
Arianna is a name of Italian origin meaning "most holy".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 551
- Number of babies in 2019: 30 (#95 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -60.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2014
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,661
Savannah is a name of Native American origin meaning "open plain".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 569
- Number of babies in 2019: 60 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +7.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2017
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,704
Scarlett is a name of English origin meaning "scarlet" or "red".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 570
- Number of babies in 2019: 80 (#22 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +185.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2019
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58,161
Addison is an Old English name, meaning "son of Adam".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 585
- Number of babies in 2019: 38 (#68 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2010
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,901
Leah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "weary".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 594
- Number of babies in 2019: 50 (#49 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2011
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55,865
Nora is a derivation of the name Norah, a name of Latin origin meaning "honor".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 596
- Number of babies in 2019: 67 (#32 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +97.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2018
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,001
Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 600
- Number of babies in 2019: 51 (#47 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -15.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2016
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
Lillian is a name of Latin origin meaning "lily".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 601
- Number of babies in 2019: 56 (#42 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2011
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,824
Maya 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.
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 602
- Number of babies in 2019: 37 (#70 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2010
National
- Rank: #62
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,621
Hailey is a name of English origin meaning "hay's meadow".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 625
- Number of babies in 2019: 61 (#36 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2014
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,649
Aubrey is a Norman French variation of the German name "Alberic", meaning "elf ruler".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 629
- Number of babies in 2019: 59 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +55.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2015
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,791
Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 643
- Number of babies in 2019: 90 (#14 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +181.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2019
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 650
- Number of babies in 2019: 51 (#47 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2011
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,009
Aria is a name of Hebrew, and Italian origin meaning "song" or "melody".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 658
- Number of babies in 2019: 85 (#17 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +553.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2018
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 52,115
Zoe is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 682
- Number of babies in 2019: 71 (#28 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -14.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2010
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,969
Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 712
- Number of babies in 2019: 95 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +427.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2019
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
Samantha is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "told by God".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 734
- Number of babies in 2019: 52 (#44 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2014
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,808
Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 738
- Number of babies in 2019: 70 (#30 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +7.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2015
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
Julia is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 740
- Number of babies in 2019: 52 (#44 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -53.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2010
National
- Rank: #78
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,821
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 769
- Number of babies in 2019: 71 (#28 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -16.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2015
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 770
- Number of babies in 2019: 92 (#12 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +17.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2019
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
Victoria is a name of Latin origin meaning "victory".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 803
- Number of babies in 2019: 72 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -7.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2013
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,815
Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 814
- Number of babies in 2019: 68 (#31 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2012
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 832
- Number of babies in 2019: 74 (#25 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2011
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
Gianna is a name of Italian origin meaning "Lord is gracious".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 848
- Number of babies in 2019: 81 (#20 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -23.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2011
National
- Rank: #82
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 34,445
Gabriella is a name of Italian origin meaning "God is my strength".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 942
- Number of babies in 2019: 74 (#25 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -47.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2010
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,971
Avery is a name of English origin meaning "ruler of the elves".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 981
- Number of babies in 2019: 80 (#22 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -1.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2017
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,792
Sofia is a derivation of the Greek name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,000
- Number of babies in 2019: 90 (#14 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -5.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2016
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,222
Grace is a name of Latin origin meaning "gracious".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,041
- Number of babies in 2019: 93 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2017
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 72,867
Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,070
- Number of babies in 2019: 105 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -15.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2019
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,074
- Number of babies in 2019: 154 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +108.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2019
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,235
- Number of babies in 2019: 92 (#12 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -43.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2011
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,241
- Number of babies in 2019: 89 (#16 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -35.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2013
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,244
- Number of babies in 2019: 81 (#20 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -51.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2010
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,463
- Number of babies in 2019: 170 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +71.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2016
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,635
- Number of babies in 2019: 162 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +10.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2016
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,809
- Number of babies in 2019: 142 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2017
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,994
- Number of babies in 2019: 155 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -32.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2015
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,025
- Number of babies in 2019: 144 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2010
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,052
- Number of babies in 2019: 199 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +3.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2012
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
Connecticut
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,265
- Number of babies in 2019: 234 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
