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 Maryland 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 / 50Katherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 841
- Number of babies in 2019: 50 (#101 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -52.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #41 in 2011
National
- Rank: #83
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 33,986
s_oleg // Shutterstock
2 / 50Kennedy is a name of Irish origin meaning "chieftain".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 848
- Number of babies in 2019: 52 (#94 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2014
National
- Rank: #68
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,475
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
3 / 50Mackenzie is a name of Scottish origin meaning "son of the bright one".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 863
- Number of babies in 2019: 66 (#64 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #39 in 2013
National
- Rank: #80
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,176
Canva
4 / 50Autumn is a name of Latin origin meaning "fall season".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 865
- Number of babies in 2019: 75 (#55 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -27.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #42 in 2016
National
- Rank: #71
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37,561
Canva
5 / 50Caroline is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 869
- Number of babies in 2019: 78 (#51 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -9.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #38 in 2015
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,510
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6 / 50Claire is a name of French origin meaning "clear".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 872
- Number of babies in 2019: 60 (#74 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -22.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2016
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,669
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
7 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 917
- Number of babies in 2019: 62 (#72 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -53.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2010
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46,466
Canva
8 / 50Naomi is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "pleasantness".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 924
- Number of babies in 2019: 118 (#22 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +63.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2019
National
- Rank: #76
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 36,011
Canva
9 / 50Scarlett is a name of English origin meaning "scarlet" or "red".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 927
- Number of babies in 2019: 113 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +169.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2018
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58,161
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
10 / 50Hailey is a name of English origin meaning "hay's meadow".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 930
- Number of babies in 2019: 79 (#49 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -38.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2010
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,649
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11 / 50Ashley is a name of English origin meaning "ash tree meadow".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 940
- Number of babies in 2019: 65 (#66 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -52.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2010
National
- Rank: #73
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37,075
Canva
12 / 50Gabriella is a name of Italian origin meaning "God is my strength".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 952
- Number of babies in 2019: 68 (#61 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2011
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,971
PxHere
13 / 50Taylor is a name of English origin meaning "one who tailors clothes".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 955
- Number of babies in 2019: 58 (#80 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -61.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2010
National
- Rank: #69
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,131
Canva
14 / 50Anna is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 964
- Number of babies in 2019: 59 (#77 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #32 in 2012
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,140
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15 / 50Samantha is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "told by God".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 970
- Number of babies in 2019: 79 (#49 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2010
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,808
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16 / 50Allison is a variation of the French name Alice, meaning “noble.”
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,050
- Number of babies in 2019: 82 (#43 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -37.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2010
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 48,893
Nitin Kumar // Pexels
17 / 50Savannah is a name of Native American origin meaning "open plain".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,068
- Number of babies in 2019: 75 (#55 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -19.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2018
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,704
Canva
18 / 50Addison is an Old English name, meaning "son of Adam".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,084
- Number of babies in 2019: 63 (#70 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -62.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2010
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,901
Canva
19 / 50Zoey is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,111
- Number of babies in 2019: 95 (#32 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +2.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2011
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,766
Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock
20 / 50Leah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "weary".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,117
- Number of babies in 2019: 86 (#40 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -36.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2011
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55,865
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Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
21 / 50Victoria is a name of Latin origin meaning "victory".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,151
- Number of babies in 2019: 94 (#35 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -17.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2011
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,815
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22 / 50Skylar is a name of English origin meaning "noble scholar".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,184
- Number of babies in 2019: 129 (#16 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +134.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2015
National
- Rank: #65
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,230
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
23 / 50Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,185
- Number of babies in 2019: 95 (#32 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -36.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2012
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
FamVeld // Shutterstock
24 / 50Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,197
- Number of babies in 2019: 122 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +8.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2013
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
25 / 50Lillian is a name of Latin origin meaning "lily".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,201
- Number of babies in 2019: 93 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2012
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,824
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Canva
26 / 50Genesis is a name of Greek origin meaning "beginning".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,223
- Number of babies in 2019: 159 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +76.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2019
National
- Rank: #59
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 40,310
Malakhova Ganna // Shutterstock
27 / 50Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,233
- Number of babies in 2019: 109 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -3.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2018
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
Oleggg // Shutterstock
28 / 50Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,238
- Number of babies in 2019: 76 (#54 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -52.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2010
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,009
Pexels
29 / 50Sofia is a derivation of the Greek name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,275
- Number of babies in 2019: 121 (#20 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +22.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2016
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,222
Canva
30 / 50Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,278
- Number of babies in 2019: 155 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +76.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2018
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
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31 / 50Avery is a name of English origin meaning "ruler of the elves".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,279
- Number of babies in 2019: 111 (#24 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +6.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2014
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,792
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
32 / 50Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,285
- Number of babies in 2019: 119 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -1.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2013
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
33 / 50Aubrey is a Norman French variation of the German name "Alberic", meaning "elf ruler".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,288
- Number of babies in 2019: 94 (#35 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2014
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,791
Surne1shots // Shutterstock
34 / 50Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,323
- Number of babies in 2019: 97 (#29 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2011
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
Canva
35 / 50Zoe is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,333
- Number of babies in 2019: 136 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -12.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2010
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,969
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36 / 50Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,409
- Number of babies in 2019: 174 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +107.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2019
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
Canva
37 / 50Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,485
- Number of babies in 2019: 172 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +405.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2018
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
Blend Images // Shutterstock
38 / 50Grace is a name of Latin origin meaning "gracious".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,513
- Number of babies in 2019: 149 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -3.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2011
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 72,867
Pixabay
39 / 50Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,604
- Number of babies in 2019: 88 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -63.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2011
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
40 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,734
- Number of babies in 2019: 135 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -22.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2016
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
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41 / 50Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,785
- Number of babies in 2019: 206 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +45.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2017
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
George Rudy // Shutterstock
42 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,894
- Number of babies in 2019: 128 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -44.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2014
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
43 / 50Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,962
- Number of babies in 2019: 227 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +102.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2018
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
Lopolo // Shutterstock
44 / 50Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,170
- Number of babies in 2019: 129 (#16 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2010
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
Africa Studio // Shutterstock
45 / 50Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,259
- Number of babies in 2019: 185 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2014
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
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Tetiana Iatsenko // Shutterstock
46 / 50Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,396
- Number of babies in 2019: 207 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2011
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
Haywiremedia // Shutterstock
47 / 50Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,739
- Number of babies in 2019: 229 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -15.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2012
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
lascot studio // Pexels
48 / 50Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,961
- Number of babies in 2019: 266 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -22.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2013
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
49 / 50Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,038
- Number of babies in 2019: 275 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -0.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2018
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Bodler // Shutterstock
50 / 50Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
Maryland
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,040
- Number of babies in 2019: 324 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +10.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
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