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 New Jersey 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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Kevin is a name of Irish origin meaning "noble".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,796
- Number of babies in 2019: 97 (#97 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -59.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #39 in 2012
National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,137
Carter is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "transporter of goods".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,844
- Number of babies in 2019: 221 (#31 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +82.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2019
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 95,047
Connor is a name of Irish origin meaning "Lover of wolves”.
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,845
- Number of babies in 2019: 147 (#56 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -25.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #37 in 2017
National
- Rank: #53
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,183
Evan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "Lord is gracious".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,860
- Number of babies in 2019: 128 (#75 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -44.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #39 in 2013
National
- Rank: #60
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,670
Adam is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "earth".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,878
- Number of babies in 2019: 152 (#55 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -1.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2018
National
- Rank: #77
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 50,549
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Robert is a name of Germanic origin meaning "fame" or "bright".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,881
- Number of babies in 2019: 138 (#62 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -45.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #37 in 2010
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 62,468
Owen is a name of Welsh origin meaning "young warrior".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,883
- Number of babies in 2019: 205 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +15.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #39 in 2019
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 90,980
Brandon is a name of English origin meaning "beacon hill" or "crow".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,926
- Number of babies in 2019: 104 (#90 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -64.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2011
National
- Rank: #71
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 53,983
Chase is a name of French origin meaning "to catch".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,934
- Number of babies in 2019: 125 (#77 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2011
National
- Rank: #80
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 50,197
Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "high mountain".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,045
- Number of babies in 2019: 196 (#43 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -8.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2017
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,306
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Tyler is a name of English origin meaning "doorkeeper of an inn" or "owner of a tavern".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,121
- Number of babies in 2019: 128 (#75 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -65.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2010
National
- Rank: #66
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 59,197
Elijah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is God".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,171
- Number of babies in 2019: 213 (#35 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -7.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2019
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136,649
Julian is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,222
- Number of babies in 2019: 215 (#34 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2018
National
- Rank: #43
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,350
Justin is a name of Latin origin meaning "righteous".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,244
- Number of babies in 2019: 107 (#87 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -72.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2010
National
- Rank: #90
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 45,410
Thomas is a name of Greek origin meaning "twin".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,266
- Number of babies in 2019: 195 (#45 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -27.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #33 in 2016
National
- Rank: #50
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 69,846
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Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,274
- Number of babies in 2019: 156 (#53 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -47.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2011
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,658
Samuel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "name of God".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,319
- Number of babies in 2019: 196 (#43 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -15.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2018
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 107,854
Jackson is a name of English origin meaning "son of Jack".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,385
- Number of babies in 2019: 212 (#36 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +9.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2018
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,997
Luke is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,480
- Number of babies in 2019: 221 (#31 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -19.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2016
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,102
Nathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "given".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,521
- Number of babies in 2019: 236 (#29 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -10.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2018
National
- Rank: #36
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 87,848
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Sebastian is a name of Latin origin meaning "venerable".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,706
- Number of babies in 2019: 282 (#20 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +31.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2019
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,518
Jack is a name of English origin meaning "God is gracious".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,745
- Number of babies in 2019: 298 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2019
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,569
Christian is a name of English origin meaning "follower Of Christ".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,765
- Number of babies in 2019: 209 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -35.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2013
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 83,934
Gabriel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my strength".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,854
- Number of babies in 2019: 246 (#26 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2010
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,296
Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,037
- Number of babies in 2019: 208 (#38 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -51.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2011
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104,818
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William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,188
- Number of babies in 2019: 258 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2010
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 159,600
Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,288
- Number of babies in 2019: 241 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2010
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,951
John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,308
- Number of babies in 2019: 276 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2011
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,521
Aiden is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "born of fire".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,472
- Number of babies in 2019: 260 (#24 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2011
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 129,374
Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,512
- Number of babies in 2019: 218 (#33 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -58.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2010
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 101,885
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David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,570
- Number of babies in 2019: 270 (#22 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -40.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2010
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 116,382
Nicholas is a name of Greek origin meaning "victory of the people".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,622
- Number of babies in 2019: 262 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2010
National
- Rank: #54
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66,619
James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,768
- Number of babies in 2019: 366 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +2.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2019
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 139,307
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "son of my days".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,770
- Number of babies in 2019: 364 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +12.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2019
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134,226
Logan is a name of Scottish origin meaning "Little hollow".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,812
- Number of babies in 2019: 353 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +6.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2017
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 126,600
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Dylan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "son of the sea".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,118
- Number of babies in 2019: 346 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -8.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2018
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 96,183
Jayden is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "thankful".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,154
- Number of babies in 2019: 292 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -52.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2010
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 125,780
Lucas is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,157
- Number of babies in 2019: 499 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +43.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2019
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,453
Mason is a name of English origin meaning "one who works with stone".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,190
- Number of babies in 2019: 357 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +11.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2015
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 157,591
Ethan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "strong" or "enduring".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,303
- Number of babies in 2019: 349 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -20.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2012
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 148,857
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Alexander is a name of Greek origin meaning “defender of man".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,410
- Number of babies in 2019: 363 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -27.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2014
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 141,833
Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,568
- Number of babies in 2019: 365 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -38.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2014
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 133,595
Ryan is a name of Irish origin meaning "little king" or "illustrious".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,605
- Number of babies in 2019: 317 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -49.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2010
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 90,850
Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,674
- Number of babies in 2019: 343 (#16 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -43.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2012
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 111,883
Noah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "rest".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,691
- Number of babies in 2019: 559 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +66.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2019
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 182,896
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Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,018
- Number of babies in 2019: 436 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -27.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2014
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,341
Jacob is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "to follow".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,056
- Number of babies in 2019: 405 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2018
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162,876
Liam is a name of German origin meaning "protection".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,130
- Number of babies in 2019: 634 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +100.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 173,636
Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,257
- Number of babies in 2019: 421 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2014
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 124,808
Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
New Jersey
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,656
- Number of babies in 2019: 410 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2014
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 144,741
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