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 North Carolina 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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Rob Marmion // Shutterstock
1 / 50Naomi is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "pleasantness".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,416
- Number of babies in 2019: 163 (#45 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +53.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #45 in 2019
National
- Rank: #76
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 36,011
Canva
2 / 50Eleanor is a name of Greek origin meaning "bright".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,423
- Number of babies in 2019: 222 (#19 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +226.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2019
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 40,013
Canva
3 / 50Autumn is a name of Latin origin meaning "fall season".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,454
- Number of babies in 2019: 131 (#65 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +20.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #42 in 2016
National
- Rank: #71
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37,561
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
4 / 50Paisley is a name of Scottish origin meaning "church".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,497
- Number of babies in 2019: 165 (#43 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +266.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2017
National
- Rank: #72
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37,385
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
5 / 50Kaylee is a name of American origin meaning "crown".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,536
- Number of babies in 2019: 91 (#103 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2010
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,464
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Pixabay
6 / 50Sadie was originally a nickname for Sarah, Sadie is a girl's name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,561
- Number of babies in 2019: 150 (#51 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +94.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2015
National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 36,467
Pixabay
7 / 50Taylor is a name of English origin meaning "one who tailors clothes".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,567
- Number of babies in 2019: 87 (#109 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -60.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2010
National
- Rank: #69
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,131
Pixabay
8 / 50Aaliyah is an Arabic name meaning "high" and "exalted".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,580
- Number of babies in 2019: 106 (#82 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2012
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46,547
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
9 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,600
- Number of babies in 2019: 98 (#93 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -59.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2010
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46,466
Canva
10 / 50Kennedy is a name of Irish origin meaning "chieftain".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,619
- Number of babies in 2019: 169 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +61.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2017
National
- Rank: #68
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,475
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Canva
11 / 50Peyton is a name of English origin meaning "fighting-man's estate".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,654
- Number of babies in 2019: 110 (#79 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2011
National
- Rank: #63
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,546
lascot studio // Pexels
12 / 50Allison is a variation of the French name Alice, meaning “noble.”
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,672
- Number of babies in 2019: 127 (#68 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -43.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2010
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 48,893
Aaron Amat // Shutterstock
13 / 50Victoria is a name of Latin origin meaning "victory".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,690
- Number of babies in 2019: 162 (#46 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +2.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2014
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,815
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
14 / 50Scarlett is a name of English origin meaning "scarlet" or "red".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,711
- Number of babies in 2019: 212 (#24 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +178.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2017
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58,161
Oleksiy Avtomonov // Shutterstock
15 / 50Nevaeh is a name of American origin, Nevaeh is "heaven" spelled backwards.
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,751
- Number of babies in 2019: 145 (#56 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2011
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,770
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
16 / 50Serenity is a name of English origin meaning "calmness". Serenity is ultimately derived from the Latin word serenus.
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,763
- Number of babies in 2019: 167 (#42 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +11.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #32 in 2014
National
- Rank: #67
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,671
Canva
17 / 50Zoe is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,779
- Number of babies in 2019: 146 (#54 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2011
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,969
Canva
18 / 50Sofia is a derivation of the Greek name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,789
- Number of babies in 2019: 175 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +71.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2015
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,222
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19 / 50Grace is a name of Latin origin meaning "gracious".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,796
- Number of babies in 2019: 169 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2011
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 72,867
Haywiremedia // Shutterstock
20 / 50Brooklyn is a name derived from Dutch word Breukelen, meaning "broken land".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,822
- Number of babies in 2019: 152 (#48 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -10.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2013
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 60,169
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Canva
21 / 50Zoey is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,029
- Number of babies in 2019: 186 (#32 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +19.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2012
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,766
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
22 / 50Anna is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,058
- Number of babies in 2019: 137 (#61 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -44.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2011
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,140
Canva
23 / 50Skylar is a name of English origin meaning "noble scholar".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,063
- Number of babies in 2019: 228 (#16 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +212.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2016
National
- Rank: #65
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,230
Marko Poplasen // Shutterstock
24 / 50Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,097
- Number of babies in 2019: 152 (#48 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -35.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2012
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
Krystyna Taran // Shutterstock
25 / 50Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,127
- Number of babies in 2019: 228 (#16 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2019
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
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Canva
26 / 50Savannah is a name of Native American origin meaning "open plain".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,144
- Number of babies in 2019: 181 (#34 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -19.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2011
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,704
Shyamalamuralinath // Shutterstock
27 / 50Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,175
- Number of babies in 2019: 169 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2011
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
Amalia Zilio // Shutterstock
28 / 50Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,223
- Number of babies in 2019: 184 (#33 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -31.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2010
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,009
DONUT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
29 / 50Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,253
- Number of babies in 2019: 222 (#19 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +6.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #18 in 2018
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
30 / 50Lillian is a name of Latin origin meaning "lily".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,460
- Number of babies in 2019: 218 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -18.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2013
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,824
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Canva
31 / 50Caroline is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,472
- Number of babies in 2019: 237 (#14 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +12.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2014
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,510
PxHere
32 / 50Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,488
- Number of babies in 2019: 330 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +101.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2019
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
Lopolo // Shutterstock
33 / 50Aubrey is a Norman French variation of the German name "Alberic", meaning "elf ruler".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,529
- Number of babies in 2019: 197 (#28 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +13.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2015
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,791
Coy_Creek // Shutterstock
34 / 50Avery is a name of English origin meaning "ruler of the elves".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,632
- Number of babies in 2019: 223 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +16.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2014
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,792
Matva // Shutterstock
35 / 50Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,792
- Number of babies in 2019: 308 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +45.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2019
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
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Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
36 / 50Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,839
- Number of babies in 2019: 279 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -13.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2012
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
Surne1shots // Shutterstock
37 / 50Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,844
- Number of babies in 2019: 434 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +166.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2019
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
38 / 50Addison is an Old English name, meaning "son of Adam".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,861
- Number of babies in 2019: 196 (#29 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -55.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2010
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,901
Tatiana Katsai // Shutterstock
39 / 50Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,865
- Number of babies in 2019: 209 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -51.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2011
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
Nolte Lourens // Shutterstock
40 / 50Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,058
- Number of babies in 2019: 407 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +167.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2018
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
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Darren Brode // Shutterstock
41 / 50Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,165
- Number of babies in 2019: 368 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +360.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2018
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
Dasha Muller // Shutterstock
42 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,208
- Number of babies in 2019: 213 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -43.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2014
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
FamVeld // Shutterstock
43 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,438
- Number of babies in 2019: 282 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -21.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2013
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
Canva
44 / 50Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,712
- Number of babies in 2019: 237 (#14 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2010
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock
45 / 50Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,038
- Number of babies in 2019: 328 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2016
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
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Tetiana Iatsenko // Shutterstock
46 / 50Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,457
- Number of babies in 2019: 373 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -21.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2012
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet // Shutterstock
47 / 50Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,480
- Number of babies in 2019: 365 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -35.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2010
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
Canva
48 / 50Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,289
- Number of babies in 2019: 535 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +16.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
javi_indy // Shutterstock
49 / 50Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,872
- Number of babies in 2019: 595 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +12.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Pixabay
50 / 50Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,985
- Number of babies in 2019: 531 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -8.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2013
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
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