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 Washington D.C. 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.
You may also like: The 30 most popular homes for sale in Washington, D.C.
DONOT6_STUDIO // Shutterstock
1 / 50Kennedy is a name of Irish origin meaning "chieftain".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162
- Number of babies in 2019: 13 (#70 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -27.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2013
National
- Rank: #65
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,475
Pixabay
2 / 50Leah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "weary".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 164
- Number of babies in 2019: 18 (#41 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +38.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2011
National
- Rank: #35
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 55,865
Natee K Jindakum // Shutterstock
3 / 50Lillian is a name of Latin origin meaning "lily".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 164
- Number of babies in 2019: 15 (#58 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2018
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,824
Canva
4 / 50Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 165
- Number of babies in 2019: 19 (#36 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +11.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2016
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
Pixabay
5 / 50Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 165
- Number of babies in 2019: 18 (#41 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2015
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
You may also like: Fastest-growing jobs in Washington, D.C.
Canva
6 / 50Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170
- Number of babies in 2019: 18 (#41 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +125.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2016
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
PxHere
7 / 50Allison is a variation of the French name Alice, meaning “noble.”
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 174
- Number of babies in 2019: 11 (#84 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2015
National
- Rank: #40
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 48,893
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
8 / 50Lucy is a name of Latin origin meaning "light".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 179
- Number of babies in 2019: 26 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +85.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2019
National
- Rank: #53
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 41,941
Coy_Creek // Shutterstock
9 / 50Alice is a name of German origin meaning "noble".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 179
- Number of babies in 2019: 16 (#52 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +14.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2016
National
- Rank: #89
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 30,526
Pixabay
10 / 50Julia is a name of Latin origin meaning "youthful".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 183
- Number of babies in 2019: 8 (#137 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -61.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2011
National
- Rank: #72
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,821
You may also like: How much it costs to park at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Canva
11 / 50Josephine is a name of French origin meaning "God will increase".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185
- Number of babies in 2019: 22 (#27 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +22.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2019
National
- Rank: #115
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 23,846
Pixabay
12 / 50Eva is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "life".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185
- Number of babies in 2019: 26 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +85.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2019
National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,106
Lopolo // Shutterstock
13 / 50Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185
- Number of babies in 2019: 26 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +62.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2019
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
Canva
14 / 50Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 185
- Number of babies in 2019: 17 (#46 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -5.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2016
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
Canva
15 / 50Taylor is a name of English origin meaning "one who tailors clothes".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 189
- Number of babies in 2019: 9 (#117 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -62.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #20 in 2011
National
- Rank: #66
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,131
You may also like: How much house does $500,000 buy you in Washington, D.C.?
Max Bukovski // Shutterstock
16 / 50Clara is a name of Latin origin meaning "clear".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 191
- Number of babies in 2019: 22 (#27 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +144.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2017
National
- Rank: #107
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26,541
Haywiremedia // Shutterstock
17 / 50Sophie is a French derviation of the name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 193
- Number of babies in 2019: 30 (#15 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +20.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2019
National
- Rank: #73
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 35,572
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
18 / 50Claire is a name of French origin meaning "clear".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 195
- Number of babies in 2019: 10 (#99 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2012
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 47,669
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
19 / 50Margaret is a name of Greek origin meaning "pearl".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 196
- Number of babies in 2019: 27 (#19 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +8.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2019
National
- Rank: #127
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 19,878
Tatyana Domnicheva // Shutterstock
20 / 50Victoria is a name of Latin origin meaning "victory".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 201
- Number of babies in 2019: 16 (#52 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -11.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2013
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,815
You may also like: Biggest sources of immigrants to Washington, D.C.
Pixabay
21 / 50Zoey is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 203
- Number of babies in 2019: 20 (#33 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -4.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2014
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,766
Canva
22 / 50Katherine is a name of Greek origin meaning "pure".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 210
- Number of babies in 2019: 14 (#63 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -22.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2011
National
- Rank: #77
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 33,986
Elvira Koneva // Shutterstock
23 / 50Skylar is a name of English origin meaning "noble scholar".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 211
- Number of babies in 2019: 14 (#63 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +75.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2015
National
- Rank: #62
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,230
FamVeld // Shutterstock
24 / 50Nora is a derivation of the name Norah, a name of Latin origin meaning "honor".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 213
- Number of babies in 2019: 17 (#46 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +6.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2018
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,001
Pexels
25 / 50Alexandra is a name of Greek origin meaning "defender of man".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 227
- Number of babies in 2019: 13 (#70 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -55.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2014
National
- Rank: #88
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 30,812
You may also like: Most commonly seen birds in Washington, D.C.
Canva
26 / 50Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 231
- Number of babies in 2019: 28 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +21.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2018
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
javi_indy // Shutterstock
27 / 50Anna is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 236
- Number of babies in 2019: 20 (#33 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -23.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2014
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,140
photoDiod // Shutterstock
28 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 244
- Number of babies in 2019: 15 (#58 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2013
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
Maria Evseyeva // Shutterstock
29 / 50Ashley is a name of English origin meaning "ash tree meadow".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 244
- Number of babies in 2019: 10 (#99 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -71.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2010
National
- Rank: #67
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37,075
Fuller Photography // Shutterstock
30 / 50Naomi is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "pleasantness".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 246
- Number of babies in 2019: 27 (#19 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +80.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2018
National
- Rank: #70
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 36,011
You may also like: Highest-rated Southern restaurants in Washington, D.C. by diners
Shyamalamuralinath // Shutterstock
31 / 50Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 249
- Number of babies in 2019: 24 (#26 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +20.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2017
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
FreelySky // Shutterstock
32 / 50Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 262
- Number of babies in 2019: 19 (#36 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -32.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2012
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
Amalia Zilio // Shutterstock
33 / 50Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 262
- Number of babies in 2019: 27 (#19 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +12.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2013
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
Canva
34 / 50Grace is a name of Latin origin meaning "gracious".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 269
- Number of babies in 2019: 35 (#9 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +34.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2019
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 72,867
Michael Pettigrew // Shutterstock
35 / 50Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 274
- Number of babies in 2019: 31 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +63.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2013
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
You may also like: Highest-rated ice cream shops in Washington, D.C. by diners
Canva
36 / 50Caroline is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 280
- Number of babies in 2019: 32 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +6.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2015
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,510
Canva
37 / 50Maya 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.
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 288
- Number of babies in 2019: 39 (#6 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +50.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2019
National
- Rank: #60
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,621
Oleksiy Avtomonov // Shutterstock
38 / 50Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 299
- Number of babies in 2019: 32 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +3.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2016
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
39 / 50Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 306
- Number of babies in 2019: 30 (#15 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2018
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
Canva
40 / 50Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 313
- Number of babies in 2019: 21 (#30 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -58.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2010
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
You may also like: Highest-rated wineries in Washington D.C., according to Yelp
Oleggg // Shutterstock
41 / 50Genesis is a name of Greek origin meaning "beginning".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 317
- Number of babies in 2019: 25 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +25.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2015
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 40,310
riggleton // Shutterstock
42 / 50Eleanor is a name of Greek origin meaning "bright".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 322
- Number of babies in 2019: 39 (#6 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +160.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2017
National
- Rank: #59
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 40,013
ucchie79 // Shutterstock
43 / 50Zoe is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 340
- Number of babies in 2019: 38 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +18.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2014
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,969
Tatiana Katsai // Shutterstock
44 / 50Sofia is a derivation of the Greek name Sophia meaning "wisdom".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 349
- Number of babies in 2019: 27 (#19 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -6.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2016
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,222
Canva
45 / 50Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 370
- Number of babies in 2019: 35 (#9 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +2.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2012
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
You may also like: Highest-rated specialty museums in Washington, D.C. by visitors
Nina Buday // Shutterstock
46 / 50Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 386
- Number of babies in 2019: 42 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +27.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2012
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
Marlon Lopez MMG1 Design // Shutterstock
47 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 386
- Number of babies in 2019: 44 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +41.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2014
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
George Rudy // Shutterstock
48 / 50Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 394
- Number of babies in 2019: 46 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +24.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2013
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
Canva
49 / 50Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 427
- Number of babies in 2019: 40 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +17.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2018
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Kateryna Gurska // Shutterstock
50 / 50Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
Washington D.C.
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 446
- Number of babies in 2019: 53 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +23.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in Washington, D.C. in the last week
