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 Tennessee 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 / 50Willow is a name of English origin meaning "slender" or "graceful".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,032
- Number of babies in 2019: 191 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +365.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2019
National
- Rank: #118
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 26,875
Canva
2 / 50Alexis is a name of Greek origin meaning "helper".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,035
- Number of babies in 2019: 35 (#207 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -84.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2010
National
- Rank: #60
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 40,255
Darkdiamond67 // Shutterstock
3 / 50Piper is a name of English origin meaning "pipe or flute player".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,036
- Number of babies in 2019: 110 (#43 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +66.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #31 in 2016
National
- Rank: #88
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 32,970
Canva
4 / 50Kennedy is a name of Irish origin meaning "chieftain".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,043
- Number of babies in 2019: 99 (#55 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -2.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #41 in 2018
National
- Rank: #68
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,475
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5 / 50Skylar is a name of English origin meaning "noble scholar".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,045
- Number of babies in 2019: 99 (#55 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +153.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2015
National
- Rank: #65
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,230
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Pixabay
6 / 50Zoe is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,050
- Number of babies in 2019: 82 (#74 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -23.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2012
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 57,969
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7 / 50Taylor is a name of English origin meaning "one who tailors clothes".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,057
- Number of babies in 2019: 50 (#136 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -69.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2011
National
- Rank: #69
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,131
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8 / 50Aubree is a name of German origin meaning "elf ruler".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,060
- Number of babies in 2019: 88 (#67 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +114.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2013
National
- Rank: #91
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 32,511
Canva
9 / 50Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,063
- Number of babies in 2019: 67 (#98 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -61.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2010
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 46,466
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10 / 50Audrey is a name of English origin meaning "noble strength".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,076
- Number of babies in 2019: 102 (#52 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: 0.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #39 in 2012
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,522
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11 / 50Eleanor is a name of Greek origin meaning "bright".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,093
- Number of babies in 2019: 157 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +282.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2017
National
- Rank: #61
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 40,013
Canva
12 / 50Mary is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "drop of the sea".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,098
- Number of babies in 2019: 88 (#67 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -30.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2010
National
- Rank: #128
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 25,448
Canva
13 / 50Autumn is a name of Latin origin meaning "fall season".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,099
- Number of babies in 2019: 86 (#70 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2011
National
- Rank: #71
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37,561
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14 / 50Ellie is a name of Greek origin meaning "shining light".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,147
- Number of babies in 2019: 150 (#22 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +64.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2019
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 43,126
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15 / 50Natalie is a name of French origin meaning "birthday of the Lord".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,192
- Number of babies in 2019: 85 (#72 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -38.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2010
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,009
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16 / 50Serenity is a name of English origin meaning "calmness". Serenity is ultimately derived from the Latin word serenus.
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,199
- Number of babies in 2019: 99 (#55 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +25.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #29 in 2015
National
- Rank: #67
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 38,671
Zdenka Darula // Shutterstock
17 / 50Sadie was originally a nickname for Sarah, Sadie is a girl's name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,247
- Number of babies in 2019: 95 (#58 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +35.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #19 in 2014
National
- Rank: #75
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 36,467
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18 / 50Kaylee is a name of American origin meaning "crown".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,282
- Number of babies in 2019: 67 (#98 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -64.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2010
National
- Rank: #48
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,464
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19 / 50Scarlett is a name of English origin meaning "scarlet" or "red".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,288
- Number of babies in 2019: 169 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +128.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2017
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 58,161
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20 / 50Nevaeh is a name of American origin, Nevaeh is "heaven" spelled backwards.
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,328
- Number of babies in 2019: 107 (#48 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -37.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2011
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 44,770
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Canva
21 / 50Savannah is a name of Native American origin meaning "open plain".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,339
- Number of babies in 2019: 112 (#42 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -18.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2016
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,704
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22 / 50Riley is a name of Irish origin meaning "courageous".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,360
- Number of babies in 2019: 127 (#33 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -10.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2010
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 56,039
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23 / 50Paisley is a name of Scottish origin meaning "church".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,492
- Number of babies in 2019: 131 (#30 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +107.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2015
National
- Rank: #72
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 37,385
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
24 / 50Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,541
- Number of babies in 2019: 120 (#36 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -39.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2010
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,317
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25 / 50Zoey is a name of Greek origin meaning "life".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,544
- Number of babies in 2019: 118 (#38 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -4.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #21 in 2013
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,766
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26 / 50Caroline is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,548
- Number of babies in 2019: 148 (#23 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +22.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2018
National
- Rank: #64
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 39,510
Canva
27 / 50Anna is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "grace".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,590
- Number of babies in 2019: 107 (#48 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -51.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2010
National
- Rank: #39
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 51,140
Olesia Bilkei // Shutterstock
28 / 50Layla is a name of Arabic origin meaning "wine".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,638
- Number of babies in 2019: 186 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +8.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2019
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 63,037
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29 / 50Aubrey is a Norman French variation of the German name "Alberic", meaning "elf ruler".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,691
- Number of babies in 2019: 109 (#45 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -22.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2012
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,791
Canva
30 / 50Brooklyn is a name derived from Dutch word Breukelen, meaning "broken land".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,722
- Number of babies in 2019: 114 (#40 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -32.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2011
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 60,169
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Canva
31 / 50Mia is a name of Latin origin meaning "mine".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,723
- Number of babies in 2019: 187 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +70.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2018
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 128,824
Durganand // Shutterstock
32 / 50Lily is a name of English origin, named after the flower.
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,738
- Number of babies in 2019: 140 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -25.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2011
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,153
Pixabay
33 / 50Evelyn is a name of English origin meaning "desired".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,743
- Number of babies in 2019: 240 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +155.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2019
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,845
Amalia Zilio // Shutterstock
34 / 50Lillian is a name of Latin origin meaning "lily".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,758
- Number of babies in 2019: 141 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -25.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2012
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 64,824
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35 / 50Avery is a name of English origin meaning "ruler of the elves".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,879
- Number of babies in 2019: 172 (#16 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +26.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #11 in 2014
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 82,792
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
36 / 50Charlotte is a name of French origin meaning "free man".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 1,977
- Number of babies in 2019: 308 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +300.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2019
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,262
Malakhova Ganna // Shutterstock
37 / 50Emily is a name of Latin origin meaning "to strive".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,122
- Number of babies in 2019: 154 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -39.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2013
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 117,450
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
38 / 50Chloe is a name of Greek origin meaning "blooming".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,236
- Number of babies in 2019: 172 (#16 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -41.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2012
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,107
ucchie79 // Shutterstock
39 / 50Ella is a name of German origin meaning "fairy maiden".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,252
- Number of babies in 2019: 216 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -8.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2016
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,760
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40 / 50Addison is an Old English name, meaning "son of Adam".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,298
- Number of babies in 2019: 131 (#30 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -63.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2010
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 70,901
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41 / 50Amelia is a variation of Amalia, derived from the Germanic word amal meaning "work".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,310
- Number of babies in 2019: 328 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +121.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2017
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,620
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
42 / 50Madison is a name of English origin meaning "son of Matthew".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,473
- Number of babies in 2019: 130 (#32 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -66.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2010
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 98,258
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43 / 50Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "god is my oath".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,495
- Number of babies in 2019: 225 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -15.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2017
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,787
FamVeld // Shutterstock
44 / 50Harper is a name of English origin meaning "harp player".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,574
- Number of babies in 2019: 339 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +276.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2019
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 85,047
Oksana Kuzmina // Shutterstock
45 / 50Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Joy Of The Father".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,758
- Number of babies in 2019: 202 (#11 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2010
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,475
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46 / 50Sophia is a name of Greek origin meaning "wisdom".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,765
- Number of babies in 2019: 202 (#11 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -32.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2014
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 180,832
Darren Brode // Shutterstock
47 / 50Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "devoted to God".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,132
- Number of babies in 2019: 223 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -49.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2010
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 170,185
phadungsak sawasdee // Shutterstock
48 / 50Olivia is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,797
- Number of babies in 2019: 374 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +9.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 184,192
Canva
49 / 50Ava is a name of Latin origin meaning "bird".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,903
- Number of babies in 2019: 401 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +17.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 155,546
Red Light Films // Pexels
50 / 50Emma is a name of German origin meaning "universal".
Tennessee
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,408
- Number of babies in 2019: 335 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -21.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2018
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 194,667
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