For the sixth year in a row, two popular names have remained in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), in 2024, parents across America have continued to lean towards the names Liam and Olivia. These choices have been on top since 2019.
Top Names That Stood the Test of Time
Taking 2nd place for the sixth consecutive year, was Emma for girls, and Noah for boys. There are other timeless favourites such as Amelia, Charlotte, James, and Oliver which also held firm in the upper ranks of the list.
As per the SSA, here’s a look at the top 10 names for boys and girls in 2024:
Top 10 Boys’ Names
- Liam
- Noah
- Oliver
- Theodore
- James
- Henry
- Mateo
- Elijah
- Lucas
- William
Top 10 Girls’ Names
- Olivia
- Emma
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Mia
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Evelyn
- Ava
- Sofia
It can be noted that many of the popular names have not changed. However, 2024 did bring about a significant change in the girl’s names, the Luna which remained in the top 10 in recent years was knocked out by the name Sofia, which came in, in 10th position.
Celebrating Motherhood and the Joy of New Life
Every year around Mother’s Day, the SSA releases the ranking for baby names by noting the 1000 most popular names. This serves as a reminder to the important role that mothers play in the lives of their kids. This year, Commissioner Frank Bisignano reflected on his personal upbringing, saying, “Growing up with a working mom, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, resilience, and balance it takes to juggle both career and family.” He added warm wishes to all mothers.
Why the SSA Tracks Baby Names
The SSA has a purpose to accurately track baby name data because mothers apply for their child’s Social Security number (SSN) after birth. This sometimes happens while still in hospital and the Commissioner of the SSA emphasizes the need to ensure families obtain the child’s SSN to safeguard benefits.
It is important to note the SSN is a significant factor when claiming a child as a dependant for income tax purposes or any other financial action. If you are unsure about this process. More information on getting a child’s SSN and card is provided in Social Security Numbers for Children.
A Surge in Unique Names: Truce and Ailany Climb the Charts
In terms of history, the SSA started recording names back in 1997 while some names have been recorded since 1880.
Amongst all the favourites, some uncommon names have also reached popularity charts in 2024. Coming out on the top for boys, is the name Truce which saw a surprising jump of over 11,000 spots to land at number 991. This names resonates with the word “peace”, showing us that parents are seeking a sense of calm in a chaotic world.
Looking at the girls, the name Ailany which means “chief” also took to the top of list. It represents power and has gained its recognition.
Here Are the Fastest-Rising Names of 2024:
Top 5 Boys’ Names on the Rise
- Truce
- Colsen
- Bryer
- Halo
- Azaiah
Top 5 Girls’ Names on the Rise
- Ailany
- Aylani
- Marjorie
- Scottie
- Analeia
Explore the Full List
As mentioned, the SSA baby name database goes all the way 1880 and is available for anyone who wants to access it. The most popular names in American is available on the Baby Names webpage. So whether you’re looking for name inspiration or just curious about the history, click the link!