What's In A Name

Isabella has taken the crown from Emma, but no one can top Jacob's 11-year stronghold on being the top baby name for boys in the U.S.  The Social Security Administration releases its annual list of top baby names every year around this time - Mother's Day - and only three names are new to the top ten lists. Mia is in the top ten for the first time for girls' names, while Noah and Jayden are new to the top ten for boys.

The SSA compiles the top 1000 names for girls and boys each year, but it's the top ten list that gets the most attention. But of note in the larger list are the fastest-rising names in popularity. Among them are Maliyah, Isla, Cullen and King. Among the names dropping most in popularity in 2009 were Lindsay, Brett, Alvin and Jonas.

Now on to the top ten:

10 Most popular names for girls:

1. Isabella
2. Emma
3. Olivia
4. Sophia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Madison
8. Abigail
9. Chloe
10. Mia


10 Most popular names for boys:

1. Jacob
2. Ethan
3. Michael
4. Alexander
5. William
6. Joshua
7. Daniel
8. Jayden
9. Noah
10. Anthony

At the www.ssa.gov web site, you can also see how the popularity of certain names has changed over time, and the most popular names for a particular year of birth.

List Source: U.S. Social Security Administration

Share This Story
Our Daily Things to Do email is the easiest way to plan your day.
Follow Us
 
Things to Do

Potty Training 101
Monday, August 24, 2026
Monday, August 31, 2026
Friday, September 11, 2026

Is it time to potty train your toddler? The St. Louis County Library is offering Potty Training 101 to parents of children ages 2-3. This free workshop for parent and child includes a potty-themed storytime, and parents & caregivers will receive information to get them started on the potty training process. Attendees will also receive a potty seat, step stool, training pants and a potty-themed board book. 

 

View this event »
Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.
Popular Stories

Dinoroarus Comes Roaring Back at the Saint Louis Zoo

The Dinoroarus exhibit brings prehistoric fun back to the Saint Louis Zoo this summer with 20 lifelike dinosaur animatronics and sculptures on the Zoo's Historic Hill.

Continue reading »
Get Ready to Climb and Explore at These Free Big Truck Days

If your kids love to explore big trucks and vehicles, these upcoming Big Truck Days are a perfect weekend or weeknight outing. They'll get to climb on and explore fire trucks, police vehicles, bulldozers, bucket trucks, ambulances and lots more.

Continue reading »
Travel Back in Time Every Friday at the Missouri History Museum’s Free Summer Family Fun Series

There comes a point every summer when all that “free time” isn’t so fun anymore. Your kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s too hot to hit the playground, and every activity seems to come with a big price tag. That’s when the screens come out, and parents find themselves counting down the minutes to bedtime. Thankfully, when Friday rolls around each week, your family can experience a mini summer getaway through history – no travel required. 

Continue reading »
City Museum's Stuff the Bus Campaign Provides School Supplies for 160 St. Louis Schools

Visit City Museum August 3-31, bring school supplies to donate, and get discounted admission! That's the idea behind City Museum's Stuff the Bus campaign.

Continue reading »
Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

Seeing a movie at the theater is a magical experience, but when summer rolls around, it’s time to get outside and enjoy free movies under the stars! Free family movie nights abound across the St. Louis area, so grab your kids, a blanket or lawn chairs, and get ready for some cinematic fun. Here's where to find them:

 

Continue reading »
You Might Also Like...

From Our Sponsors
Follow Us