- Liam and Olivia are consistently on the top baby names list for 2024 as parents across the U.S. continue to favor these classic choices for a sixth consecutive year.
- Cultural trends, heritage roots, and global appeal strongly influence modern top baby name choices.
- Unique names like Ailany and Truce are rising fast, driven by social media, pop culture, and diverse backgrounds.
Liam and Olivia kept their stronghold on top baby names in 2024. The Social Security Administration (SSA) released new data showing they remain America’s favorite names for boys and girls. Parents chose Liam as the top boy name for the eighth year in a row. Olivia led the girls’ list for the sixth straight year. These names have become favorites for a full generation of new parents. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the SSA shared the latest rankings based on Social Security card applications.
America’s top 10 baby names for boys in 2024
Liam came in first place for top baby boy names again. Right behind him are Noah, Oliver, and Theodore. These names stayed near the top over the past few years. Parents also chose James, Henry, and Mateo in high numbers. Elijah, Lucas, and William rounded out the top 10. These names show that classic and modern names both remain popular. Many parents prefer short, strong names that feel familiar but fresh.
The most popular girl names include many classics
Olivia kept her crown among top baby girl names. Emma took second place for the sixth year in a row. Amelia, Charlotte, and Mia followed closely. Sophia and Isabella remained high on the list too. Evelyn and Ava also stayed strong. Sofia entered the top 10 for the first time, pushing Luna out. These names mix tradition and modern charm. Many parents choose names that sound elegant, easy to say, and easy to spell.
Parents look for names with global and cultural meaning
Sophie Kihm from Nameberry says parents now look for names that work around the world. More families in the U.S. come from mixed cultural backgrounds. They want top baby names that reflect their heritage. They also want names their kids can use anywhere. Names with international appeal help children feel at home in any country. Kihm sees more parents choosing heritage names that feel familiar but still unique.
Unique names rise thanks to social media and pop culture
Social media stars and TV shows shape baby name trends significantly. Unusual names can climb fast if a celebrity uses them. For example, Ailany became one of the fastest-rising girl names in 2024. It means “chief” in Hawaiian and brings a strong and beautiful message. On the boys’ side, Truce made a massive leap. It jumped over 11,000 spots and landed at number 991. Truce comes from Old English and means “peace.” These names show how fast trends can grow online through top baby names lists.
U.S. birthrate saw a small increase this year
In 2024, the United States recorded 3.61 million births. That number is slightly higher than 2023, which had 3.59 million births. This marks a small but important increase in the national birthrate. After years of decline, experts see signs of steady growth. More families are having children again, and many choose names that hold personal or cultural value, often referred to as top baby names.
Social Security tracks names for over 140 years
The Social Security Administration tracks baby names through Social Security card applications. They’ve done this every year since 1880. Each May, they publish the top baby names and highlight trends across the country. This list gives parents inspiration. It also helps them understand which names are rising and which are fading. The name data offers a clear view of how American culture changes over time.
Parents want names that are meaningful and easy to use
Today’s parents care about more than popularity. They want names that reflect their story. Many seek names that honor their family’s background. Others want names that sound modern, simple, and strong. Easy pronunciation and global appeal matter more than ever in choosing top baby names. Parents also follow pop culture closely and love giving their babies names they’ve seen on screen or online.
Top Baby Boy Names in 2024
After Liam, the next most popular top baby boy names are:
- Noah
- Oliver
- Theodore
- James
- Henry
- Mateo
- Elijah
- Lucas
- William
Noah stayed in second place again this year.
Top Baby Girl Names in 2024
Following Olivia, the top baby girl names are:
- Emma
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Mia
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Evelyn
- Ava
- Sofia
Emma held onto second place for the sixth year in a row. Luna dropped out of the top baby names list as Sofia took its place and joined the list for the first time.
