Liam and Olivia were the most popular names for U.S. babies born in 2022. Again.
According to the Social Security Administration, Liam led the way for boys, with Noah being the second most popular, followed by Oliver, James and Elijah, in that order. Liam, Noah and Oliver were also the top three male monikers of 2021, while James and Elijah swapped spots.
In 2022, more baby girls were given the name Olivia than any other. Emma, Charlotte, Amelia and Sophia rounded out the top five. That top four read the same way in 2021, with Sophia jumping up a spot. (Sorry Ava.)
Liam has been the most common baby name for New York City boys since 2016, according to birth certificate records. Emma has topped the list of girls’ names since 2017, though statewide, more Olivias were born than Emmas in 2021.
“Just like your name, Social Security is with you from day one,” Acting Commissioner of Social Security Kilolo Kijakazi said. “One of the first things parents do for their newborn is get them a Social Security number.”
The SSA offers baby name information dating back to 1880. The agency first started compiling its “most popular baby names” lists in 1997.
Over the past century, James has been the most popular boy’s name, followed by Robert and John. Mary has by far been the most popular girl’s name over the past 100 years, nearly doubling the number of Patricias born since 1923. Jennifer comes in third.
But if the SSA’s list of fastest-rising names is any indicator, school roll calls will soon start to sound a bit different.
Wrenlee, Neriah, Arlet, Georgina and Amiri top that rundown of girls’ names, while the fastest-growing boys names are Dutton, Kayce, Chosen, Khaza and Eithan, in that order.
“The Baby Name Wizard” author Laura Wattenberg told NPR in 2021 that previous generations looked for baby names that fit the norm. “Today, the culture is more about standing out instead of fitting in, and the options are limitless,” she said. “Everyone is pushing to be unique, to be creative.”
A proponent of new names, Wattenberg wrote Friday that Love made “its all-time debut in the top 1000″ by landing at the No. 754 spot for girls. She also celebrated the name Dutton as “pure modern cowboy.”