These Were the Most Popular Baby Names the Year You Were Born
- 12) 1926
- 13) 1927
- 14) 1928
- 16) 1930
- 17) 1931
- 18) 1932
- 19) 1933
- 21) 1935
- 22) 1936
- 23) 1937
- 24) 1938
- 27) 1941
- 29) 1943
- 33) 1947
- 34) 1948
- 35) 1949
- 36) 1950
- 39) 1953
- 40) 1954
- 41) 1955
- 42) 1956
- 43) 1957
- 44) 1958
- 45) 1959
- 46) 1960
- 47) 1961
- 48) 1962
- 49) 1963
- 50) 1964
- 51) 1965
- 52) 1966
- 53) 1967
- 54) 1968
- 55) 1969
- 56) 1970
- 57) 1971
- 58) 1972
- 59) 1973
- 60) 1974
- 61) 1975
- 62) 1976
- 63) 1977
- 65) 1979
- 66) 1980
- 68) 1982
- 69) 1983
- 70) 1984
- 71) 1985
- 72) 1986
- 73) 1987
- 74) 1988
- 75) 1989
- 76) 1990
- 77) 1991
- 78) 1992
- 79) 1993
- 80) 1994
- 81) 1995
- 82) 1996
- 83) 1997
- 84) 1998
- 85) 1999
- 86) 2000
- 87) 2001
- 88) 2002
- 89) 2003
- 90) 2004
- 91) 2005
- 92) 2006
- 93) 2007
- 94) 2008
- 95) 2009
- 96) 2010
- 99) 2013
- 100) 2014
- 102) 2016
- 103) 2017
- 104) 2018
- 105) 2019
- 106) 2020
- 107) 2021
- 108) 2022
- 109) 2023
2) 1916

The top names — John, William, James, Mary, Helen, and Dorothy — didn't budge the following year.
3) 1917

In 1917, the movie Cleopatra, with lavish sets and costumes, became one of the most elaborate Hollywood films ever produced at the time. Dorothy Drake (bearing the year's No. 3 baby name, after Mary and Helen) starred as Charmian. The title role was played by Theda Bara, whose name surged in popularity, albeit to the 343rd spot, around that time. (John, William, and James remained in their spots, too.)
4) 1918

As World War I raged, Ernest Hemingway joined the Red Cross. The day he arrived, a munitions factory exploded and he had to carry mutilated bodies to a makeshift morgue; the horrors of war inspired many of his later novels. His name was No. 37 that year. John, William, and James continued their streak — as did Mary, Helen, and Dorothy.
5) 1919

Part of the name Mary's continued popularity? Actress Mary Pickford was known as America's Sweetheart and "the girl with curls." (That year, along with D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, and Douglas Fairbanks, she formed the independent film production company, United Artists.) As for baby names, Helen, Dorothy, John, William, and James stayed in the top spots, too.
6) 1920

In 1920, Woodrow Wilson was President and the First Lady's name was Edith, whose pretty name was on the charts at No. 32. Still at the top? Usual suspects Mary, Dorothy, Helen, John, William, and Robert (surpassing James).
8) 1922

Josephine Baker sashayed onto a Paris stage during the 1920s with a comic, yet sensual appeal that took Europe by storm. Famous for barely-there dresses and no-holds-barred dance routines, her exotic beauty generated nicknames like "Black Venus" and "Creole Goddess." Her name was equally beloved, taking the No. 27 spot on the charts. The top three for boys and girls? Unsurprisingly, they held fast: John, Robert, William, Mary, Helen, and Dorothy.
9) 1923

Oldies but goodies! Robert, John, William, Mary, Dorothy, and Helen were still crowd pleasers. American tennis player Helen Wills Roark, who later became famous for holding the top position in women's tennis for a total of nine years, won her first women's national title in 1923 at the age of 17.
12) 1926

Calvin Coolidge was in the middle of his tenure as President of the United States. His name was also in the middle of an upswing, coming in at No. 65. Favorites Robert, John, James, Mary, Dorothy, and Betty were all still in the top three spots for boys and girls.
13) 1927

Legendary Yankees like Babe Ruth and Lou Gerhig were stealing bases and American hearts that year. Ruth's real first name, George, was the No. 7 pick for boys, while Ruth was the No. 6 for girls. The top three? Still Robert, John, James, Mary, Dorothy, and Betty.
14) 1928

Charlie Chaplin continued his winning streak, writing and starring in the silent film, The Circus. Charles kept up its streak, too, at as the No. 5 for boys (along with Robert, James, and John.) Mary, Betty, and newcomer Barbara were the top three names for girls.
16) 1930

As Betty continued to hold the No. 2 spot, the cartoon Betty Boop made her big debut. (Rounding out the top three were still Mary and Barbara). Robert, John, and James were the top boys' names.
17) 1931

James Cagney's Chicago gangster film The Public Enemy came out this year — and was nominated for an Oscar. The popular actor's name continued its reign on the boys' charts, along with Robert and John. Mary, Betty, and Dorothy held their ranks for girls.
18) 1932

Hot cartoon Betty Boop remained a big deal in 1932 — as did her name. Mary, Barbara, Robert, James, and John rounded out that year's top rankings.
19) 1933

Robert, James, and John were the most popular boys names — and prevalent girls' picks were still Mary, Betty, and Barbara. But Helen remained in the top 10, possibly spurred by the renown of women like Helen Keller, who was active politically and culturally at the time. In May of that year, Americans learned that students in German universities planned to burn a long list of books deemed "un-German" — and Keller's essay "How I Became a Socialist" was on this list. In response, Keller penned a popular letter (the 1933 equivalent of a viral blog post) letting the students know exactly how she felt.
21) 1935

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was midway through his first term of office in 1935. And his name was also surging in popularity: It hit No. 65 that year, while Frank came in at No. 16. (The top three were no shock, though. Robert, James, and John and Mary, and Barbara were joined by newcomer Shirley.)
22) 1936

Robert, James, and John continued their reign among boys' names. But jumping into the No. 2 spot for little girls was Shirley (joining Mary and Barbara). That year, a big movie release was Stowaway, starring none other than pint-sized star Shirley Temple.
23) 1937

Shirley's time among the top three was brief: Mary, Barbara, and newcomer Patricia rounded out the trio in 1937. Robert, James, and John were the top boys' names.
24) 1938

Donald remained the top 10. Could this have anything to do with Walt Disney? Probably. In 1938, the company released Donald's Nephews, an animated cartoon which features Donald Duck being visited by his three nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Meanwhile, Robert, James, John, Mary, Barbara, and Patricia prove consistency was a trend in the 1930s.
27) 1941

As the United States avoided direct involvement in World War II (until the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor), the country strove to maintain normalcy. So it's no surprise that the top names — James, Robert, and John and Mary, Barbara, and Patricia — also stayed consistent.
29) 1943

Spurred by World War II productivity, the Great Depression ended this year. Rogers and Hammerstein's musical Oklahoma! opened on Broadway. Frank Sinatra went solo and released the single "Close to You." And parents across the country continued to name many of their babies James, Robert, John, Mary, Barbara, and Patricia.
33) 1947

Sure, 1947 wasn't too surprising on the boys' side as James, Robert, and John held the top spots. But Larry, a nickname for Lawrence or Laurence, broke into the top 10. And this year proved especially surprising for girls' names. Mary was dethroned to second place for the first time since the 1800s by Linda!
34) 1948

One of the year's biggest hit songs? Doris Day's "It's Magic." And the singer's name also rose in popularity, at No. 64. Linda, Mary, and Barbara continued to rank in the top three, while James, Robert, and John maintained their lead on the boys' charts.
35) 1949

The 1940s wrapped with few changes in baby names: James, Robert, and John held firm as the top three for boys. Linda, Mary, and Patricia were the girls' dominant trio.
36) 1950

Possibly in honor of President Harry Truman, the name Harold hit No. 5. James, Robert, and John were the top three for boys. As for girls', Linda, Mary, and Patricia remained the most popular.
39) 1953

Robert jumped to No. 1 from No. 3 in 1953. James came in second and Michael third, while Mary, Linda, and Deborah were the top three picks for girls. Cute fact: In Hebrew, Deborah means "bee."
40) 1954

In 1954, Michael, James, and Robert remained popular — as did actor James Stewart, who starred with Grace Kelly in Rear Window. Mary, Linda, and Deborah were popular girls' names.
41) 1955

This year, David jumped into the No. 2 spot. Michael and James were the other top picks for boys. For girls, it was still Mary, Deborah, and Linda.
42) 1956

Michael, James, and Robert were the most popular baby boy names this year. For girls, there was a switch: Debra came in at No. 2, with Deborah at No. 4. (Mary and Linda stayed in first and third, respectively.) In 1956, "Whatever Will Be Will Be" performed by Doris Day was the 7th most popular song — and this year Doris showed up in the top 100 girls' names. Que sera sera, it is.
43) 1957

For this year, Michael, James, and David were in the top three for boys. (In Hebrew, David means "beloved" or "friend.") Mary and Linda held onto the top spots for girls, along with newcomer Susan.
44) 1958

The top boys names were Michael, David, and James again. Mary, Linda, Susan rounded out the girls' top three. However, this year Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, starring Elizabeth Taylor, was released — and her name charted at No. 22.
45) 1959

In 1959, parents still loved Michael, David, and James for boys. Mary, Susan, and Linda remained the top picks for girls' names.
46) 1960

David, Michael, and James were the top three boys names. Mary, Susan, and Linda were crowned the best baby girl names. Fun fact: Linda is the feminine form of lindo, meaning beautiful, pretty, and cute.
47) 1961

In 1961, John returned to the top three names for boys. This could have something to do with John F. Kennedy's election as the 35th President of the United States. Mary, newcomer Lisa, and Susan were still the big girls' names.
48) 1962

Michael, David, and John were the top three boys' names. Lisa, Mary, and Susan fared best for girls.
49) 1963

In 1963, John placed at No. 2 as the country mourned John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated on November 22 in Dallas, Texas. Other notable names that year were Michael, David, Lisa, Mary, and Susan.
50) 1964

Michael, John, and David were the top three names for boys. Lisa, Mary, and Susan continued their streak for girls. Susan traces its roots from the French Susanne, literally meaning "lily."
51) 1965

Michael, John, and David continued to stay on top for boys. Lisa and Mary were on top for girls, joined by Karen. Karen is a Greek name and means "pure."
52) 1966

Michael, David, and James topped the charts, while Kimberly joined Mary and Lisa on the list of top names for girls. Kimberly means "from the wood of the royal forest."
53) 1967

For the first time during the 20th century, Mary dropped out of the top three. Its replacements? Lisa, Kimberly, and Michelle. For boys, Michael, David, and James were the most popular picks.
54) 1968

Despite the changing times of the decade, the most trendy baby names didn't change much. Michael, David, and John proved to be solid names for little guys. Lisa, Michelle, and Kimberly won for girls.
55) 1969

Michael, David, James, Lisa, and Michelle were parents' picks in 1969. And Jennifer joined the most-loved girls' names.
56) 1970

Parents rang in the new decade with Michael, David, and James. Making its way to he top of the girls' chart? Jennifer, which would stay there until 1984. It was trailed by Lisa and Kimberly.
57) 1971

David, like previous years, remained highly popular. This year David Bowie's song "Holy, Holy" came out on a 45. Michael and James were also solid gold choices. For girls, Jennifer, Michelle, and Lisa also continued their streaks.
58) 1972

Boys names Michael, Christopher, and James were parents' three favorites. Jennifer and Michelle were joined by Lisa. Cabaret, starring Judy Garland's daughter Liza Minnelli, came out in theaters — and Liza (super close to Lisa) jumped from No. 537 to No. 479.
59) 1973

Michael, Christopher, and newcomer Jason were the biggest boys' names. Jennifer, Amy, and Michelle marked a transition from more traditional girls' picks into trendier ones.
60) 1974

In 1974, Michael was still No. 1 for boys. The Godfather: Part II was also released — Al Pacino reprised his role as Michael, of course. Jason and Christopher were second and third. Jennifer, Amy, and Michelle rounded out the girls' top spots.
61) 1975

Michael, Jason, and Christopher held steady for boys. Jennifer and Amy maintained their popularity, but were joined by fast-rising Heather. The botanical name describes a purple-flowered Eurasian heath that grows abundantly on moorland and heathland. It became one of the most popular names in the '70s.
62) 1976

Michael, Jason, Christopher, Jennifer, Amy, and Melissa were top picks for 1976. But that year, as America celebrated 200 years since the Declaration of Independence, one name hopped onto the top 1,000 for the first time since 1918: Liberty.
63) 1977

In 1977, Amy was still a popular girls' name, placing at third. Amy – or Aimee — is French for "beloved." That year, singer/songwriter Amy Grant, later known for the 1991 hit "Baby, Baby," released her first album. (Michael, Jason, Christopher, Jennifer, and Melissa were also chart-toppers.)
65) 1979

Michael, Christopher, Jason, Jennifer, Melissa, and Amanda all placed in the top spots for boys and girls.
66) 1980

At the start of the 1980s, Michael, Christopher, and Jason still topped the list for boys. J names were popular for girls, too: Jennifer and Jessica topped the list, followed by Amanda. But that year, the buzziest name was Brooke, ranking at No. 57. Brooke Shields made a stunning turn in the film Blue Lagoon.
68) 1982

Michael remained a hot name in 1982 and not just because of its decades-long winning streak. What album blew off the charts this year? Michael Jackson's Thriller. Christopher, Matthew, Jennifer, Jessica, and Amanda were the other most popular monikers, too.
69) 1983

Michael, Christopher, and Matthew were the lead boy baby names. In 1983, the iconic Superman, Christopher Reeve, hung up his cape, completing his superhero films. While the may not have been as heroic, Jennifer, Jessica, and Amanda were the top three girls' names.
70) 1984

Jennifer, Jessica, and newbie Ashley held the top spots. In a twist on the trend, Ashlee Simpson (sister of Jessica Simpson) was born that year. Michael, Christopher, and Matthew were still in the top three for boys' names.
71) 1985

Parents consistently loved '80s favorites Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley, and Jennifer. This was also a hot year for the name Laura, coming in at No. 14. For some, this could have been a tribute to Laura Harring, who became the first Latina woman crowned Miss USA that year.
72) 1986

Perennial favorites Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley, and Amanda continued to dominate.
73) 1987

In 1987, the most popular names for boys were Michael, Christopher, and Matthew. For girls, parents favored Jessica, Ashley, and Amanda.
74) 1988

Michael, Christopher, and Matthew were still running the show for boys' names. Jessica held at No. 1 for girls. The live action/animated film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? hit theaters that year, so maybe Roger's cartoon wife, Jessica, had some influence.
75) 1989

At the end of the 1980s, Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley, and newcomer Brittany rocked the charts.
76) 1990

At least parents are consistent. The top boys' names continued to be Michael, Christopher, and Matthew. Trendier names Jessica, Ashley, and Brittany stayed the girls' top three in 1990.
77) 1991

In 1991, Britney Spears wowed the judges on Star Search. While her spelling only hit No. 137, Brittany stayed at No. 3 (following Ashley and Jessica). The boys' top three were Michael, Christopher, and Matthew.
78) 1992

Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Ashley, and Jessica were still top picks. Continuing favorite Amanda came in at No. 3. It means "having to be loved."
79) 1993

Michael, Christopher, and Matthew ranked as top three boys' names. Jessica and Ashley were also popular — as was newcomer Sarah. Its meaning? "Lady, newcomer, princess" in Hebrew.
80) 1994

The year 1994 proved to be a strong one for Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley, and newcomer Emily — all placing in the top three of their respective charts.
81) 1995

Parents wanted their kids to be like Mike in 1995! After dabbling in minor league baseball, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA in 1995. In March of that same year the Bulls player faced off against the Indiana Pacers, scoring 19 points. The game had the highest Nielson rating of a regular season NBA game since 1975. The name-game runner-ups were Matthew and Christopher. Jessica, Ashley, and Emily were the top three girls' choices.
82) 1996

That year, 1990s classics Michael, Matthew, Jacob, Emily, Jessica, and Ashley all placed in the list of top baby names.
83) 1997

In 1997, the world fell in love with Jack and Rose as they cruised on the doomed Titanic. That year, Jack made in the top 100, coming in at No. 76. Michael, Matthew, Jacob, Emily, Jessica, and Ashley all claimed the top spots.
84) 1998

Michael, Jacob, and Matthew remained popular for boys. New to the girls' trend? Samantha. Maybe pregnant moms were watching a little too much Sex and the City on TV. After all, it was the award-winning HBO show's premiere year. Another newcomer and second most popular girls' name was Hannah — Hebrew for "favor or grace." And that year saw an upswing for Daniel, Joseph, and Christopher.
85) 1999

In 1999, Jacob, Michael, and Matthew remained popular boy names. There was a surprising surge for girls when Alexis jumped to No. 3. This pretty name is actually considered unisex and is derived from the Greek word, Alexo, meaning "helper or defender." Emily and Hannah hung tight in the top three.
86) 2000

In 2000, "T" names were trending: Tyler for a boy and Taylor for a girl both came in at No. 10. We think they made super cute names for twins. Other names placing in the top spots were Andrew and Alexis, Joseph, and Jessica.
87) 2001

In 2001, classic girls' names including Sarah, Elizabeth, and Abigail turn up in the top 10. But the chart-toppers were Emily, Madison, and Hannah. William, Christopher, and Daniel hold rank in the top 10, too. (But Jacob, Michael, and Matthew remained on top.)
88) 2002

As 2002 rolled around, parents proved consistent again: Emily, Madison, and Hannah didn't budge, while Jacob, Michael, and Joshua were the top three boys' names.
89) 2003

The girls' list gets a powerful new entry, as Emma wedged its way between Emily (No. 1) and Madison (No. 3). The year before, Ross and Rachel named their long-awaited baby Emma on Friends. Jacob, Michael, and Joshua stayed on top for boys.
90) 2004

In the top 10 this year were boys' names Anthony, Christopher, and Joseph. As for girls, Emily, Emma, and Madison held onto their top spots. Ava was a big mover, jumping from No. 25 to No. 9.
91) 2005

Jacob, Michael, and Joshua still reigned in 2005 — as did Emma, Emily, and Madison.
92) 2006

Wanna guess the boys' names? Yes, Jacob, Michael, and Joshua. And Emily, Emma, and Madison stayed the favorites for girls. A notable pick was Zachary, at No. 33. That year, Zac Efron was doing his High School Musical star turn.
93) 2007

Parents still loved Jacob, Michael, Emily, but Ethan and Isabella also stole spots at the top. But another major name that year was Shiloh. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie gave the name to their first biological child in May 2006, so by 2007, the name came blasting onto the charts at No. 788 — and rising.
94) 2008

Jacob, Ethan, Michael, Emma, Isabella, and Emily were huge in 2008. Giving the No. 2 name a boost? The film Twilight premiered in 2008, and the real name of Kristin Stewart's character Bella Swan is Isabella — which would hit the top spot the following year.
95) 2009

Jacob, Ethan, and Michael were still holding strong for boys. Pop star Michael Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication at his home in Los Angeles this year, which added to the name's notoriety. Isabella and Olivia were the top picks for girls' names — and Emma took the top spot for the seventh year in a row.
96) 2010

The decade began with Jacob, Ethan, and Michael in the top three spots — but the trendy Jayden made it to No. 4. Isabella, Sophia, and Emma ranked in the top for girls.
99) 2013

A big shift at the top: Noah, Liam, and Jacob were the top three boys' names in 2013. Meanwhile Sophia, Emma, and Olivia held firm for girls. Also making her debut? Disney's newest — and littlest — animated princess, Sofia the First.
100) 2014

The top names for boys were Noah, Liam, and Mason. And Emma, Olivia, and Sophia remained crowd pleasers for baby girls. Interestingly, the name Rose, while not in the top ranks, jumped into the high 200s thanks to the likes of celebs — including Scarlett Johansson, Carson Daly, Kelly Clarkson, and Rachel Bilson — who gave this floral moniker to their daughters.
102) 2016

For the ladies, Emma, Olivia, and Ava held the top titles while Noah, Liam, and William all made their mark for the gents. Perhaps Liam was top of mind due to Liam Payne’s abrupt exit from the famed boy band, One Direction.
103) 2017

Emma, Olivia, and Ava stayed on top for girls. On the boys' side, Liam overtook Noah to claim the No. 1 spot, and William stayed in third.
104) 2018

The top names for boys are still Liam (as in Liam Payne), Noah, and William, while the most popular names for girls are still Emma, Olivia, and Ava.
105) 2019

In 2019, the most popular name for girls was Olivia, followed by Emma and Ava. For boys, Liam remained the most popular name, trailed by Noah and Oliver.
106) 2020

The most popular names for boys born in 2020 remained Liam, Noah, and Oliver. Other popular names for boys this year were Elijah, William, and James. For girls, the most popular names in 2020 were Olivia, Emma, Ava, Charlotte and Sophia.
107) 2021

Olivia remained the most popular name for girls in 2021. The second-most-popular name for girls was Emma, followed by Charlotte. For boys, Liam, Noah, and Oliver were the most popular names of 2021.
108) 2022

Liam topped the charts again this year as the most popular name for boys. Other popular name choices for boys born in 2022 were Noah, Oliver, James, and Elijah. Olivia was the most popular girls' name in 2022, followed by Emma, Charlotte, Amelia and Sophia.
109) 2023

Olivia continued to top the charts in 2023 as the most popular name for baby girls. Emma, Charlotte, Amelia and Sophia were other popular names for babies born this year. For boys, the top three names were Liam, Noah, and Oliver. The girls' name that jumped the most in popularity was Kaeli, which shot up from #2370 in 2022 to #678 in 2023. For boys, the name that shot up the most in popularity was Izael, which went from the 1,666th most popular name to the 806th most popular name.