Nancy’s Baby Names https://www.nancy.cc Sun, 17 May 2026 16:58:34 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 https://i0.wp.com/www.nancy.cc/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cropped-profile-N-512-purple.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Nancy’s Baby Names https://www.nancy.cc 32 32 21015484 Where did the baby name Magnum come from in 1981? https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/22/baby-name-magnum/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/22/baby-name-magnum/#respond Fri, 22 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=111816
The character Thomas Magnum from the TV series "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988)
Thomas Magnum from “Magnum, P.I.“

The name Magnum first emerged in the U.S. baby name data in 1981:

  • 1983: 7 baby boys named Magnum
  • 1982: 10 baby boys named Magnum
  • 1981: 12 baby boys named Magnum [debut]
  • 1980: unlisted
  • 1979: unlisted

What put it there?

The television series Magnum, P.I., which began airing on CBS in December of 1980.

The show’s lead character, former Naval Intelligence officer Thomas Magnum (played by Tom Selleck), was a “cocky and chivalrous” private investigator who lived on Oahu (and frequently wore Hawaiian shirts).

For his portrayal of Magnum, Selleck was nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series five times, winning once (in 1984).

The surname Magnum derives from the personal name Magnus, which comes directly from the Latin adjective magnus, meaning “great.”

What are your thoughts on Magnum as a baby name?

P.S. Another famously mustachioed actor, Burt Reynolds, also played a private investigator on TV in the ’80s…

Sources:

Image: Screenshot of Magnum, P.I.

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/22/baby-name-magnum/feed/ 0 111816 Popular and unique boy names in each U.S. state, 2025 https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/20/popular-unique-boy-names-each-us-state-2025/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/20/popular-unique-boy-names-each-us-state-2025/#respond Wed, 20 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=315596
USA topographic map

Which boy names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2025?

And which appeared in the U.S. baby name data for just one state* last year?

Here are the lists…

Alabama

Most popular in AlabamaUnique to AL’s data
1. John, 343
2. William, 331
3. James, 292
4. Liam, 255
5. Noah, 246		Whitman, Kisen, Whitt, Dansby, Ladarius, Masyn, Sanders, Slayton

Alaska

Most popular in AlaskaUnique to AK’s data
1. Noah, 46
2. Theodore, 45
3. Henry, 44
4. Oliver, 41
5. James, 39		(none)

Arizona

Most popular in ArizonaUnique to AZ’s data
1. Liam, 437
2. Noah, 434
3. Mateo, 419
4. Santiago, 361
5. Oliver, 295		Payson, Lonzo, Ryler

Payson is the name of a town in Arizona. (It was also unique to AZ’s data as a girl name.)

Arkansas

Most popular in ArkansasUnique to AR’s data
1. Liam, 167
2. Hudson, 147
3. Oliver, 143
4. Elijah, 138
5. Noah, 134		Daylin

California

Most popular in CaliforniaUnique to CA’s data
1. Liam, 2,624
2. Noah, 2,607
3. Mateo, 2,239
4. Santiago, 1,991
5. Sebastian, 1,954		Armen, Waris, Nihal, Davit, Hukam, Jujhar, Agam, Dara, Arsen, Akaal, Remmy, Gurnawab, Jorawar, Nyjah, Sasha, Anhad, Arno, Izaac, Nawab, Ritchie… (top 20 of 370 total)

Other unique-to-California boy names were Azul, Azure, Harutyun, Napoleon, Sonder, and Wave.

Colorado

Most popular in ColoradoUnique to CO’s data
1. Liam, 397
2. Theodore, 373
3. Noah, 348
4. Oliver, 310
5. James, 256		Cale, Copper, Cruzito

Hockey player Cale Makar is a two-time Norris-winning defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche.

Connecticut

Most popular in ConnecticutUnique to CT’s data
1. Noah, 268
2. Liam, 241
3. Theodore, 182
4. James, 156
5. Luca, 153		(none)

Delaware

Most popular in DelawareUnique to DE’s data
1. Noah, 63
2. Liam, 59
3. Oliver, 39
4. James, 37
5. Lucas, 36		(none)

District of Columbia

Most popular in D.C.Unique to D.C.’s data
1. Noah, 58
2. Theodore, 53
3. Henry, 49 (tie)
4. Liam, 49 (tie)
5. William, 43		Yohannes

Florida

Most popular in FloridaUnique to FL’s data
1. Liam, 1,865
2. Noah, 1,749
3. Lucas, 935
4. Elijah, 868
5. Oliver, 831		Dom, Mako, Aras, Fabrizio, Janiel, Jazai, Zayde, Jeriel, Keiden, Kervens, Oshea, Carlens, Mattia, Nakai, Piero, Adams, Alesso, Bensley, Ege, Facundo… (top 20 of 109 total)

Georgia

Most popular in GeorgiaUnique to GA’s data
1. Liam, 661
2. Noah, 653
3. William, 475
4. Elijah, 473
5. James, 451		Wilkes, Braelyn, Ihsan, Jaquez, Kyzeir, Takari, Chapman, Deontae, Erin, Kamir, Kasye, Kessiah, Khalan, Myair, Xhosen, Carlton, Chasen, Cyncere, Hagan, Jaceyon… (top 20 of 33 total)

Hawaii

Most popular in HawaiiUnique to HI’s data
1. Elijah, 49
2. Noah, 46
3. Liam, 42 (tie)
4. Luca, 42 (tie)
5. Luke, 41		Nainoa, Kaimana, Laakea, Makana, Kaikoa, Kanai, Kiai, Laiku, Haloa, Kanaloa, Nalu

Luke was a top-five name in Hawaii only.

Idaho

Most popular in IdahoUnique to ID’s data
1. Oliver, 128
2. Theodore, 124
3. Henry, 119
4. Liam, 106
5. Hudson, 103		Riggin

Illinois

Most popular in IllinoisUnique to IL’s data
1. Liam, 690
2. Noah, 683
3. Oliver, 541
4. Theodore, 537
5. Henry, 462		Filip, Danylo, Konrad, Nikodem, Petar, Damiri, Krystian, Lazar, Lukasz, Lyrik, Maher, Matvii, Abdulahad, Adi, Aleksandar, Brenden, Connell, Damen, Dionte, Gaetano… (top 20 of 24 total)

Indiana

Most popular in IndianaUnique to IN’s data
1. Oliver, 428
2. Liam, 393
3. Theodore, 366
4. Henry, 359
5. Noah, 345		Wallen, Flint, Gannon, Gryffin, Henley, Jairus

Iowa

Most popular in IowaUnique to IA’s data
1. Oliver, 198
2. Liam, 185
3. Henry, 176 (tie)
4. Theodore, 176 (tie)
5. Cooper, 133		Arlow

Kansas

Most popular in KansasUnique to KS’s data
1. Theodore, 183
2. Oliver, 179
3. Noah, 167
4. Liam, 164
5. Henry, 150		(none)

Kentucky

Most popular in KentuckyUnique to KY’s data
1. Oliver, 278
2. Liam, 253
3. Hudson, 229
4. Waylon, 223
5. Noah, 203		Kainen

Louisiana

Most popular is LouisianaUnique to LA’s data
1. Noah, 237
2. Liam, 223
3. James, 187
4. Elijah, 186
5. John, 181		Kylon, Kolston, Jayceion, Kayven, Kendell, Krewe, Shep

A krewe is a social organization that stages parades for New Orleans Carnival season (the final day of which is Mardi Gras).

Maine

Most popular in MaineUnique to ME’s data
1. Theodore, 83
2. Oliver, 77
3. Henry, 66
4. Noah, 54
5. Levi, 53		(none)

Levi was a top-five name in Maine only.

Maryland

Most popular in MarylandUnique to MD’s data
1. Liam, 463
2. Noah, 377
3. Lucas, 221
4. Theodore, 214
5. Oliver, 210		Barkon, Kidus, Naod

Massachusetts

Most popular in MassachusettsUnique to MA’s data
1. Noah, 468
2. Liam, 446
3. Henry, 372
4. Theodore, 358
5. James, 323		Benjamim, Henrique, Wilber, Caeden, Jayvian, Joaopedro

The Portuguese names Benjamim, Henrique, João, and Pedro — cognates of Benjamin, Henry, John, and Peter — are used among Brazilians. (Brazilians have been the largest immigrant group in Massachusetts since 2010.)

Michigan

Most popular in MichiganUnique to MI’s data
1. Theodore, 490
2. Noah, 478
3. Oliver, 469
4. Henry, 433
5. James, 342		Haidar, Lavon, Othman, Deaire, Larkin, Kollin, Mehdi, Raad, Dejuan, Kassem, Kordell, Majd, Qusay, Romell, Thane

Minnesota

Most popular in MinnesotaUnique to MN’s data
1. Theodore, 339
2. Henry, 313
3. Oliver, 298
4. Liam, 277
5. Noah, 236		Abdullahi, Muhsin, Hanad, Munasar, Mubarak, Amiir, Imraan, Mazim, Mudasir, Muzamil, Ole, Sajid, Ahil, Burke, Fitzgerald, Hewitt, Lochlann, Mahamed, Mohamedamin, Mubashir… (top 20 of 21 total)

Mississippi

Most popular in MississippiUnique to MS’s data
1. James, 160
2. William, 155
3. John, 151
4. Noah, 120
5. Elijah, 109		Rahzi

Missouri

Most popular in MissouriUnique to MO’s data
1. Oliver, 405
2. Theodore, 393
3. Henry, 327
4. Noah, 322
5. Hudson and Liam, 284 each (tie)		Chet, Canton, Creighton, Finnigan

Montana

Most popular in MontanaUnique to MT’s data
1. Oliver, 62
2. Henry, 58
3. William, 52
4. Hudson, 45 (tie)
5. Theodore, 45 (tie)		(none)

Nebraska

Most popular in NebraskaUnique to NE’s data
1. Liam, 149
2. Theodore, 128
3. Henry, 113
4. Noah, 109
5. Oliver, 101		Eh

The Karen word eh means “to love.” (The Karen people are an ethnic minority group from Myanmar. Thousands of Karen refugees currently live in Omaha.)

Nevada

Most popular in NevadaUnique to NV’s data
1. Liam, 205
2. Mateo, 184
3. Noah, 176
4. Santiago, 138
5. Oliver, 114		Ikaika

The Hawaiian word ikaika means “strength.” (Of the 48 contiguous states, Nevada has the third-largest Native Hawaiian population.)

New Hampshire

Most popular in New HampshireUnique to NH’s data
1. Theodore, 101
2. Henry, 77
3. Oliver, 66
4. Jack, 65 (tie)
5. James, 65 (tie)		(none)

New Jersey

Most popular in New JerseyUnique to NJ’s data
1. Liam, 749
2. Noah, 742
3. Lucas, 399
4. Luca, 378
5. Joseph, 374		Avrohom, Binyomin, Boruch, Nosson, Yechezkel, Elchonon, Mivaan, Pinchos, Elazar, Dovi, Nochum, Ehsan, Aayush, Damiano, Erling, Essex, Itai, Raffaele

Joseph was a top-five name in New Jersey only.

New Mexico

Most popular in New MexicoUnique to NM’s data
1. Noah, 115
2. Liam, 109
3. Mateo, 99
4. Elijah, 76
5. Santiago, 70		(none)

New York

Most popular in New YorkUnique to NY’s data
1. Noah, 1,381
2. Liam, 1,368
3. Theodore, 738
4. Lucas, 705
5. Oliver, 703		Mendel, Shulem, Yechiel, Yossi, Mendy, Lazer, Pinchas, Hersh, Hershel, Duvid, Elimelech, Nachman, Shraga, Leib, Elya, Eluzer, Berish, Berl, Kalman, Muaz… (top 20 of 177 total)

Other unique-to-New York boy names were Calogero, Ngawang, and Rupert.

North Carolina

Most popular in North CarolinaUnique to NC’s data
1. Noah, 684
2. Liam, 680
3. Oliver, 507
4. William, 500
5. James, 471		Wright, Avett, Khymir, Unique, Zyion, Braelon, Braxten, Carlisle, Dacari, Fields, Jahani, Jhoan, Kaelem, Kanaan, Khylo, Lennix, Nakari, Stafford, Stanton, Zakhari

North Dakota

Most popular in North DakotaUnique to ND’s data
1. Liam, 56
2. Henry, 49 (tie)
3. Theodore, 49 (tie)
4. Noah, 48
5. Oliver, 47		Boy

“Boy” is a placeholder.

Ohio

Most popular in OhioUnique to OH’s data
1. Oliver, 653
2. Theodore, 611
3. Noah, 551
4. Henry, 543
5. Liam, 530		Dakai, Jayveon, Rhyett, Zymeir, Barret, Cylas, Dannie, Jaymir, Jettsen, Jim, Keandre, Leviathan, Loic, Lynnox, Nylan, Rayshawn

Oklahoma

Most popular in OklahomaUnique to OK’s data
1. Liam, 232
2. Noah, 189
3. Oliver, 188
4. Theodore, 177
5. Elijah, 175		Takoda, Koehn, Swayze

Oregon

Most popular in OregonUnique to OR’s data
1. Oliver, 199
2. Theodore, 188
3. Liam, 185
4. Henry, 182
5. Noah, 151		Unknown

“Unknown” is another placeholder.

Pennsylvania

Most popular in PennsylvaniaUnique to PA’s data
1. Noah, 744
2. Liam, 566
3. Theodore, 549
4. Oliver, 545
5. Henry, 464		Elam, Benuel, Enos, Ahzir, Larson, Aasim, Azar, Joniel, Joash, Makiah, Nadir, Aasir, Asaan, Azhar, Brendon, Cavan, Finan, Haneef, Humza, Kayde… (top 20 of 27 total)

Rhode Island

Most popular in Rhode IslandUnique to RI’s data
1. Noah, 67
2. Liam, 64
3. Oliver, 56
4. Theodore, 52
5. Luca, 48		(none)

South Carolina

Most popular in South CarolinaUnique to SC’s data
1. Noah, 276
2. Liam, 271
3. William, 269
4. James, 250
5. Elijah, 215		Drayton, Calhoun, Gaines, Kavon, Khosen, Kymere, Townsend

South Dakota

Most popular in South DakotaUnique to SD’s data
1. Oliver, 66
2. Liam, 60
3. Henry, 50 (3-way tie)
4. Hudson, 50 (3-way tie)
5. Noah, 50 (3-way tie)		(none)

Tennessee

Most popular in TennesseeUnique to TN’s data
1. Noah, 444
2. Liam, 425
3. Oliver, 411
4. James, 385
5. Henry, 376		Holston, Hutson, Akoa, Asta, Baxter, Conley, Jakarri, Johndavid

Texas

Most popular in TexasUnique to TX’s data
1. Liam, 2,688
2. Noah, 2,450
3. Mateo, 2,081
4. Santiago, 1,829
5. Sebastian, 1,498		Roel, Stoney, Arnoldo, Vedh, Jonatan, Arch, Guadalupe, Judge, Seager, Sloan, Azazel, Brazos, Esiah, Karthikeya, Orlin, Riven, Tex, Texas, Tilden, Weldon

The Spanish word brazos — which appears in several Texas place names (e.g., Brazos River, Brazos County) — means “arms.” (It was also unique to TX’s data as a girl name.)

Other unique-to-Texas boy names were Tuff, Cuauhtemoc, Leeroy, Rocker, and Lynn.

Utah

Most popular in UtahUnique to UT’s data
1. Oliver, 274
2. Liam, 227
3. Theodore, 221
4. Jack, 209
5. Noah, 206		Covey, Stockton, Dallin, Viliami, Tyr, Knoxx, Parley, Willard, Beaumont, Bram, Rev, Semisi

The name Dallin refers to Dallin H. Oaks, the current president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Vermont

Most popular in VermontUnique to VT’s data
1. Oliver, 35
2. Theodore, 34
3. Henry, 27
4. Cooper, 26
5. Hudson and Jack, 24 each (tie)		(none)

Virginia

Most popular in VirginiaUnique to VA’s data
1. Liam, 590
2. Noah, 556
3. Theodore, 392
4. Oliver, 390
5. Henry, 372		Beauregard, Burhan, Jhonatan, Salaar

Washington

Most popular in WashingtonUnique to WA’s data
1. Noah, 426
2. Liam, 403
3. Oliver, 383
4. Theodore, 372
5. Henry, 338		Avenir, Ruvim, Arth, Theophilus, Denny, Ezana, Kaveh, Niles, Orest, Roscoe, Rufus

West Virginia

Most popular in West VirginiaUnique to WV’s data
1. Waylon, 115
2. Hudson, 106
3. Oliver, 96
4. Noah, 85
5. Wyatt, 70		(none)

Wyatt was a top-five name in West Virginia only.

Wisconsin

Most popular in WisconsinUnique to WI’s data
1. Oliver, 336
2. Theodore, 323
3. Henry, 307
4. Liam, 274
5. Noah, 245		Buckley

Wyoming

Most popular in WyomingUnique to WY’s data
1. Theodore, 27
2. James, 25
3. William, 24
4. Oliver, 23
5. Rowan, 19		(none)

Rowan was a top-five name in Wyoming only.

And here are several of the boy names that appeared in the data for two states last year:

  • Ammon – Utah & Pennsylvania
  • Hyrum – Utah & Idaho (influence: Hyrum Smith of the LDS Church)
  • Mckay – Utah & Idaho (influence: David O. McKay of the LDS Church)
  • Menno – Missouri & Pennsylvania
  • Rainier – Washington & California (influence: Mount Rainier)
  • Taysom – Louisiana & Utah (influence: football player Taysom Hill)
  • Zohran – New York & California (influence: NYC politician Zohran Mamdani)

Do you have thoughts/theories about any of the names above?

(Explanations for many of them can be found in the comments to the corresponding posts from 2024, 2023, 2022, etc.)

*Names that appear in the data for a just one state were bestowed at least five times in that state, but could have been bestowed up to four times in any other state. (The SSA’s state-by-state data omits names given to fewer than five babies per gender, per year.)

Sources:

Image: Adapted from Topographical Map of the USA (public domain)

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/20/popular-unique-boy-names-each-us-state-2025/feed/ 0 315596 Popular and unique girl names in each U.S. state, 2025 https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/18/popular-unique-girl-names-each-us-state-2025/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/18/popular-unique-girl-names-each-us-state-2025/#comments Mon, 18 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=315592
USA topographic map

Which girl names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2025?

And which appeared in the U.S. baby name data for just one state* last year?

Here are the lists…

Alabama

Most popular in AlabamaUnique to AL’s data
1. Charlotte, 224
2. Amelia, 204
3. Olivia, 203
4. Elizabeth, 163
5. Emma, 158		Collier, Kulture, Crimson, Emmaleigh, Saryah, Sebastiana

“Crimson Tide” refers to the University of Alabama’s varsity sports teams.

Alaska

Most popular in AlaskaUnique to AK’s data
1. Charlotte, 32
2. Amelia, 31
3. Emma, 29
4. Evelyn, 26
5. Aurora, Olivia, Penelope, and Violet, 24 each (4-way tie)		(none)

Arizona

Most popular in ArizonaUnique to AZ’s data
1. Olivia, 353
2. Sophia, 315
3. Mia, 300
4. Amelia, 289
5. Isabella, 288		Aolanis, Ariza, Nizhoni, Payson, Zamiyah, Kaitlynn

The Navajo word nizhóní means “beautiful,” “good.”

Payson is the name of a town in Arizona.

Arkansas

Most popular in ArkansasUnique to AR’s data
1. Charlotte, 148
2. Amelia, 122
3. Olivia, 119
4. Isabella, 103
5. Eleanor, 95		Savvy

California

Most popular in CaliforniaUnique to CA’s data
1. Olivia, 1,796
2. Mia, 1,788
3. Sophia, 1,685
4. Camila, 1,682
5. Emma, 1,641		Ani, Arzoyi, Amanat, Baani, Delina, Ina, Emiko, Inayat, Lumina, Metzli, Natali, Neela, Delara, Ketzaly, Mayari, Taqdeer, Galia, Gurnoor, Janeth, Nitara… (top 20 of 464 total)

The Nahuatl word meztli is a spelling variant of metztli, meaning “month,” “moon.”

Other unique-to-California girl names were Mililani, Ixchel, Vidalia, Lunaria, Yuzu, and Malibu.

Colorado

Most popular in ColoradoUnique to CO’s data
1. Charlotte, 293
2. Olivia, 256
3. Sophia, 242
4. Emma, 227
5. Mia, 217		Linden, Gwenivere, Morticia

Connecticut

Most popular in ConnecticutUnique to CT’s data
1. Charlotte, 176
2. Sophia, 166
3. Olivia, 151
4. Amelia, 149
5. Mia, 143		(none)

Delaware

Most popular in DelawareUnique to DE’s data
1. Mia, 43
2. Sophia, 41
3. Isabella, 35
4. Charlotte, 34
5. Emma and Olivia, 32 each (tie)		(none)

District of Columbia

Most popular in D.C.Unique to D.C.’s data
1. Emma, 36 (tie)
2. Sophia, 36 (tie)
3. Charlotte, 34
4. Lucy, 31 (tie)
5. Zoe, 31 (tie)		(none)

Zoe was a top-five name in the District of Columbia only.

Florida

Most popular in FloridaUnique to FL’s data
1. Olivia, 1,020
2. Mia, 993
3. Isabella, 992
4. Emma, 986
5. Sophia, 970		Alanys, Abigaelle, Amiria, Shayana, Adassa, Alysha, Nayelis, Shaniyah, Agustina, Ahinoa, Janylah, Kayra, Leisha, Mel, Niyari, Skylee, Caleah, Ciella, Elianis, Elianys… (top 20 of 111 total)

Another unique-to-Florida girl name was Tennessee.

Georgia

Most popular in GeorgiaUnique to GA’s data
1. Amelia, 450
2. Charlotte, 438
3. Olivia, 418
4. Emma, 397
5. Isabella, 342		Johnnie, Karielle, Railynn, Chozen, Mahari, Mahlani, Amyla, Honest, Keyari, Khamari, Kiora, Kynnedi, Malanii, Merci, Vanna, Zanova, Alden, Choyce, Deasia, Evelynne… (top 20 of 37 total)

Hawaii

Most popular in HawaiiUnique to HI’s data
1. Isla, 40
2. Emma, 37
3. Luna, 36 (tie)
4. Sophia, 36 (tie)
5. Olivia, 34		Hina, Anuhea, Olena, Tehani, Hulali

Isla and Luna were top-five names in Hawaii only.

Idaho

Most popular in IdahoUnique to ID’s data
1. Charlotte, 104
2. Amelia, 94
3. Evelyn, 89
4. Emma, 85 (tie)
5. Olivia, 85 (tie)		(none)

Illinois

Most popular in IllinoisUnique to IL’s data
1. Olivia, 501
2. Charlotte, 500
3. Sophia, 473
4. Emma, 458
5. Mia, 412		Aniela, Antonina, Izabela, Jenin, Sofija, Zuzanna, Jamilah, Kasia, Keegan, Kerrigan, Maja, Ramya, Saara, Safiyyah, Shifa, Yafa

Indiana

Most popular in IndianaUnique to IN’s data
1. Charlotte, 351
2. Amelia, 331
3. Eleanor, 265
4. Evelyn, 252
5. Sophia, 234		Annalynn, Verena, Chasity, Erma, Gwendolynn, Ramiyah

Iowa

Most popular in IowaUnique to IA’s data
1. Charlotte, 158
2. Evelyn, 117
3. Emma, 116
4. Amelia, 112
5. Eleanor, 109		Dorcas, Furaha

Kansas

Most popular in KansasUnique to KS’s data
1. Charlotte, 178
2. Olivia, 127
3. Evelyn, 123
4. Amelia, 120
5. Eleanor, 118		(none)

Kentucky

Most popular in KentuckyUnique to KY’s data
1. Amelia, 212
2. Charlotte, 187
3. Sophia, 166
4. Evelyn, 164
5. Lainey, 160		Addalynn, Lynnleigh, Mallorie, Mauwa

Louisiana

Most popular is LouisianaUnique to LA’s data
1. Amelia, 212
2. Olivia, 162
3. Charlotte, 161
4. Emma, 125
5. Sophia, 123		Jamani, Kaislyn, Daniyah, Jersi, Jherzi, Kiori, Marlei, Ormani, Xylani

Maine

Most popular in MaineUnique to ME’s data
1. Charlotte, 89
2. Amelia, 45 (tie)
3. Eleanor, 45 (tie)
4. Violet, 44
5. Harper, 43		(none)

Maryland

Most popular in MarylandUnique to MD’s data
1. Ailany, 225
2. Charlotte, 222
3. Olivia, 218
4. Mia, 217
5. Sophia, 210		Kawthar, Yemariam, Yeslin

Fast-rising Ailany ranked No. 1 in Maryland, but didn’t make the top five in any other state, curiously.

Massachusetts

Most popular in MassachusettsUnique to MA’s data
1. Charlotte, 348
2. Sophia, 318
3. Emma, 287
4. Olivia, 281
5. Isabella, 258		Eloah, Mariacecilia, Mariaalice, Eloa, Sephora, Aolani, Arielys, Manuella, Mariahelena

Michigan

Most popular in MichiganUnique to MI’s data
1. Charlotte, 381
2. Amelia, 368
3. Sophia, 341
4. Eleanor, 294
5. Evelyn, 286		Zahraa, Aleen, Batoul, Shahd, Amariana, Anhar, Jood, Maram, Syaire, Abrar, Breslyn, Ellinor, Elloise, Lareen, Shaylee, Syncere

Minnesota

Most popular in MinnesotaUnique to MN’s data
1. Charlotte, 238
2. Evelyn, 230
3. Violet, 196
4. Eleanor, Nora, Olivia, and Sophia, 194 each (4-way tie)		Maida, Maiza, Maryama, Ayan, Manal, Ahlam, Ikhlas, Maysa, Maryan, Mumtaz, Najma, Nasra, Ruwayda, Ilwad, Nihal, Salwa, Adna, Asli, Britta, Carolynn… (top 20 of 26 total)

Mississippi

Most popular in MississippiUnique to MS’s data
1. Amelia, 105
2. Ava, 100
3. Charlotte, 94
4. Olivia, 86
5. Elizabeth, 81		Harlei, Rivers

Missouri

Most popular in MissouriUnique to MO’s data
1. Charlotte, 334
2. Amelia, 288
3. Olivia, 260
4. Eleanor, 248
5. Evelyn, 227		Dariyah, Kymber, Quinnley

Montana

Most popular in MontanaUnique to MT’s data
1. Charlotte, 46
2. Lucy, 41
3. Amelia, 40
4. Lainey, 38
5. Nora, 37		(none)

Nebraska

Most popular in NebraskaUnique to NE’s data
1. Charlotte, 95
2. Evelyn, 82
3. Harper, 80
4. Amelia, 79
5. Olivia, 75		Bergen

Bergen Reilly, a University of Nebraska volleyball player, was named Big Ten Player of the Year in late 2025.

Nevada

Most popular in NevadaUnique to NV’s data
1. Olivia, 146
2. Mia, 122
3. Emma, 114
4. Isabella, 113
5. Sophia, 111		(none)

New Hampshire

Most popular in New HampshireUnique to NH’s data
1. Charlotte, 80
2. Olivia, 64
3. Sophia, 58
4. Maeve, 56
5. Violet, 52		(none)

Maeve was a top-five name in New Hampshire only.

New Jersey

Most popular in New JerseyUnique to NJ’s data
1. Emma, 428
2. Mia, 427
3. Olivia, 396 (tie)
4. Sophia, 396 (tie)
5. Isabella, 368		Shulamis, Rus, Sheva, Tzivia, Zehava, Ruchama, Shalva

New Mexico

Most popular in New MexicoUnique to NM’s data
1. Mia, 66
2. Olivia, 65 (tie)
3. Sophia, 65 (tie)
4. Sofia, 60
5. Camila, 59		(none)

New York

Most popular in New YorkUnique to NY’s data
1. Emma, 774
2. Olivia, 740
3. Mia, 738
4. Sophia, 721
5. Charlotte, 664		Gitty, Faigy, Raizy, Hindy, Goldy, Sury, Esty, Zissy, Blima, Pessy, Breindy, Frady, Etty, Mirel, Gittel, Devoiry, Oumou, Roizy, Shaindel, Yenty… (top 20 of 191 total)

North Carolina

Most popular in North CarolinaUnique to NC’s data
1. Amelia, 459
2. Charlotte, 453
3. Olivia, 441
4. Sophia, 396
5. Emma, 391		Janova, Larkin, Adair, Emsley, Kamoni, Nahlani, Sallie, Sanari, Ariyanna, Calaya, Corinna, Everette, Keyoir, Kyndal, Landon, Naliah

North Dakota

Most popular in North DakotaUnique to ND’s data
1. Charlotte, 42
2. Lainey, 39
3. Olivia, 34
4. Ellie, 33
5. Evelyn, 32		(none)

Ellie was a top-five name in North Dakota only.

Ohio

Most popular in OhioUnique to OH’s data
1. Charlotte, 551
2. Amelia, 482
3. Sophia, 464
4. Evelyn, 420
5. Olivia, 392		Kylynn, Wynnie, Adama, Camari, Danyla, Lariyah, Tommi, Wrenna, Alonnah, Annalyn, Atlee, Bethel, Daelani, Ellieana, Elmina, Hudsyn, Israel, Jacie, Larkyn, Lyndon… (top 20 of 23 total)

Oklahoma

Most popular in OklahomaUnique to OK’s data
1. Olivia, 178
2. Charlotte, 174
3. Amelia, 161
4. Sophia, 133
5. Emma, 123		Niang, Timber, Ellyson, Jimma, Kashlynn

Oregon

Most popular in OregonUnique to OR’s data
1. Charlotte, 167
2. Amelia, 163
3. Olivia, 149
4. Emma, 139
5. Sophia, 124		(none)

Pennsylvania

Most popular in PennsylvaniaUnique to PA’s data
1. Charlotte, 560
2. Sophia, 507
3. Olivia, 487
4. Amelia, 468
5. Emma, 427		Barbie, Verna, Solai, Mubina, Lydiann, Saloma, Allura, Allure, Angelise, Annamae, Ellieanna, Farida, Hadiya, Iyah, Jalaya, Kaylene, Lovelynn, Miyani, Miyuri, Nyori… (top 20 of 24 total)

Rhode Island

Most popular in Rhode IslandUnique to RI’s data
1. Charlotte, 49
2. Olivia, 41
3. Amelia, 39
4. Sophia, 35
5. Ava, 34		(none)

South Carolina

Most popular in South CarolinaUnique to SC’s data
1. Charlotte, 249
2. Amelia, 241
3. Olivia, 187
4. Emma, 179
5. Sophia, 160		Elloree, Chole, Jazaria, Braylen, Germany, Kaior

Elloree is the name of a small town in South Carolina.

South Dakota

Most popular in South DakotaUnique to SD’s data
1. Lainey, 50
2. Charlotte, 44
3. Evelyn, 39
4. Emma, 36
5. Olivia, 36		(none)

Tennessee

Most popular in TennesseeUnique to TN’s data
1. Charlotte, 423
2. Amelia, 342
3. Olivia, 276
4. Emma, 270
5. Sophia, 244		Neely, Winslie, Becky, Cameryn, Demiyah, Enola, Lyndi, Tylee

Texas

Most popular in TexasUnique to TX’s data
1. Emma, 1,707
2. Olivia, 1,580
3. Isabella, 1,559
4. Mia, 1,483
5. Sophia, 1,359		Chizaram, Ayelen, Aylanni, Steely, Alyzzah, Corrie, Hollie, Jessi, Adali, Ileana, Mayleen, Valarie, Alanii, Ashlee, Deylani, Elida, Elizah, Halen, Jaylanni, Keilyn… (top 20 of 527 total)

The Igbo name Chizaram means “God answered me.”

Other unique-to-Texas girl names were Mariposa, Brazos, Inti, Roux, Shaddai, and Tehillah.

Utah

Most popular in UtahUnique to UT’s data
1. Emma, 193
2. Charlotte, 191
3. Lucy, 189
4. Olivia, 184
5. Evelyn, 179		Alta, Swayzee, Tommy, Oaklie, Bentlee, Bostyn, Brexley, Cedar, Mesa, Vivi

Alta is the name of a ski town in Utah.

The Spanish word mesa — which refers to a type of geological formation — means “table.”

Vermont

Most popular in VermontUnique to VT’s data
1. Charlotte, 35
2. Evelyn, 27
3. Eleanor, 26
4. Nora, 22 (tie)
5. Sophia, 22 (tie)		(none)

Virginia

Most popular in VirginiaUnique to VA’s data
1. Charlotte, 460
2. Emma, 341
3. Sophia, 319
4. Olivia, 311
5. Amelia, 296		Heela, Brynne, Mckinlee, Olga, Ottilie

Washington

Most popular in WashingtonUnique to WA’s data
1. Olivia, 327
2. Charlotte, 311
3. Amelia, 283
4. Sophia, 277
5. Evelyn, 262		Amen, Solomiya, Lovella

West Virginia

Most popular in West VirginiaUnique to WV’s data
1. Charlotte, 84
2. Amelia, 82
3. Lainey, 68
4. Harper, 62
5. Willow, 61		(none)

Willow was a top-five name in West Virginia only.

Wisconsin

Most popular in WisconsinUnique to WI’s data
1. Charlotte, 282
2. Eleanor, 195 (tie)
3. Sophia, 195 (tie)
4. Evelyn, 194
5. Emma, 192		Eveline, Laverda

Wyoming

Most popular in WyomingUnique to WY’s data
1. Aurora, 20
2. Evelyn, 19
3. Amelia, 18
4. Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Hazel, 15 each (3-way tie)		(none)

Do you have thoughts/theories about any of the names above?

(Explanations for many of them can be found in the comments to the corresponding posts from 2024, 2023, 2022, etc.)

*Names that appear in the data for a just one state were bestowed at least five times in that state, but could have been bestowed up to four times in any other state. (The SSA’s state-by-state data omits names given to fewer than five babies per gender, per year.)

Source: SSA

Image: Adapted from Topographical Map of the USA (public domain)

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/18/popular-unique-girl-names-each-us-state-2025/feed/ 3 315592 The most gender-neutral baby names of 2025 https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/15/most-gender-neutral-baby-names-2025/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/15/most-gender-neutral-baby-names-2025/#respond Fri, 15 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=315057
pink and blue cupcakes

In 2025, close to 2,600 names appeared in the U.S. baby name data both as girl names and as boy names.

Which of these names were the most gender-neutral overall?

To create a useful set of rankings, I focused on names given to at least 150 babies in total. I sorted these names by how evenly they were given to babies of both genders, and the following came out on top:

Female usageMale usage
1. Iman50.6% (91 girls)49.4% (89 boys)
2. Ramsey49.4% (76 girls)50.6% (78 boys)
3. Dakota49.1% (1,035 girls)50.9% (1,074 boys)
4. Blake48.9% (1,035 girls)51.1% (1,080 boys)
5. Joan48.9% (222 girls)51.1% (232 boys)
6. Tatum48.9% (1,661 girls)51.1% (1,736 boys)
7. Robin51.2% (400 girls)48.8% (382 boys)
8. Ashtyn51.2% (88 girls)48.8% (84 boys)
9. Jaylin51.3% (117 girls)48.7% (111 boys)
10. Callaway51.4% (93 girls)48.6% (88 boys)
11. Chosyn51.6% (81 girls)48.4% (76 boys)
12. Kit51.6% (208 girls)48.4% (195 boys)
13. Alexis48.4% (547 girls)51.6% (584 boys)
14. Jael51.6% (157 girls)48.4% (147 boys)
15. Gentry51.6% (94 girls)48.4% (88 boys)
16. Ocean47.9% (345 girls)52.1% (375 boys)
17. Bellamy47.7% (341 girls)52.3% (374 boys)
18. Shiloh47.4% (1,098 girls)52.6% (1,220 boys)
19. Charlie46.8% (2,160 girls)53.2% (2,460 boys)
20. Armani46.7% (534 girls)53.3% (609 boys)
21. Marlo53.4% (109 girls)46.6% (95 boys)
22. Chandler46.4% (296 girls)53.6% (342 boys)
23. Kacey53.7% (211 girls)46.3% (182 boys)
24. Arden53.7% (261 girls)46.3% (225 boys)
25. Huntley53.8% (84 girls)46.2% (72 boys)

None of last year’s fifty-fifty splits were popular enough to make the cut, but the one that came closest was Jelani, given to 67 girls and 67 boys.

Source: SSA

Image: Adapted from Gallery 1 by Sarah Howells under CC BY-SA 3.0.

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/15/most-gender-neutral-baby-names-2025/feed/ 0 315057 Top boy names by length, 2025 https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/14/popular-boy-names-length-2025/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/14/popular-boy-names-length-2025/#respond Thu, 14 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=315055
Length frequency, U.S. baby boy names, 2025

The most common length for boy names last year was 6 letters (used 29.7% of the time), followed by 5 letters (26.4%) and 4 letters (17.3%).

What were the most popular boy names within each length group?

Top boy names with 2 letters:

  1. Bo
  2. Ty
  3. Aj
  4. Om
  5. Cy

Top boy names with 3 letters:

  1. Leo
  2. Ian
  3. Kai
  4. Eli
  5. Ace

Top boy names with 4 letters:

  1. Liam
  2. Noah
  3. Levi
  4. Luca
  5. Jack

(Luca replaced Ezra in the top five.)

Top boy names with 5 letters:

  1. Henry
  2. James
  3. Mateo
  4. Lucas
  5. Elias

(Elias replaced Ethan in the top five.)

Top boy names with 6 letters:

  1. Oliver
  2. Elijah
  3. Hudson
  4. Samuel
  5. Daniel

Top boy names with 7 letters:

  1. William
  2. Michael
  3. Matthew
  4. Jackson
  5. Gabriel

Top boy names with 8 letters:

  1. Theodore
  2. Benjamin
  3. Santiago
  4. Maverick
  5. Jeremiah

(Jeremiah replaced Jonathan in the top five.)

Top boy names with 9 letters:

  1. Sebastian
  2. Alexander
  3. Christian
  4. Nathaniel
  5. Alejandro

Top boy names with 10 letters:

  1. Alessandro
  2. Maximilian
  3. Montgomery
  4. Kristopher
  5. Aleksander (tied with #6)

Top boy names with 11 letters:

  1. Christopher
  2. Maximiliano
  3. Abdulrahman
  4. Constantine
  5. Muhammadali

Top boy names with 12 letters:

  1. Michelangelo
  2. Muhammadamin
  3. Konstantinos
  4. Maximilliano
  5. Massimiliano

Top boy names with 13 letters:

  1. Muhammadyusuf
  2. Michaelangelo
  3. Muhammadyasin
  4. Kamsiyochukwu
  5. Oluwademilade (part of a 3-way tie)

There weren’t enough 14- or 15-letter names to create a top-five list for either group.

Source: SSA

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/14/popular-boy-names-length-2025/feed/ 0 315055 Top girl names by length, 2025 https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/13/popular-girl-names-girls-length-2025/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/13/popular-girl-names-girls-length-2025/#respond Wed, 13 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=315052
Length frequency, U.S. baby girl names, 2025

The most common length for girl names last year was 6 letters (used 29.4% of the time), followed by 5 letters (22.1%) and 7 letters (18.4%).

What were the most popular girl names within each length group?

Top girl names with 2 letters:

  1. An
  2. Jo
  3. Bo
  4. Vy
  5. Yi

(Yi replaced Vi in the top five.)

Top girl names with 3 letters:

  1. Mia
  2. Ava
  3. Zoe
  4. Ivy
  5. Eva

Top girl names with 4 letters:

  1. Emma
  2. Lily
  3. Nora
  4. Lucy
  5. Aria

(Lucy replaced Luna in the top five.)

Top girl names with 5 letters:

  1. Sofia
  2. Hazel
  3. Chloe
  4. Ellie
  5. Emily

Top girl names with 6 letters:

  1. Olivia
  2. Amelia
  3. Sophia
  4. Evelyn
  5. Eliana

(Fast-rising Eliana knocked Camila out of the top five.)

Top girl names with 7 letters:

  1. Eleanor
  2. Madison
  3. Abigail
  4. Delilah
  5. Lillian

Top girl names with 8 letters:

  1. Isabella
  2. Penelope
  3. Scarlett
  4. Victoria
  5. Madeline

Top girl names with 9 letters:

  1. Charlotte
  2. Elizabeth
  3. Valentina
  4. Josephine
  5. Gabriella

Top girl names with 10 letters:

  1. Evangeline
  2. Alessandra
  3. Clementine
  4. Alexandria
  5. Jacqueline

Top girl names with 11 letters:

  1. Yashnareddy
  2. Christianna
  3. Oliviagrace
  4. Alessandria
  5. Alexzandria (part of a 3-way tie)

(Only Yashnareddy was in the top five in 2024.)

Top girl names with 12 letters:

  1. Mariacecilia
  2. Marymargaret
  3. Peneloperose
  4. Christabelle (part of a 4-way tie)
  5. Kosisochukwu (part of a 4-way tie)

(Only Mariacecilia and Marymargaret were in the top five in 2024.)

Top girl names with 13 letters:

  1. Marykatherine
  2. Mariafernanda
  3. Maryelizabeth
  4. Oluwadarasimi
  5. Oluwatamilore

(Oluwatamilore replaced Chrysanthemum in the top five.)

There weren’t enough 14- or 15-letter names to create a top-five list for either group.

Source: SSA

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/13/popular-girl-names-girls-length-2025/feed/ 0 315052 Top boy names by first letter, 2025 https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/12/popular-boy-names-first-letter-2025/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/12/popular-boy-names-first-letter-2025/#respond Tue, 12 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=315050
First letter frequency, U.S. baby boy names, 2025

The most common first letter for boy names last year was J (used 10.5% of the time), followed by A (10.4%) and L (7.5%).

The least common first letter was Q (used 0.1% of the time), followed by U (0.2%) and X (0.4%).

So, what were the most popular boy names of 2025 within each letter group?

Top boy names starting with A:

  1. Asher
  2. Alexander
  3. Anthony
  4. Aiden
  5. Angel

Top boy names starting with B:

  1. Benjamin
  2. Bennett
  3. Beau
  4. Brooks
  5. Beckett

(Beckett replaced Bryson in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with C:

  1. Cooper
  2. Carter
  3. Charles
  4. Caleb
  5. Christopher

(Cooper, one of the fastest-rising boy names of 2025, ousted Carter from the top spot.)

Top boy names starting with D:

  1. Daniel
  2. David
  3. Dylan
  4. Dominic
  5. Damian

Top boy names starting with E:

  1. Elijah
  2. Elias
  3. Ezra
  4. Ethan
  5. Ezekiel

Top boy names starting with F:

  1. Felix
  2. Finn
  3. Francisco
  4. Finley
  5. Franklin

(Franklin replaced Fernando in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with G:

  1. Gabriel
  2. Grayson
  3. Gael
  4. Graham
  5. Giovanni

(Graham replaced George in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with H:

  1. Henry
  2. Hudson
  3. Harrison
  4. Hunter
  5. Hayden

Top boy names starting with I:

  1. Isaac
  2. Isaiah
  3. Ian
  4. Ivan
  5. Ismael

Top boy names starting with J:

  1. James
  2. Jack
  3. John
  4. Julian
  5. Joseph

Top boy names starting with K:

  1. Kai
  2. Kayden
  3. Knox
  4. Kingston
  5. Kevin

(Knox replaced Kaiden in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with L:

  1. Liam
  2. Lucas
  3. Levi
  4. Luca
  5. Leo

Top boy names starting with M:

  1. Mateo
  2. Michael
  3. Matthew
  4. Mason
  5. Miles

(Mason replaced Maverick in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with N:

  1. Noah
  2. Nathan
  3. Nolan
  4. Nicholas
  5. Nathaniel

Top boy names starting with O:

  1. Oliver
  2. Owen
  3. Oscar
  4. Omar
  5. Otto

Top boy names starting with P:

  1. Parker
  2. Peter
  3. Patrick
  4. Paul
  5. Preston

(Preston replaced Phoenix in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with Q:

  1. Quinn
  2. Quincy
  3. Quentin
  4. Quinton
  5. Quintin

Top boy names starting with R:

  1. Roman
  2. Rowan
  3. Robert
  4. Ryan
  5. River

Top boy names starting with S:

  1. Sebastian
  2. Samuel
  3. Santiago
  4. Silas
  5. Sawyer

Top boy names starting with T:

  1. Theodore
  2. Thomas
  3. Thiago
  4. Theo
  5. Tucker

(Tucker replaced Tyler in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with U:

  1. Uriel
  2. Uriah
  3. Ulises
  4. Umar
  5. Ulysses

Top boy names starting with V:

  1. Vincent
  2. Victor
  3. Valentino
  4. Vicente
  5. Valentin

(Valentin replaced Vincenzo in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with W:

  1. William
  2. Wyatt
  3. Wesley
  4. Weston
  5. Waylon

Top boy names starting with X:

  1. Xavier
  2. Xander
  3. Xaden
  4. Xzavier
  5. Xavi

(Xaden replaced Xyleek in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with Y:

  1. Yusuf
  2. Yahya
  3. Yosef
  4. Yehuda
  5. Yousef

(Yousef replaced Yahir in the top five.)

Top boy names starting with Z:

  1. Zion
  2. Zayden
  3. Zachary
  4. Zayn
  5. Zyaire

Source: SSA

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/12/popular-boy-names-first-letter-2025/feed/ 0 315050 Top girl names by first letter, 2025 https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/11/popular-girl-names-first-letter-2025/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/11/popular-girl-names-first-letter-2025/#comments Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=315047
First letter frequency, U.S. baby girl names, 2025

The most common first letter for girl names last year was A (used 16.5% of the time), followed by E (10.1%) and M (9.1%).

The least common first letter was U (used 0.04% of the time), followed by Q (0.2%) and X (0.3%).

So, what were the most popular girl names of 2025 within each letter group?

Top girl names starting with A:

  1. Amelia
  2. Ava
  3. Ailany
  4. Aurora
  5. Aria

(Fast-rising Ailany knocked Avery out of the top five.)

Top girl names starting with B:

  1. Brooklyn
  2. Bella
  3. Brielle
  4. Blair
  5. Blakely

(Blair replaced Brianna in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with C:

  1. Charlotte
  2. Camila
  3. Chloe
  4. Clara
  5. Claire

Top girl names starting with D:

  1. Delilah
  2. Daisy
  3. Daphne
  4. Dahlia
  5. Delaney

Top girl names starting with E:

  1. Emma
  2. Evelyn
  3. Eliana
  4. Eleanor
  5. Elizabeth

Top girl names starting with F:

  1. Freya
  2. Faith
  3. Francesca
  4. Frances
  5. Fatima

(Frances replaced Finley in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with G:

  1. Gianna
  2. Grace
  3. Genesis
  4. Georgia
  5. Gabriella

Top girl names starting with H:

  1. Harper
  2. Hazel
  3. Hannah
  4. Hailey
  5. Hallie

(Hallie replaced Hadley in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with I:

  1. Isabella
  2. Isla
  3. Ivy
  4. Iris
  5. Isabelle

(Isabelle replaced Isabel in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with J:

  1. Josephine
  2. Josie
  3. Jade
  4. Juniper
  5. Juliette

(Juliette replaced Julia in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with K:

  1. Kennedy
  2. Kinsley
  3. Kehlani
  4. Kaylani
  5. Katherine

(Kaylani replaced Kaia in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with L:

  1. Lily
  2. Lucy
  3. Luna
  4. Lainey
  5. Layla

Top girl names starting with M:

  1. Mia
  2. Madison
  3. Mila
  4. Maya
  5. Madelyn

Top girl names starting with N:

  1. Nora
  2. Nova
  3. Naomi
  4. Natalie
  5. Natalia

Top girl names starting with O:

  1. Olivia
  2. Oaklynn
  3. Oakley
  4. Olive
  5. Ophelia

Top girl names starting with P:

  1. Penelope
  2. Paisley
  3. Parker
  4. Piper
  5. Phoebe

(Phoebe replaced Peyton in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with Q:

  1. Quinn
  2. Quincy
  3. Queen
  4. Qamar
  5. Quetzalli

(Qamar and Quetzalli replaced Quinley and Quetzaly in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with R:

  1. Riley
  2. Ruby
  3. Rose
  4. Raelynn
  5. Rylee

Top girl names starting with S:

  1. Sophia
  2. Sofia
  3. Scarlett
  4. Sadie
  5. Stella

Top girl names starting with T:

  1. Tatum
  2. Talia
  3. Tessa
  4. Teagan
  5. Thea

Top girl names starting with U:

  1. Unique
  2. Ulani
  3. Uma
  4. Una
  5. Unknown

(One spot below the placeholder “unknown” was the name Unity.)

Top girl names starting with V:

  1. Violet
  2. Valentina
  3. Victoria
  4. Vivian
  5. Valerie

Top girl names starting with W:

  1. Willow
  2. Wrenley
  3. Wren
  4. Wrenlee
  5. Willa

(Willa replaced Winter in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with X:

  1. Ximena
  2. Xiomara
  3. Xyla
  4. Xochitl
  5. Xolani

Top girl names starting with Y:

  1. Yara
  2. Yaretzi
  3. Yareli
  4. Yuna
  5. Yasmin

(Yuna replaced Yamileth in the top five.)

Top girl names starting with Z:

  1. Zoe
  2. Zoey
  3. Zara
  4. Zuri
  5. Zariah

Source: SSA

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/11/popular-girl-names-first-letter-2025/feed/ 1 315047 Boy names that returned to the U.S. baby name data in 2025 https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/10/boy-names-return-united-states-2025/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/10/boy-names-return-united-states-2025/#respond Sun, 10 May 2026 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=315045
young leaves

In 2025, which boy names re-emerged most impressively in the U.S. baby name data (after an absence of at least one year)?

Here are the top 10 boy-name returns:

  1. Nisaiah, 107 baby boys
  2. Makaius, 63
  3. Acacius, 28
  4. Staten, 27
  5. Tyheir, 24
  6. Syhir, 22 (tie)
  7. Wizdom, 22 (tie)
  8. Casai, 21
  9. Nizaiah, 19 (tie)
  10. Sayden, 19 (tie)

If you can think of explanations for any of them, please leave a comment!

Source: SSA

Image: Adapted from First leaves Novosibirsk Siberia 24.04.2012 by Mikhail Koninin under CC BY 2.0.

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/10/boy-names-return-united-states-2025/feed/ 0 315045 Girl names that returned to the U.S. baby name data in 2025 https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/10/girl-names-return-united-states-2025/ https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/10/girl-names-return-united-states-2025/#respond Sun, 10 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.nancy.cc/?p=315043
young leaves

In 2025, which girl names re-emerged most impressively in the U.S. baby name data (after an absence of at least one year)?

Here are the top 10+ girl-name returns:

  1. Kamouri, 40 baby girls
  2. Aiah, 28
  3. Mailany, 23
  4. Lorali, 21 (tie)
  5. Madysson, 21 (tie)
  6. Denvyr, 20
  7. Khamiyah, 18 (tie)
  8. Mazzie, 18 (tie)
  9. Aynsley, 17 (5-way tie)
  10. Bassy, 17 (5-way tie)
  11. Emmaluna, 17 (5-way tie)
  12. Jisha, 17 (5-way tie)
  13. Zirel, 17 (5-way tie)

If you can think of explanations for any of them, please leave a comment!

Source: SSA

Image: Adapted from First leaves Novosibirsk Siberia 24.04.2012 by Mikhail Koninin under CC BY 2.0.

]]> https://www.nancy.cc/2026/05/10/girl-names-return-united-states-2025/feed/ 0 315043