Popular Boys

Isaiah

2012-03-02T17:25:00.001-08:00

The name Isaiah comes from the Old Testament, where in Hebrew it means God is Salvation. Isaiah was a famous prophet and was considered to be the author of the Book of Isaiah.

Although the name automatically hints at a relation to the Bible and to religion, modern, non-religious parents also keep the name popular because it is a very unique name. It is familiar and sturdy, yet different.

Arguably, many if the parents who choose the name due to its uniqueness, don't realize it has been a Top 100 name since 1996 and a Top 50 name since the year 2000. Still, the name does not seem to wane in popularity as long as it remains hovering just below the "too popular to be unique" threshold.

Jack

2011-11-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

Some names shock parents when they realize just how popular they are (for example, Jayden). Other names shock parents when they realize how relatively uncommon they are. Jack is a common name for US boys, but few parents know the name Jackson is much more popular (in 2010, Jackson was the 25th most popular name for American boys, while Jack was down at 44).

The name Jack originally derived as a nickname from the name John (which in 2010 was also less popular than Jackson), and was often used to refer to an Everyman, until it independently became an established given name.

Although the name sounds very popular, it has never been an American Top 10 name, and the closest it's been was in 1930, when it reached number 14. It has been mostly (and very slowly) declining in popularity ever since.

Brandon

2011-10-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

The name Brandon is derived from an English last name, itself derived from Old English, and is mostly thought to mean a hill covered with broom (a type of shrub). As a first name, though, the name is relatively new, at least in terms of popularity. It entered the Top 1000 list of the most popular boys' name in the US in 1950, and had rapidly climbed in popularity until it reached #6 in the early 1990s (in the 1980s, the name was even a Top 1000 name for girls). However, the name has declined in popularity every year since then, and although being #43 in 2010 makes it still a popular name, it is uncertain how long Brandon will remain a Top 100 name.

Angel

2011-09-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaIn 2010, the name Angel was listed as the 42nd most popular name parents gave their babies. Although this is a relatively high number, the popularity of Angel has been on a slow but steady decline since it peaked in 2006 at number 30. It's not easy to predict if the decline will persist in 2011. On the one hand, a name that starts declining in popularity will usually continue to do so (at least until it reaches a new plateau), but on the other hand, perhaps the rise in the number of immigrants from South America will keep the name popular in the US.

Angel comes from the Greek word for messenger, angelos.

It is also worth noting that Angel is somewhat popular for girls in the US, although it has never entered the Top 100 list for girls, and just like it is with boys, the name Angel for girls has been declining in popularity.

Luke

2011-09-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

The name Lucas has already been represented in the Top 100 List, but here the shorter (and older) version can be found as well. In 2010, like in 2009, the name Luke trailed behind Lucas, ending at number 41, although both names slightly rose in popularity since 2009 (and both are currently more popular than ever in the US).

The name probably originated in Greece with Loukas, then gaining popularity with Luke of the New Testament.

Brayden

2011-09-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

It's absolutely fitting, considering the diversity of the US and the mix between tradition and progress, that at number 40 in 2010, following one of the most ancient names in the world (Isaac) is Brayden, a modern name that has been at the Top 100 list of the most popular boys' names in the US for only five years, and at the Top 1000 list for no more than 20 years.

Brayden is a variant of Braden, which is actually a name with a history and a Gaelic origins. Braden, however, has never been very popular in the US. It is currently at number 207 on the list. Brayden's popularity can be attributed to the recent American fashion of having names with a dominant letter Y (the most popular of these is currently at number 4: Jayden). Whether this is a fad or the start of an American tradition remains to be seen.

Isaac

2011-08-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Top 100 List of the most popular boys' names in America includes many modern names. Some are completely new, others are new versions of older names, and others are foreign language versions of familiar English names. At the same time, though, the ancient biblical names that have been with the US for centuries remain popular.

The biblical Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah. Sarah, who was beyond her child-bearing years, was promised by three divine messengers who came to her tent that she would have a child with Abraham (who was himself 100 years old at the time). The name, which in Hebrew means "he will laugh," relates to the way Sarah laughed when the visitors told her of God's plan for her to have a baby at her old age.

2010 showed a slight rise in popularity for the name in the US. It is currently at number 39 on the list of popular names.

Lucas

2011-08-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Coming in at number 35 in the 2010 list of the most popular names in the US, is the name Lucas. The origin of Lucas is Latin, based on the Greek Loukas, which is in turn named after the New Testament Luke. The rise in popularity of the name has been steady. The name has been a Top 1000 name in the US for over 50 years, and has been climbing the chart ever since. The current 35th place is its highest one.

As is the case in many steady names, Lucas has a steady shorter variation. Although the name Luke appears on the Top 100 in its own right, in this case it serves as a nickname. The fact that Lucas has a classic-sounding quality as well as a memorable nickname, has helped it rise in popularity even above the name Luke.

Liam

2011-08-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

The name Liam is quickly becoming a favorite for American parents. The popularity of the name is rapidly rising, with no sign of stopping. Of course, there is a chance that the popularity of a name many still consider unique will decline once parents realize the name is not that unique anymore, but judging by the rising popularity of other modern names like Jayden and Mason, it's very possible that Liam will make the Top 10 in the next few years.

The name Liam is simply the short form of Uilliam (the Gaelic version of William), which has made Liam popular in and by itself among Irish people and their descendants, However, as the popularity of the name Liam increases in the US, it is not just Irish Americans that give their boys that name. The name is even gaining popularity in non-English speaking countries, such as Israel, where the name is used to mean My People or My Nation.

Just a final note: While it is true that Liam Neeson's real first name is William, arguably the fact that he has chosen to officially go by Liam only helps elevate the name, making his picture above suitable for this profile of the name.

Landon

2011-05-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

In 2009, Landon was the 36th most common name given to boys in the US. The good news is that Landon is a solid, masculine name. The less good news: First of all, like many other popular boys' names, Landon is probably more popular than many parents think. Secondly, looking at other names on the list, it seems clear that the names that endure more than others are those that have an established nick name that can, in many cases, continue to be the official name of the adult. This means that while Nick, Jimmy, and Nate endure, a name like Landon might go away as quickly as it appeared.

Landon, meaning "a long hill," has seen a rapid rise in popularity. It's only in 2003 that it entered the Top 100 list, and it has since increased in popularity all the way to the current point. It's questionable, however, whether the name would survive the two issues illustrated above.

2010 Update:
A small rise to number 32.

Evan

2011-02-10T22:17:00.000-08:00

Some names jump to the top, then just as quickly disappear. Some popular names have always been at the top. Evan is a different kind: a steady riser. It has been a Top 1000 name in the US for over a century, but ever since its modest, unassuming entry into the Top 100 in 1983, it has gradually gained popularity. It's simple and modern-sounding, and its popularity doesn't make itself known, meaning that parents who look for more unique names are not turned off.

The name originated as the Welsh version of John (itself originating in ancient Hebrew).

In 2008, Evan was ranked at 38. In 2009, Evan was the 35th most popular boys' name in the US. It is all but certain that the name will continue to gain popularity.

2010 Update:
No major change. A small decline to number 36.

Mason

2010-12-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

Mason is a simple name that is becoming increasingly popular. It comes from the English last name referring to a man who works with stone. American parents, always on the look out for a simple-sounding, yet relatively unique name for their newborns, are embracing the name in larger numbers, although it is unclear whether the name is popular because of its uniqueness, and if parents who choose that name will continue doing so if it becomes even more popular, and then, too popular...

2010 Update:
A huge leap for the name which is now at number 12. It still doesn't change the prediction that once the name becomes more popular it will become too popular, but that doesn't mean the name has finished its rise.

Gavin

2010-11-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

Gavin is a truly unique name, and a surprising find on the list of top boys' names in the US. It is also a relatively new name on the list. It entered the Top 100 list a decade ago, and was not even in the Top 1000 list fifty years ago. So, why is it as popular as it is? And will it get even more popular?

The origins of Gavin is mostly thought to be Gaelic, meaning "White Hawk." The fact that the popularity of the name in this era is relatively new, combined with the ancient origins of the name, allow modern parents to give their kids a "new" and unique name, while maintaining symbolic ties to Gaelic heritage.

Although 2009 saw a small decline in popularity for the name Gavin, it doesn't look like it's on its way down. It is a matter of time, after all, before a popular fictional character named Gavin grabs the attention of American parents.

2010 Update:
2010 saw another decline, to number 37. Is Gavin too unique to be more popular? Has it reached its peak? Or will it rise when the next famous Gavin appears?

Nicholas

2010-11-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

The name Nicholas, currently 32nd on the list of the most popular boys' names in the US, comes from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning "Victory of the people." The name was popularized by Saint Nicholas, mostly known today as Santa Claus.

Like other popular names, the advantage of the name Nicholas is that it gives the parents (and later, the bearer of the name) the opportunity to choose between the full name, Nicholas, and a short, single-syllable nickname--in this case, Nick.

Still, the name is decreasing in popularity. Only ten years ago, the name was the sixth most popular name for boys in the US, and its popularity has decreased since then. It could be just a passing decline, or the decline could continue. At least until Nicholas Cage stars in a blockbuster...

2010 Update:
Well, Nicholas Cage has been in some successful movies, but no real starring blockbuster roles. So, the name is now continuing the decline to number 38.

Caleb

2010-10-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

The name Caleb comes from the Biblical story of the Israelites sending spies into Zion. Caleb was one of the 12 spies sent by Moses, and one of two who returned to Moses with the news that God would deliver the land to Moses and to the Israelites. The name, according to most interpretations, means simply Dog. According to other interpretations, the name is symbolic, meaning Loyal (to God).

Currently the 31st most popular boys' name in the US, Caleb is actually gaining in popularity. Perhaps it's due to its popular shortened versions (especially Cale and Cal), and perhaps it's due to the rise in demand for what many consider a very masculine and serious name that doesn't sound too popular.

2010 Update:
Perhaps the name has reached its peak and it's downhill from now on. It is now at number 33.

Jonathan

2010-09-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

Jonathan comes from the biblical name of King Saul's son, Yehonatan, meaning "God has given." Yehonatan was famous for his true friendship with the man who later succeeded Saul to the throne, King David. Unlike many biblical characters who end up sinning against God or other people, Yehonatan's character is pure and heroic.

It is important to note the difference between Jonathan and John, and the difference in the nicknames. People named John often go by John or Johnny, while Jonathans often go by Jon.

Continuing a 20-year decline from the height of popularity, when Jonathan was the 15th most popular name for boys in the US, Jonathan now stands at 30, but it is doubtful that the name will disappear soon.

2010 Update:
A slight rise. The name is now at number 28.

Dylan

2010-08-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

Can it be true? Is the name Dylan popular because of the Beverly Hills 90210 character? The melancholy Dylan was a Beverly Hills 90210 hero. He was handsome, and he was fighting his demons, and he was everything you'd want your child to become...

Still, it's easy to dismiss the name due to the 90210 hero, but there must be more than a long-forgotten TV character for a name to be among the top 30 boys' names in the US 20 years after the show has ended.

Dylan is originally a Welsh name, roughly meaning Great Tide or Great Sea. Dylan Thomas, the poet, has popularized the name to a point, Bob Dylan made it more popular, and then came Beverly Hills 90210 and the character of Dylan McKay... Dylan reached the Top 100 in 1990, and has gained popularity, only to stay between the 20s and the 30s for roughly the last two decades.

It's also worth noting that the name has some popularity as a girl's name. There is nothing inherently masculine about the name, after all, and as far as boys' name that transform into girls' names, this one is probably one of the better ones.

2010 Update:
And... the name is out of the Top 30. For the first time in decades, the name is down to number 31.

Tyler

2010-07-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

That's a strange one. You may know a Tyler or two on your block, and a few more in your neighborhood, but did you know the name was a top 30 boy's name in the US (number 28 in 2009)? Well, even if you did, did you know the name was the fifth most popular boy's name in the US as recently as 1994? Only ten years ago Tyler was the 10th most popular name for US boys, which may also surprise many.

So what's going on here? How does such a popular name go under the radar? And more importantly for parents who may consider the name for their newborn, why the recent decline?

Tyler is a very American name, which might explain its popularity. It comes from an English last name, and really only exists as an American first name (mainly for boys, but there are quite a few girls with that name as well).

The same reason behind its popularity--its very American sound--may be the reason for the decline, as these things come and go. One generation may go for a traditional name, the next may go for a unique and modern, uniquely American name, and the next generation goes back to tradition. By the time new parents choose to try something new or more uniquely American, they might choose a different name.

Which means that although Tyler is still a very popular name in the US, especially considering its lack of historical reference point, its decline may continue even further in the next few years.

2010 Update:
Well, it was bound to happen. Tyler is now the 34th most popular boy's name in the US.

Samuel

2010-06-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

With Samuel, we are getting back to biblical names from a Hebrew origin. Samuel, meaning either "Name of God" or "God has heard," was the name of the Old Testament Judge who anointed kings Saul and later, David.

The name Samuel is slightly different from some of the more popular names on the list, in that nowadays it is rare to find a Samuel who actually goes by Samuel. For example, a Benjamin can go by Benjamin or by Ben, and his choice may define his self-identity. Samuel on the other hand, will most likely go by Sam. The end result is that a person's given name will only be his official name, not the one he will go by.

Perhaps this is the reason that, even though there have been slight shifts in popularity throughout the years, the name remains popular, but not as popular as other classic names with single-syllable nicknames.

2010 Update:
The name moved up a bit, to number 24.

Jackson

2010-06-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Some names come from Latin, some names come from the Bible, and some names originate as surnames that simply mean "Son of Jack." The rise in popularity of this name is pretty outstanding. Hovering in the triple-digit placement of popular boys' names, Jackson suddenly became more and more popular. In the latest list from 2009, the name has reached its highest position: 25.

Why would a name with no historical meaning become suddenly popular? Well, actually there's no surprising answer here. A couple names their boy after a beloved deceased person, but choose to use the person's last name as their newborn's first name. The name catches on slowly, until it gets to the point where you simply can't miss it. Especially in African-American families, the name Jackson has become so popular, that people may be surprised to find it's only been a top-100 name in the last 10 years.

2010 Update:
No change. The name is still at 25.

The Most Popular Boys' Names in the US in 2009

2010-05-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

Popular baby names

It's time to update old posts before we continue looking at the new list of popular American boys' names. Much has been written already about the "Twilight" influence, although I know a mother who named her son Cullen (that name had the biggest jump in popularity, from 782 in 2008 to 485 in 2009), and is now mortified to know so many other women chose Cullen because of the "Twilight" character...

Now, without further ado, here's the list of the most popular boys' names in the US in 2009.

1 Jacob
2 Ethan
3 Michael
4 Alexander
5 William
6 Joshua
7 Daniel
8 Jayden
9 Noah
10 Anthony
11 Christopher
12 Aiden
13 Matthew
14 David
15 Andrew
16 Joseph
17 Logan
18 James
19 Ryan
20 Benjamin
21 Elijah
22 Gabriel
23 Christian
24 Nathan
25 Jackson
26 John
27 Samuel
28 Tyler
29 Dylan
30 Jonathan
31 Caleb
32 Nicholas
33 Gavin
34 Mason
35 Evan
36 Landon
37 Angel
38 Brandon
39 Lucas
40 Isaac
41 Isaiah
42 Jack
43 Jose
44 Kevin
45 Jordan
46 Justin
47 Brayden
48 Luke
49 Liam
50 Carter
51 Owen
52 Connor
53 Zachary
54 Aaron
55 Robert
56 Hunter
57 Thomas
58 Adrian
59 Cameron
60 Wyatt
61 Chase
62 Julian
63 Austin
64 Charles
65 Jeremiah
66 Jason
67 Juan
68 Xavier
69 Luis
70 Sebastian
71 Henry
72 Aidan
73 Ian
74 Adam
75 Diego
76 Nathaniel
77 Brody
78 Jesus
79 Carlos
80 Tristan
81 Dominic
82 Cole
83 Alex
84 Cooper
85 Ayden
86 Carson
87 Josiah
88 Levi
89 Blake
90 Eli
91 Hayden
92 Bryan
93 Colton
94 Brian
95 Eric
96 Parker
97 Sean
98 Oliver
99 Miguel
100 Kyle

Benjamin

2010-04-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

Benjamin is another classic. In the Bible, Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son (and Joseph's only brother from the same mother, Rachel). Later, Benjamin was the name of one of the twelve Israelite tribes.

Although the name has not been as popular as other names, it has also shown a steadiness reserved only for one type of name: A classic long name with a short nickname. Like Christopher and Christian nicknamed Chris, or Andrew nicknamed Andy, Ben (or other common nicknames like Benny, Benjy, Bennie, and many others) is used as a nickname for Benjamin and helps keep its high rating.

2009 Update:
Benjamin has moved to the 20th spot, its highest spot ever.

2010 Update:
A slight decline in popularity may not mean much, other than that perhaps the name Benjamin has peaked in 2009, and will never be as popular again. It is always possible that a popular celebrity will make the name popular again, of course, but it's questionable whether Benjamin can ever make it to the top 10.

Gabriel

2010-03-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

The name Gabriel is actually an odd one. It's a relatively ubiquitous name, coming in at 24 on the most popular boys' name list in the US in 2008. And yet, although the name is important to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, it is only recently that it has become popular.

In the Old Testament, Gabriel the angel is sent by God to fight Jacob, but in fact to help Jacob find his calling. In the New Testament, Gabriel the angel announces to Mary the birth of her son, Jesus. And according to Islam, the angel Gabriel dictates the Qur'an to Muhammad.

Still, even with its history, the name has only become a Top 100 name in the US in the 1970s.

One thing that comes to mind is that although Gabriel has been gaining popularity, it is also passionately disliked by many. The name calls attention to itself, and not all parents feel comfortable giving their kids a name that will define them as Gabriel may do.

2009 Update:
The name has continued its rise, ending 2009 in the 22nd spot.

2010 Update:
Another small rise, ending at 21.

Christian

2010-03-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

The name Christian comes from the Greek (and later, Latin) word for Follower of Christ. Although the name is popular for boys in the US and in many other countries, it has been used for girls as well. It had shown a rapid rise in popularity for girls, but has just recently left the top 1000 list of girls' names. As for boys, the name has been a top 100 name for 25 years, but it seems to be stuck in the 20s.

It's interesting to note Christian as yet another example of a name that appeals to traditionalists (specifically Christian ones), as well as to modern parents who like the simplicity of the short version: Chris.

As usual in instances of shortened versions and common nicknames, many parents who prefer the longer name Christian do not like the short version.

2009 Update:
Christian remained at the 23rd spot.

2010 Update:
The name has gone down to the 29ths spot.

Elijah

2010-02-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

The name Elijah originated in the Old Testament, and is translated from the Hebrew name Eliyahu, meaning Jehovah is my God. Elijah was a prophet and a miracle worker, whose biblical stories culminate in his ascendancy to the heavens on a chariot of fire.

The name is known to all Passover-celebrating Jews, who symbolically open the door to Elijah during the Passover Seder ceremony, and fill a wine glass for their invisible guest.

Although the name sounds archaic, it still remains a very popular boy's name, perhaps due to the shortened version, Eli.

The name, either due to the popularity of Eli or for other reasons, is slowly gaining popularity in the US. It's position as the 22nd most common boy's name in the US is the highest it's ever been.

2009 Update:
A small rise to the 21st spot is still a continuation of a pattern. Still, will it ever break the Top 20 boundary?

2010 Update:
Well, as predicted, the name has made it into the top 20, landing at 18.