Top Baby Names for 2024 Unveiled Just Before Mother’s Day

Olivia and Liam have retained their positions as the most popular baby names in the United States for 2024, according to a recent report from the Social Security Administration (SSA), unveiled on May 9. This annual announcement precedes Mother’s Day weekend, creating a perfect backdrop for celebrating families and new beginnings. The SSA’s list is derived from official application data for Social Security cards, representing a detailed portrait of naming trends across the nation.

The agency has been publishing this list annually since 1997, providing insight into the evolving landscape of baby names and cultural shifts. For the sixth consecutive year, Olivia and Liam dominated the top of the list, reinforcing their status as favored choices among new parents. Following closely behind them are the names Emma and Noah, which consistently maintain their presence in the second position.

The complete list of the top ten names for 2024 is as follows:

Top Girls’ Names:
1. Olivia
2. Emma
3. Charlotte
4. Amelia
5. Sophia
6. Mia
7. Isabella
8. Ava
9. Evelyn
10. Luna

Top Boys’ Names:
1. Liam
2. Noah
3. Oliver
4. James
5. Elijah
6. Mateo
7. Lucas
8. Henry
9. Theodore
10. Benjamin

Notably, Mateo made a significant leap into the top ten for the first time, effectively ending the 14-year reign of Alexander, which speaks to shifting preferences among parents. The SSA also provided insight into the fastest-rising names of the year, with Kaeli for girls making the most substantial gain, climbing 1,692 positions, and Izael for boys soaring up 1,419 spots.

This annual compilation serves not merely as a nostalgic reference for expecting parents but also emphasizes a vital administrative function. The SSA underscores the importance of securing a Social Security number at birth, which facilitates various essential services, from opening bank accounts to accessing government benefits. The data collected through these applications is seen as a reliable indicator of national naming trends, providing a resource for sociologists, marketers, and parents alike.

The SSA’s report not only captures a snapshot of contemporary American culture but also reflects broader societal trends and influences that shape the choices parents make when naming their children. As families continue to make their selections, these names carry not only personal significance but also cultural resonance that transcends generations.