One of Today's Top 10 Baby Names is Straight Out of The 1920s

Yahoo

17-05-2025

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Each year in celebration of Mother's Day, the Social Security Administration (SSA) shares a list of the most popular baby names in the United States from the previous year. The agency's list of the most popular baby names of 2024 was just released, and it's a treasure trove of classic monikers that have been appearing on birth certificates for more than a century, as well as charming, old-fashioned names that have made a comeback after topping the list over 100 years ago.
For example, the second most popular name for girls, 'Emma', was also the SSA's 13th most popular girl name in 1900, while #8, 'Evelyn,' was a fixture in the top 20 from 1907 to 1930. And a true blast from the past, Marjorie, was in the top five for names that increased most in popularity from 2024.
The list of most popular boy names skews even more classic. Number 5 on the list, 'James,' has been within the top 20 names for American boys since 1880, which is as far back as SSA records date. Number 10, 'William,' was a top 10 name from 1900 to 1975, and number 6, 'Henry,' sat in that same group from 1900 to 1910.
For the top ten most popular boy and girl baby names of 2024, keep reading! And for the full list, head here.
Olivia
Emma
Amelia
Charlotte
Mia
Sophia
Isabella
Evelyn
Ava
Sofia
Liam
Noah
Oliver
Theodore
James
Henry
Mateo
Elijah
Lucas
William
People turn to the same names year after year for several reasons. Names that have been in use for such a prolonged period feel timeless, and are less likely than trendier names to fall out of fashion. They're also a way to honor loved ones and nod to family history and heritage, with names passed down through generations or rediscovered while tracing family history. Many parents also appreciate the nostalgia of old-fashioned names and the positive associations they carry.
Classic names also have international appeal. This year, 'Sophia' and 'Sofia' took two of the top 10 spots, with both spellings originating from the Greek word for 'Wisdom.' An appealing choice for its lovely meaning and its pleasant sound. (According to one study, 'Sophia' is the most harmonious girl's name.) The name is also a multi-cultural choice as variations appear in more than a dozen languages.
Looking for more name inspiration? Visit the SSA's website to see the current top 1,000 baby names and top names from years past. You Might Also Like
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