The Social Security Administration has released its annual list of the most popular baby names for boys and girls born in the U.S. in 2023. Liam and Olivia have once again topped the list, marking the fifth consecutive year for both names. Additionally, Mateo has joined the top 10 list of boys’ names for the first time. The agency tracks names dating back to 1880, showing how names can rise and fall in popularity based on cultural and population trends.
For boys, the most common names after Liam include Noah, Oliver, James, Elijah, Mateo, Theodore, Henry, Lucas, and William. For girls, the most common names after Olivia are Emma, Charlotte, Amelia, Sophia, Mia, Isabella, Ava, Evelyn, and Luna. The data from the Social Security Administration also reveal that 3.58 million babies were born in the U.S. in 2023, representing a slight decrease from the previous year’s birth rate.
Social media stars and popular television shows have had an impact on the rising popularity of certain baby names, according to the Social Security Administration. The fastest rising name for boys is Izael, while Chozen, a character from the Netflix show Cobra Kai, also saw a significant increase in popularity, reaching number 813 in 2023. For girls, the name Kaeli saw a rapid rise of 1,692 spots, possibly influenced by YouTube and TikTok star Kaeli McEwen, known as Kaeli Mae, who promotes a clean and tidy lifestyle. The agency encourages parents to explore the complete list of baby names on their website.
The consistent reign of names like Liam and Olivia at the top of the baby names list reflects both traditional preferences and changing trends in society. The Social Security Administration’s data provides valuable insights into naming patterns and preferences among parents in the U.S. The influence of social media and popular culture on baby names highlights how external factors can shape naming decisions for new parents.
As the birth rate in the U.S. shows a slight decline, the popularity of certain names continues to evolve. Names like Mateo making their debut in the top 10 list demonstrate the dynamic nature of naming trends. Whether influenced by media personalities, television characters, or cultural shifts, baby names are a reflection of the times and can hold personal significance for families. The annual release of the most popular baby names serves as a snapshot of current naming preferences in the U.S. and offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape.
