The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released data on the most popular baby names of 2023 in the United States. Liam and Olivia are once again at the top of the list for boys and girls, respectively. The data reflects a slight dip in the total number of births compared to the previous year, continuing a trend of declining birth rates since 2007. While there is only one new name in the top 10 list for boys, Mateo, the top five names for both boys and girls remain the same as in previous years.
Pop culture has a significant influence on baby names, with parents often choosing names inspired by celebrities, TV shows, or social media influencers. In 2023, the fastest-rising girl’s name, Kaeli, likely gained popularity due to the influence of YouTube and TikTok star Kaeli McEwen. Names like Chozen and Eiden may have been influenced by characters in popular TV shows and content creators on platforms like TikTok. Despite the popularity of singer Taylor Swift, the name Taylor did not make it to the top of the list in 2023.
The process of applying for a Social Security number for a newborn is typically streamlined with the birth certificate application. Having a Social Security number is essential for claiming tax breaks and benefits for your child, such as the earned income tax credit and child tax credit. Additionally, a Social Security number is needed for opening a bank account, buying savings bonds, getting medical coverage, or applying for government services on behalf of your child.
Not all parents opt to get a Social Security number for their child, for reasons such as religious beliefs. However, requesting an exemption/waiver still requires obtaining a Social Security number, even if it is not intended for use. Since the first Social Security number was issued in 1936, nearly half a billion people have received them. The assignment methodology for Social Security numbers was changed in 2011 to use a new randomized methodology, departing from the previous geographical region-based assignment.
The popularity of baby names in the United States is tracked by the SSA, with data going back as far as 1880. Names with variations in spelling are considered separate entries in the database, while hyphens and spaces are not allowed in the “First Name” field of Social Security card applications. The data is limited to births in the 50 states and District of Columbia, excluding U.S. territories. Each year, the SSA also identifies names that have changed the most in popularity, indicating trends in naming preferences among parents.
