It’s here! The US Social Security Administration’s list of the Top Baby Names of 2020. As always, it’s a mix of familiar faces as well as surprises.
It’s here! The US Social Security Administration released its annual Top Baby Names list, and as always, it’s a mix of familiar faces and surprises. Detailing the most popular names of the past year, the list is a fascinating snapshot of trends, culture and life across the country. We’ve got the highlights for you, including the top baby names of 2020, biggest movers, rejects, and more.
Note: These are likely some of the top baby names for 2021.
Top Baby Names From 2020
Top boy names 2020
- Liam
- Noah
- Oliver
- Elijah
- William
- James
- Benjamin
- Lucas
- Henry
- Alexander
Top girl names 2020
- Olivia
- Emma
- Ava
- Charlotte
- Sophia
- Amelia
- Isabella
- Mia
- Evelyn
- Harper
Top 10 Baby Name Changes, 2019 to 2020
Top 10 Baby Name Changes, 2019 to 2020
The Top 10 Baby Names for both genders saw changes, though the Top 3 for each remained the same. Liam and Olivia remain the king and queen of baby names, with Noah and Emma hot on their heels. If you check the raw data, less than 2000 babies separate them, so maybe we’ll see a switch-up in 2021. In third place, you’ll find charming Oliver and elegant Ava, two names that feature of the in-demand indoor V sound that we’ve discussed in the past as a hot trend.
As for the changes, on the boy’s side, William and Elijah switched places, with William dropping to 5th place while Elijah moving up to 4th. At the tail end, Mason dropped into the Top 10 from 9th to 11th, and Ethan fell from 10th to 13th. In their place, you’ll find Henry at number 9 and familiar friend Alexander at 10. We haven’t seen Alexander in the Top 10 since 2015, while Henry hasn’t appeared since 1910! The classic moniker has seen a meteoric rise since he first ascended in the early 2000s, and we can’t wait to see how high he flies. Remaining unchanged were James, Benjamin, and Lucas, who held steady at 6th, 7th, and 8th place.
On the girls’ side, quite a few names were read, but no new names joined them, with Sophia falling one spot to come in at number 5. In 4th place was Charlotte, a vintage darling who no doubt boosted over the past few years thanks to a princess across the pond. Amelia rose one spot to 6th, while Isabella fell from 5th to 7th. Harper and Evelyn switched places at the back, with Harper dropping to number 10, while Evelyn moved up to 9th. Mia took the 8th place. As for predictions, Camila and Gianna are knocking around the Top 10 after seeing significant explosions in popularity, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see either gaining ground in 2021.
Changes to the Top 100 Baby Names, 2019 to 2020
The Top 100 Baby Names have also seen a lot of changes, as one would expect. Some names saw huge jumps while others fell in popularity, with equal parts classic and modern names seeing changes. We are really excited about the new additions!
For the boys, we have two new faces to welcome, Silas and Brooks. They replace Declan and Evan, who fell out of the Top 100. Right behind the latest additions is Bennett, who we cow look to join the Top 100 in 2021. The biggest climbers include many found in the Bible, such as Levi, Asher, and Theodore. The other big hitters are Miles and Luca. Among those trending down are Connor, Nicholas, Colton, and Matthew. Overall, the Top 100 Boy Names remained relatively steady.
Girls, on the other hand, saw a more dramatic change. First and foremost, there’s wonder girl Gianna, who rocketed from 79th to knocking into the Top 10 at number 12. This Italian beauty is a feminine variant of John, and we’re tickled pink to see he falls in love too much. Other big chart climbers include Nova, Delilah, and Kinsley. On the other hand, Cora, Bella, and Savannah saw a decline in popularity. In 2020, the Top 100 said goodbye to the Game of Thrones girl, Arya, the classic Julia, Clara, and Vivian, and the contemporary Rylee. It greets the five new beauties in their place: Natalia, Leilani, Everleigh, Jade, and Brielle.
Biggest Baby Name Mover From 2019 to 2020
The wild times of 2020 have inspired many changes in the charts, with many new monikers rising hundreds of spots in popularity. These big movers aren’t always universally popular, but they’re worth keeping an eye on if you’re wary of trendy names.
Male Name is rising
- Zair [+590]: A variant of Zaire, Zyair saw a rise in popularity that brought him into the Top 1000. With his stylish Z start, we weren’t surprised either.
- Jaxtyn [+575]: This modern moniker now hangs in the middle of the Top 1000, and his trendy style will likely ensure further climbs up the chart in 2020.
- Jacob [+544]: An alternative twist on Jacoby, this darling name made it to the Top 1000.
- Kylo [+483]: This Star Wars moniker has the Force on his side as he climbs the charts.
- Aziel [+456]: Meaning “flower,” this Hebrew pick is now in the Top 500.
Female Names are on the rise
- Avaya [+1547]: A spinoff of Ava, this modern gem has a melodic sound that brought her into the Top 1000 for the first time.
- Denise [+942]: This new member of the Top 1000 is a variant of the French classic, Denise.
- Jianna [+824]: A variant of Gianna, this gorgeous name is one to watch.
- Capri [+608]: An Italian name, he is close to the Top 500.
- Rosalia [+542]: This Spanish beauty is a new member of the Top 1000 club.
Denial Names
Some names fade in popularity faster than others, too, which isn’t always a bad thing. If you’re looking for a name that won’t suddenly become the next hottest thing in every classroom, this is where you want to look.
Male Names in Descension
- Vivaan [-378]: This lively Indian name has fallen into the Top 1000.
- Alexander [-284]: A variant of Alexander, he gradually fades in popularity.
- Javion [-259]: This is the first time this modern American name has left the Top 1000 since 2000.
- Reyansh [-258]: Meaning “ray of light”, this Indian name falls in 2020.
- Kenny [-228]: A shortened form of Kenneth, he left the Top 1000 for the first time since joining it in 1929!
Female Names in Descendancy
- Yaritza [-387]: Meaning “little butterfly,” she fluttered out of the Top 1000.
- Marissa [-209]: Once a chart darling in the 1980s and 1990s, she has cooled off considerably.
- Annabella [-197]: This frillier find is trending, but he’s still in the Top 1000.
- Ariadne [-196]: Despite the rise of her variants, Ariana and Arianna, she dropped in rank.
- Jade [-193]: This alternate spelling of Jade is off the charts.
Baby Name Trends for 2021
Every year there are trends in baby names, and 2020 is no different. These trends usually ebb and flow like the tide, but some ride the wave to the top of the charts. If you’re looking for a name that suits you, this would be a good place to look.
- Alternative spellings: As in previous years, trendy spellings continue to be favorites on the baby name charts. Jaxtyn, Karsyn, and Novah are just a few of the notable picks that have dominated the charts.
- Nicknames: Shortened forms of other names have been hot in 2020. Remi, Tori, and Rosie are just a few on the rise.
- Names Tied to Bryants: The world has seen a tremendous loss in the deaths of sports star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, and their loss is on the charts as parents honor them by naming their children . Gianna, Kobe, and Bryant saw a rise in popularity.
- Word names: As in 2019, word names are a favorite. Ocean, Banks, Saint, and Scout are some of the words that attract fans.
Top Baby Names for 2021
Despite the tumultuous year, the Top Baby Names of 2020 have remained pretty much the same aside from a few popular ones. Will 2021 be the same? Will new names make the Top 10? Do you have any guesses? Let us know in the comments. We can’t wait to hear them!
