The Social Security Administration previously released the most popular baby names for 2024. Now, as we approach the middle of 2024, specific trends in baby naming are starting to emerge.
BabyCenter is an organization that analyzes popular baby name trends, including the use of nicknames as full names and names with strong meanings. By studying real-time data voluntarily shared by parents in their user community, BabyCenter can determine the names most commonly used by new and expectant parents.
BabyCenter can assess the names most frequently used by newlyweds and expectant parents based on real-time data for hundreds of thousands of names supplied voluntarily by the parents in our user community, according to the BabyCenter team.
Two fascinating trends are already apparent in the 2024 baby name market. Have any of your favorite names made the list?
Names that originated as nicknames
Rebekah Wahlberg, a baby name trends specialist at BabyCenter, noted that aliases that were once considered informal are now being registered by parents at levels similar to their formal counterparts. Nicknames have even surpassed the original names in the top 100 names for both boys and girls.
Here are some examples.
Ellie
The name Ellie has French and English ancestry and means "light." It is a popular moniker for Elizabeth, the well-known bearer of the name.
It currently holds the 14th spot on the list of most popular girl's names, surpassing Elizabeth, which is at number 28.
Theo
Theo, a nickname for the Greek name Theodore, meaning "divine gift," has overtaken Theodore in the rankings for top boys' names, claiming the 15th spot while Theodore is at 58.
Nora
Nora is a popular stand-alone name and is said to be of Irish ancestry. Although Eleanor has a lengthy history and a famous nickname, the name has "no 100% verifiable meaning," according to the naming authority.
Nora is ranked at number 33, while Eleanor sits at number 66.
Josie
Josie, a Hebrew name meaning "God will give," is ranked at number 52, surpassing both Josephine (number 107) and Josette (number 3,258).
Charlie
English-born Charlie is a name that means "free." Previously a popular nickname for Charles, it is now a well-liked solo name.
It was originally a nickname for Charles and has become a popular standalone name, holding the 72nd spot on the list while Charles is at 170.
Names with deep connotations
Consider some of the "meaningful" names that are becoming more popular in 2023.
Faith
Faith, derived from Latin, meaning "trust" or "faith," has broken into the top 100 girls' names, moving up by as many as 85 spots.
Grace
It's a Greek name meaning "goodness" and "generosity" and is considered a "virtue name" alongside Faith, Hope, and Charity.
According to BabyCenter, "Given its rich history, Grace is a name that feels both vintage and traditional, with a more modern sound." Grace has already climbed to the 13th position this year.
Serenity
Serenity, meaning "peaceful disposition," is becoming increasingly popular for girls, currently ranking at number 49.
Atlas
This is a name derived from Greek mythology about the Titan who carried the world on his shoulders. It has risen 49 spots since 2022 and now holds the 51st spot on the top 100 boys' names list for 2023.
Maverick
Maverick, an English name meaning "an unorthodox or independent-minded person," gained prominence after the release of the TV show "Maverick" in 1958 and experienced a resurgence with the release of "Top Gun: Maverick" in 2022. It currently ranks at number 32 for boys.
Ethan
In Hebrew, the name Ethan means "firm, enduring, strong, and long-lived," according to BabyCenter. The naming organization stated, "It's one of those ancient, holy names that have endured periods, generations, and cultures. Ethan, who is ranked No. 9, has been in the top 10 boys' names since 2022.
The name Sophia, which was among the most popular in 2022, is currently steadily losing ground.
It is presently "battling it out at the bottom of the top 10 with Mia to see which name will edge the other out," according to Wahlberg of BabyCenter.
In 2022, Liam was the most popular boy's name, but Noah has since surpassed it.
