The latest popular baby name list comes from BabyCenter. The names are updated in real-time using data that parents share, so it’s the perfect source for parents wondering exactly which baby names are the most popular in 2024. This year’s list is very similar to the one in 2023, with Olivia and Noah still landing in the top spots, having knocked out Sophia and Liam.
With data taken from hundreds of thousands of parents, the list highlights not only the most popular names but also some trends for name picking. For instance, after a few tumultuous years, parents seem to be feeling more optimistic. Utopian names (think Heaven and Miracle) as well as celestial names (Aurora, Luna and the like) are on the rise. Spelling is also key, with every variation of a name earning a spot on the ranking.
Check out the top 100 names that made the girls’ and boys’ lists this year.
Olivia
At No. 1 on the BabyCenter list, Olivia is the feminine form of the name Oliver, which means “olive tree.”
This name has long been popular in fiction, dating back to William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” and has made a recent comeback in the show, “Scandal,” with the lead character, Olivia Pope.
Noah
This Hebrew name comes straight from the biblical story of Noah’s ark, used to help every animal survive the great flood.
Not surprisingly, it means “rest” and “comfort” in Hebrew.
Amelia
This girls’ name of German origin meaning “work” has emerged as a sort of combo of the once-popular Emily and Amanda.
Liam
This Irish name has an origin meaning of “resolute protection.”
It’s a shortened version of William and has become popular thanks to famous actors like Liam Neeson and Liam Hemsworth.
Emma
Emma has always been trendy, which makes it no surprise that it’s derived from the Old German word “ermen” meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Actresses Emma Stone and Emma Watson also make it ever-so-cool.
Oliver
While not as popular as its female, Olivia counterpart, Oliver has been on the Top 100 list since 2009.
Its olive-branch symbolic reference to peace makes it especially popular for parents looking to add a little bit of zen to their expanding clan.
Sophia
Even though it was knocked out of the top spot, Sophia is still a decade-defining name. Greek for “wisdom,” this is a timeless name that was once used by European royalty in the Middle Ages.
Common variations of the name include Sophie and Sofia.
Elijah
This biblical name refers to the “Old Testament” prophet who took a chariot of fire to heaven.
Who knows, it could soon become as popular as Noah.
Charlotte
This royal name given to the young Princess of Cambridge is of French origin and means “free man.”
It joins other classic names like Sophia, Emma, Olivia and Isabella in the trending list.
Lucas
The Latin version of the Greek name, Luke, Lucas has become popular with parents looking for something similar but a bit longer — every letter counts!
Isabella
This Spanish and Italian variation of Elizabeth means “pledged to God” in Hebrew. The name was especially popular in 2009 and 2010 due to what was dubbed the “Twilight” effect, when parents were naming their daughters after the character, Isabella Swan.
Of course, some parents tend to shorten the name to Bella, Izzy or Issy.
Mateo
The name Mateo means “gift of God” in all the Latin languages.
It’s a more unique version of the traditional Matthew.
Ava
Ava is a variation of the Hebrew name, Eve, and its Latin origin means “life.”
Ezra
Ezra was quite the leader in biblical times, leading 1,500 Israelites back to Jerusalem out of slavery in Babylon.
This name that has a Hebrew origin meaning of “help” is a traditional name that can be made fresh again.
Aurora
Having a Latin origin meaning of “dawn,” Aurora was the name of the Roman goddess of sunrise whose tears were said to be turned into morning dew.
Plus, it’s a nod to the classic tale of “Sleeping Beauty.”
Levi
Levi is another biblical name that’s quite energetic — so much, in fact, that it’s a variation of the trending Leviathan name from Fortnite.
Of course, Levi is the more casual version because it doesn’t get much more relaxed than Levi Strauss jeans.
Luna
With an Italian origin meaning of “moon,” this name has a similar spiritual feel as Eliana.
Several celebrities have also named their daughters Luna, including Chrissy Teigen and John Legend as well as Penelope Cruz and Javier Barden.
Asher
Asher has been in the Top 100 list for several years now, but really wasn’t even on the baby name map until the 1990s.
“Fortunate, blessed, happy one” is this name’s Hebrew origin meaning, making it a very special name for a lucky little guy.
Mia
A shortened version of the name Maria, Mia is a name of Italian and Scandinavian origin, meaning “mine or bitter.”
James
Another classic boys’ name that gets better with age is James, especially with its long-standing biblical and royal history.
Ellie
Another bright name, Ellie has an English origin meaning of “bright shining one.”
Because of its popularity, Elle or Ella provide other variations that are just as lovely.
Luca
This Italian version of Luke or Lucas gives the other two a run for their money.
Evelyn
The English origin meaning of Evelyn is “wished-for child,” which is very fitting for a first child.
Michael
This classic name for boys is still wildly popular; however, trendy substitutes include Micah or Malachi.
Lily
Flower names are making a very big come back, perhaps because of their classic elegance.
The Lily, in particular, is a symbol of purity in Christianity.
Maverick
Another American name meaning “independent,” this name will always be popular among those who loved the movie “Top Gun.”
Harper
Harper is the literary family’s best bet, as the “To Kill a Mockingbird” author, Harper Lee, was the first to bring the name into the public light.
While it wasn’t as popular in the 1960s, it has since jumped into the list’s top 15 baby names in recent years.
Henry
Henry is making a major comeback after being off the Top 100 list for a long time.
Ever since getting back on the list in 2006, it has quickly climbed its way to the top 30.
Camila
Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello seems to have left her mark on pop culture as this name continues to climb the charts.
Leo
Having the Latin origin meaning of “lion” makes Leo a strong name.
The fame of Leonardo “Leo” DiCaprio certainly doesn’t hurt either.
Nova
A rarer name with a Latin origin meaning of “new” makes it quite unique, especially for those who enjoy astronomy (or astrology for that matter).
In those terms, Nova refers to a star that quickly becomes bright and then fades.
Theodore
Theodore is a Greek name with an origin meaning of “gift of God.”
It’s had a long history, especially as quite the prestigious name after Theodore Roosevelt became president in the early 1900s. While it has been on the decline since then, it’s ramping back up likely because of the trending nickname, Theo.
Mila
Of Russian origin, the name Mila is now one of the trendiest girls’ names starting with “m.”
Ukranian-born Mila Kunis of “That ’70s Show” fame is likely to have helped its recent growth in popularity.
Hudson
A last name turned first, Hudson is another popular one for parents looking to name their child after a popular place like, say, the Hudson River.
Layla
Eric Clapton fans everywhere can rejoice, as this name has seen a significant surge in recent years. In Arabic, Layla means “night.”
Ethan
The Hebrew name, meaning “strong and firm,” is a classic that dates back to the “Old Testament,” when several men named Ethan were known for their wisdom.
Aria
Aria means “air” in Italian and has a musical meaning as a solo in an opera.
Of course, you can always spell it Arya, as in “Game of Thrones” character Arya Stark.
Gabriel
This angelic name continues to remain in the Top 100 after almost 20 years.
Scarlett
This name has been popular ever since “Gone with the Wind” when Scarlett O’Hara made her debut, but no doubt actress Scarlett Johansson continues to make this name ever so cool.
Jack
In English, Jack has long been a version of John; however, it has begun to forge its own path, increasingly being used as a formal name rather than a nickname.
Gianna
A variation of the Italian name, Giovanna, Gianna is growing in popularity.
The shorter version, Gia, was given to the daughters of Matt Damon and Mario Lopez.
Wyatt
This name will always have a certain cowboy feel thanks to the famous Wyatt Earp.
It also has a history in American cinema as the lead character in the 1970s classic “Easy Rider.”
Sofia
We said that name spellings mattered this year.
While not as popular as the similar Sophia spelling, this one still landed in the top 25 and also means “wisdom.”
Daniel
Daniel is a classic name that always sounds modern.
Famous Daniels include actors Daniel Craig and Daniel Radcliffe.
Eliana
This name of French origin means “light” or “moon” — a perfect choice for parents looking for something a little mystical.
Elias
Following in the footsteps of predecessors Eli and Elijah, Elias is similar but a bit more unique.
Violet
Both a flower and a colorful purple, Violet is a sweet, traditional name that’s been made popular again in the last decade.
Sebastian
This ancient Greek name continues to be popular because of its reference in literature.
In “The Little Mermaid,” Sebastian is Ariel’s best friend, while the character is also referenced in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “The Tempest.”
Willow
This is a popular name for parents who want to be inspired by nature.
Its English origin meaning is “willow tree.”
Grayson
This name has only been popular since 2008 or 2009 after a long time as a last name, meaning “son of a steward.”
Nora
With an Irish origin meaning of “light,” Nora is just the name for an easy-going baby girl.
William
This name has long been wildly popular, especially in England, with Prince William next in line for the throne.
Elena
Similar to the French version of Eliana, Elena means “bright, shining light” in Spanish, Italian and Greek origin.
Samuel
The friendly nickname of Sam makes this name a classic that will always be popular among boys.
Penelope
This name has likely made a comeback because of the ever-so-popular actress Penelope Cruz.
The shortened version of Penny can be an interesting nod to the famous Beatles’ song, “Penny Lane.”
Alexander
A boys’ name with a Greek origin meaning of “defending men” makes it ideal for a strong baby.
Nicknames include Alex, Zander, Xan and Zan.
Avery
For those who love the holidays, Avery could be the perfect fit because it has an English origin meaning of “ruler of the elves.”
Benjamin
Another biblical name, Benjamin was the 12th son of Jacob.
Famous celebrity couples John Travolta and Kelly Preston and Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen both named their sons Benjamin.
Ella
This mystical name has an English origin meaning of “fairy maiden,” ensuring a baby girl with this name will be just as magical.
Muhammad
The founder of Islam, this Arabic name rather fittingly means “praiseworthy.”
It is the most common boys’ name in the world.
Hazel
Both a color and a nut, this name is charming, especially for those parents interested in nature.
Theo
While Theodore also made the list, this super-popular variation is making its own name for itself in the top 100.
Ivy
For those parents looking for a nature-themed moniker, naming your daughter after the ivy plant is a good choice.
Kai
This Hawaiian name means “sea” as well as “forgiveness” in Japanese and “willow tree” in Navajo, making it a popular choice across many cultures.
Delilah
A Hebrew name with an origin meaning of “delight or flirt” is ideal for an energetic baby girl.
And the Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah” is already ready for this future heartbreaker.
Mason
Used for both boys and girls, Mason is more commonly used as a boys’ name and has the English meaning of “worker in stone.”
Eleanor
The more formal version of either Ella or Ellie — both of which are in the top 35 baby names — Eleanor has the strong backing of French and English Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Aiden
This Irish name means “little and fiery,” making it quite the feisty boys’ name.
Chloe
This name is perfect for spring babies, as its Greek meaning literally translates to “young green shoot.”
John
This timeless name has a Hebrew origin meaning of “God is gracious” and is popular across a variety of cultures.
The French Jean, Spanish Juan, Scottish Ian and German Johann are all international variations.
Isla
Of Scottish and Spanish origin, Isla means “island.”
It’s yet another popular girls’ name that starts and ends with a vowel.
Owen
Having a Welsh origin meaning of “young warrior,” Owen has made serious strides on the baby name list, ever since making the Top 100 in 2002.
Abigail
Another biblical name from the Old Testament — Abigail was the wife of David — this name has been among the top girls’ names for the past 20 years.
David
“Beloved” is the Hebrew origin meaning of David, a classic name from the “Old Testament.”
Famous Davids include David Letterman, David Schwimmer and David Beckham.
Elizabeth
For those looking to have a little princess or queen, Elizabeth is a classic that never goes out of style.
Isaiah
Meaning “salvation of the lord” in Hebrew, Isaiah is another biblical name that became super popular in the early 2000s, and it has stayed in the top 50 names ever since.
Riley
With an Irish meaning of “courageous,” Riley is an excellent name for a strong baby girl.
Other variations of it include Rylee, Ryleigh or the quite traditional Reilly (a nod to the popular Irish last name).
Waylon
If you’re into country music, this baby name checks all the right boxes.
Paisley
Paisley is a newer name that really only began to rise in popularity in 2010.
It’s a Scottish name and is also the city in Scotland where actor Gerard Butler was born.
Jackson
Jackson was leading the boys’ name list for six straight years until getting knocked out of the No. 1 spot in 2019.
It literally means “son of Jack,” and is the first name of many on this list that has a long history as a last name.
Maya
For those interested in Central American history, a little Maya could pay homage to that culture.
And in Hindu philosophy, Maya means “illusion,” while in Hebrew, it means “spring” or “brook.”
Ezekiel
Zeke is a popular nickname for this Hebrew name that means “God strengthens;” however, it’s begun to take off on its own as well, following other unique biblical names like Asher and Ezra.
Zoey
Greek for “life,” the name Zoey has been in the top 1,000 baby names since 1880 but is just now making a major comeback.
Josiah
Josiah is an old-fashioned name that’s trending more now than the typical Joseph or Joshua as of late.
Kinsley
With the English origin meaning of “king’s meadow,” this name is both a cute and sophisticated name for parents who are nature lovers.
Anthony
One of the most-loved saints of the Catholic church, with a Latin origin meaning of “priceless,” Anthony is popular across the globe.
Even though its been on the decline as of late, it tends to be one that ebbs and flows in popularity.
Lucy
A Latin origin meaning of “light” makes Lucy a popular name that never goes out of style.
That’s especially true in pop culture, with The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” the character Lucy in “Peanuts” and, of course, Lucille Ball from “I Love Lucy.”
Luke
While Lucas is in the top 10 names for baby boys, the shortened version of Luke is not far behind.
“Star Wars” fans still love giving a nod to the beloved Luke Skywalker.
Aaliyah
This name has quite the mighty significance, meaning “heavens, highborn, exalted” in Arabic.
Santiago
This name follows the trend that Spanish names are growing in popularity.
After all, it means “St. James” in Spanish.
Ayla
We already mentioned Layla on this list, but this one stands on its own and is especially popular among nature-loving parents.
It’s a Hebrew name that means “oak tree.”
Carter
This name has been popular for almost two decades and tends to be especially popular in the Midwest in states like Nebraska and Iowa.
Serenity
A baby name inspired by spirituality, Serenity means “peaceful disposition.”
Jayden
Popular for both boys and girls, this name means “thankful.”
Iris
This classic name means “rainbow” in Greek and, not surprisingly, was the name of the rainbow goddess in Greek Mythology.
Julian
Even though this Latin name means “youthful,” it has quite the regal clout.
The last pagan Roman emperor was named Julian the Apostate, while Julian is also a derivative of Julius, as in Julius Caesar.
Lainey
This Greek name has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years.
Meaning “torch,” it’s the perfect fit for a fiery baby girl.
Matthew
Another name that never goes out of style, Matthew has actually been knocked down the list, with the trendy variation of Mateo on the rise instead.
Grace
Often used as a middle name, this girl’s name of Latin origin also stands well on its own.
You can thank Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, for that.
Cooper
Cooper was crazy popular in the 1980s and continues to be so today.
It’s also a surname for celebs like Anderson and Bradley Cooper who are keeping it trendy.