Olivia and Liam continue to dominate as the most popular baby girl and baby boy names in America for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Social Security Administration’s 2023 report. The familiarity of these names plays a significant role in their popularity, as hearing a name repeatedly can lead to increased liking for it. The SSA annually releases a list of the top 1,000 baby names, allowing individuals to see the ranking of any chosen name.
Liam has held the top spot for boys for seven years, while Olivia has been the number one choice for girls for five years. This trend of commonly heard names generating positive associations is what makes names like Liam and Olivia appealing to expecting parents. While these names were once considered unique, they are now seen as trends in baby naming. Longer, feminine names are currently popular for girls, while short, vowel-heavy names are trending for boys.
Following Liam on the boys’ list are names like Noah, Oliver, and James, while names like Emma, Charlotte, and Amelia trail behind Olivia for girls. Mateo is the only new name to appear in the top 10 lists this year, with its versatile options for spellings and nicknames making it an attractive choice for many parents. The total number of babies born in the U.S. in 2023 experienced a slight decline from the previous year, with a shift towards unique names being observed.
The shift towards unique names has led to a decrease in the frequency of popular names being used compared to previous decades. The SSA began compiling the baby names list in 1997, showcasing the evolution and influences of both tradition and pop culture on naming trends. The fastest rising names in 2023 reflected the influence of viral personalities like YouTuber Kaeli McEwen and TikTok influencer Wyatt Eiden, indicating a trend towards finding more distinct names.
As baby names continue to evolve and diversify, the demand for baby name consulting has increased, with many individuals seeking unique and personalized naming options. While names like Olivia and Liam remain popular choices, there is an increasing focus on finding names that stand out and reflect individual preferences. Colleen Slagen, a professional baby name consultant, advises parents to prioritize what is important to them when choosing a baby name and not get too caught up in rankings or trends.
