Baby Name Trends: Olivia and Liam Reign Supreme in 2024
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has unveiled its annual list of the 1,000 most popular baby names for 2024, and the results reveal a continued reign for some familiar favorites. Parents across the nation seem to be sticking with well-loved names, with Olivia and Liam once again topping the charts.
For girls, Olivia secures the No. 1 spot for the sixth consecutive year, followed closely by Emma at No. 2. On the boys’ side, Liam maintains its dominance as the most popular choice, with Noah trailing behind in the second position, also for the sixth year running. This consistent preference highlights the enduring appeal of these classic names.
Remarkably, these four names have held a prominent position in the popularity rankings for over a decade. Since 2014, Emma and Noah have each previously held the No. 1 spot, while Olivia and Liam consistently occupied the No. 2 positions, solidifying their status as perennial favorites. This sustained popularity suggests a generational preference for these names, perhaps influenced by their timeless quality and broad appeal.
While the top spots remain relatively stable, there have been some notable shifts within the top ranks. Mia has climbed into the top 5 for girls’ names, displacing Sophia, which had been a mainstay in the top echelon for many years. Sophia held the No. 1 position for girls from 2011 to 2013 and remained in the top 5 every year since 2009, with the exception of 2021. Mia’s ascent reflects a growing trend towards shorter, more modern-sounding names.
Liam has been the most popular name for boys since 2017. Before that, Noah held the top spot for three years with Liam as No. 2. This highlights the ebb and flow of baby name trends, with different names enjoying periods of peak popularity before giving way to new favorites.
The SSA’s findings are consistent with other reports on baby name trends. BabyCenter, an online parenting resource, released its list of top baby names in October 2024, based on data from more than 500,000 babies born throughout the year. Their list also featured Olivia, Amelia, and Emma as the top three girls’ names, and Noah, Liam, and Oliver as the leading choices for boys.
While the names largely overlap between the two lists, there are slight variations in the order. For example, Emma and Noah are each positioned one spot lower in the SSA rankings compared to the BabyCenter list. This suggests that while the overall trends are similar, there may be regional or demographic differences in name preferences.
Another noteworthy shift on the SSA list is the entrance of Sofia into the Top 10 for girls’ names for the first time, pushing Luna out of the Top 10. This highlights how names can rise and fall in popularity, often influenced by cultural trends, celebrity associations, and evolving parental preferences.
The enduring popularity of Olivia and Liam may be attributed, in part, to their association with well-known figures. For girls, parents may be drawn to the name Olivia due to its connection with prominent performers like Olivia Rodrigo, Olivia Newton-John, Olivia Colman, Olivia Wilde, and Olivia Munn. These successful and influential women likely contribute to the name’s positive associations and desirability.
Similarly, the name Liam benefits from its association with famous actors Liam Neeson and Liam Hemsworth, as well as singer Liam Gallagher of the British rock band Oasis. These high-profile figures help to maintain the name’s visibility and appeal among parents.
In 2024, the SSA recorded 22,164 babies named Liam and 20,337 named Noah. Among girls, 14,718 were named Olivia, and 13,485 were named Emma. These numbers underscore the widespread popularity of these names and their continued dominance in the baby name landscape.
In addition to the most popular names, the SSA’s list also reveals the names that have experienced the most significant increases in popularity year over year. These rising names offer insights into emerging trends and evolving parental preferences.
In 2024, the girls’ name Ailany experienced the most substantial jump in popularity, climbing from No. 855 in 2023 to No. 101 in 2024. Ailany, which means "chief," reflects a growing interest in unique and meaningful names. On the boys’ side, the name Truce saw the most significant increase, jumping from No. 12,109 last year to No. 991 in 2024. The meaning of Truce, which signifies "peace," may resonate with parents seeking names that reflect positive values and aspirations.
The Social Security Administration compiles its annual list of top baby names by collecting data from parents who provide their child’s name when applying for a Social Security number and card. Parents are required to obtain a Social Security number for their child in order to claim them as a dependent. This data collection process provides a comprehensive and reliable source of information on baby name trends across the United States.
The SSA releases its list of top names annually, just before Mother’s Day, as a way of celebrating mothers and acknowledging the important role they play in shaping future generations.
"As Mother’s Day nears, we remember the incredible impact that mothers have on our lives," said Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano in a press release. "Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers in our lives who inspire us and set an example for future generations."
For parents seeking more information on obtaining a Social Security number for their child, the Social Security Administration website provides comprehensive resources and guidance.
