It’s here! The U.S. 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 U.S. Social Security Administration released its annual list of the Top Baby Names, and as always, it’s a mix of familiar faces and surprises. Detailing the most popular names of the prior year, the list is a fascinating snapshot of trends, culture, and life across the country. We have the highlights for you, including 2020’s top baby names, biggest movers, decliners, and more.
Take note: These will probably be 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 sexes 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 on hot their heels. If you drill into the raw data, fewer than 2000 babies are separating them, so perhaps we’ll see a switch-up in 2021. In third place, you’ll spot the charming Oliver and the elegant Ava, two names that feature the in-demand inner V sound we’ve discussed in the past as a red-hot trend.
As for the changes, on the boy’s side, William and Elijah switched spots, with William falling to 5th place while Elijah rose to 4th. At the tail end, Mason dropped out of 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 the familiar friend Alexander at 10. We haven’t seen Alexander in the Top 10 since 2015, while Henry hasn’t made an appearance since 1910! The classic moniker has seen a meteoric rise since he first started climbing in the early 2000s, and we can’t wait to see how high he flies. Remaining unchanged are James, Benjamin, and Lucas, who held steady in 6th, 7th, and 8th place.
On the girls’ side, quite a few names shuffled, but no new names joined them, with Sophia falling one spot to land at number 5. In 4th place rests Charlotte, a vintage darling that’s undoubtedly seen a boost over the last few years thanks to a certain princess across the pond. Amelia has risen one place to 6th, while Isabella has fallen from 5th to 7th. Harper and Evelyn switched spots in the rear, with Harper falling to number 10, while Evelyn‘s risen to 9th. Mia held her place in 8th place. As for predictions, Camila and Gianna are knocking at the Top 10 after seeing significant bursts in popularity, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see either gaining ground in 2021.
Changes in the Top 100 Baby Names, 2019 to 2020
The Top 100 Baby Names saw plenty of changes, too, as one might expect. Some names saw massive jumps while others fell in popularity, with equal parts classic and modern names seeing changes. We’re absolutely in love with the new additions!
For the boys, we have two new faces to welcome, Silas and Brooks. They’re replacing Declan and Evan, who fell out of the Top 100. Right behind the latest additions is Bennett, who we might see join the Top 100 in 2021. The biggest climbers include many Biblical finds, like Levi, Asher, and Theodore. Other big hitters are Miles and Luca. Those trending down include Connor, Nicholas, Colton, and Matthew. Overall, the Top 100 Boy Names remained relatively steady.
The girls, on the other hand, saw more notable changes. First and foremost, there’s the wonder girl Gianna, who rocketed from 79th to knocking on the Top 10 at number 12. This Italian beauty is a feminine variant of John, and we’re tickled pink to see her getting so much love. Other big chart climbers include Nova, Delilah, and Kinsley. On the flip side, Cora, Bella, and Savannah saw drops 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 said hello to five new beauties in their place: Natalia, Leilani, Everleigh, Jade, and Brielle.
Biggest Baby Name Movers From 2019 to 2020
The wild times of 2020 inspired loads of changes on the charts, with many new monikers springing up hundreds of spots in popularity. These massive movers aren’t always popular overall, but it’s good to keep an eye on them if you’re wary of trendy names.
Boy Names on the Rise
- Zyair [+590]: A variant of Zaire, Zyair saw a spike in popularity that brought him into the Top 1000. With his stylish Z start, we’re not surprised, either.
- Jaxtyn [+575]: This modern moniker is now hanging out in the middle of the Top 1000, and his trendy styling will likely ensure more chart climbing in 2020.
- Jakobe [+544]: An alternative twist on Jacoby, this darling name soared into the Top 1000.
- Kylo [+483]: This Star Wars moniker has the Force on his side as he rises on the charts.
- Aziel [+456]: Meaning “flower,” this Hebrew pick is well into the Top 500 now.
Girl Names on the Rise
- Avayah [+1547]: A spinoff of Ava, this modern gem has a melodic sound that’s brought her into the Top 1000 for the first time ever.
- Denisse [+942]: This new member of the Top 1000 is a variant of the French classic, Denise.
- Jianna [+824]: A variant of Gianna, this stunning name is one to watch.
- Capri [+608]: An Italian name, she’s closing in on the Top 500.
- Rosalia [+542]: This Spanish beauty is a fresh member of the Top 1000 club.
Names on the Decline
Some names are cooling in popularity faster than others, too, which isn’t always bad. If you’re looking for a name that won’t suddenly become the next hottest thing in every classroom, these are where you’d want to look.
Boy Names on the Decline
- Vivaan [-378]: This lively Indian name fell out of the Top 1000.
- Alexzander [-284]: A variant of Alexander, he’s slowly fading 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 saw a drop in 2020.
- Kenny [-228]: A shortened form of Kenneth, he left the Top 1000 for the first time since joining it in 1929!
Girl Names on the Decline
- Yaritza [-387]: Meaning “small butterfly,” she fluttered out of the Top 1000.
- Marissa [-209]: Once a chart darling in the 1980s and 1990s, she’s cooled considerably.
- Annabella [-197]: This frillier find fell in popularity, but she’s still in the Top 1000.
- Ariadne [-196]: Despite the rise of her variants, Ariana and Arianna, she dropped in the rankings.
- Jayde [-193]: This alternative spelling of Jade lost some steam on the charts.
Hot Baby Name Trends for 2021
Every year has its trends in baby names, and 2020 was no different. These trends typically go in and out like a tide, but some ride the wave to the top of the charts. If you’re looking for a name that’ll fit right in, these would be good places to look.
- Alternative spellings: Like the last few years, trendy spellings continue to be favorites on the baby name charts. Jaxtyn, Karsyn, and Novah are just some of the notable picks that reigned high on the charts.
- Nickname names: Shortened forms of other names were red hot in 2020. Remi, Tori, and Rosie are just some on the rise.
- Names Tied to the Bryants: The world saw a tremendous loss with the death of sports star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, and their loss is reflected on the charts as parents honored them in naming their little ones. Gianna, Kobe, and Bryant all saw rises in popularity.
- Word names: Just like in 2019, word names are a favorite. Ocean, Banks, Saint, and Scout are a few of the word name wonders gaining fans.
Top Baby Names for 2021
Despite the turbulent year, the Top Baby Names of 2020 remained relatively the same aside from a few pops in popularity. Will 2021 be the same? Will new names join the Top 10? Do you have any predictions? Let us know in the comments. We can’t wait to hear them!
