It can be difficult to find a definitive top ten list of baby names since these lists often vary by region. However, the names that have consistently appeared at the top over the past few years are fairly standard.
Girls’ Names
The most popular names for girls in North America include these ten, which typically rank at or near the top of all lists.
Emma – This name often tops the list for girls and means “whole” or “complete.”
Emily – Emily is the feminine form of the French name Emile, which means “industrious” or “hard-working.”
Sarah – Several meanings have been associated with this name. In the Bible, it is understood to mean “lady” or “princess.” Sarah was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. In Muslim tradition, “Sara” means “pure” and “happy.”
Madison – Originally a surname, Madison is derived from the name Matthew (meaning “gift” or “reward”) or Matilda (meaning “strong fighter”).
Hannah – In the Bible, Hannah was the mother of Samuel. The name means “gracious” and “merciful” or “God has favored me.”
Olivia – A variant of the name Olive, Olivia means “peace.”
Hailey – Originally used as a surname, Hailey has become quite popular as a first name. It means “field of hay.”
Ava – Ava is a variant of the name “Eve.” In the Bible, Eve is the first woman and the wife of Adam. The name means “breath” or “life.”
Kaitlyn – The name Kaitlyn is derived from Catherine, which means “pure.” This particular spelling is a modernized version of the traditional “Caitlin.”
Abigail – In the Bible, the wise and sensible Abigail married King David after the death of her first husband. The name means “father’s joy.”
Boys’ Names
The top ten boys’ names show more regional variation than girls’ names. Here are the names that appear most frequently. (Honorable mentions go to Jack, Benjamin, and Daniel.)
Ethan – Often topping the list for boys in recent years, Ethan means “strong,” “valiant,” and “constant.”
Matthew – In the Bible, Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the author of one of the gospels. The name means “gift” or “reward.”
Joshua – Joshua was the warrior who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites to the Promised Land. The name means “a savior” or “deliverer.”
Jacob – This name means “heel” or “one who supplants or undermines,” but the biblical Jacob eventually redeemed himself and became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Nicholas – Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, and, oddly, pawnbrokers. He is best known as the basis for Santa Claus. The root of the name comes from the Greek word “Nike,” meaning “victory.” In Slavic cultures, Nikolas is associated with being a “victor” or “conqueror.”
Aidan – A popular Irish name, Aidan means “little fire” or “ardent.” The name originates from a 7th-century Irish monk named Aidan.
Ryan – This Gaelic name means “little king” and, in its Irish form, simply means “kingly.”
Logan – Logan is another Gaelic name, meaning “from the hollow.”
Noah – Recognized by many from the Bible, Noah was the famous ark builder. The name means “comfort” and “repose.”
Michael – This name is derived from the Biblical saint who defeated Satan and was charged with protecting Israel. Michael is the patron saint of soldiers.