Trends

Top 100 Baby Names of 2026

The most popular baby names this year, with analysis of what's rising and falling.

Every year, the Social Security Administration releases data on the most popular baby names in the United States. For 2026, we see some exciting shifts. Classic names continue their reign, but fresh choices are breaking into the top ranks. Here is our breakdown of the top 100 names for boys and girls.

Top 25 Boy Names

The boys' list continues to be dominated by Liam and Noah, which have held the top two spots for several years. Theodore and Henry continue their climb, reflecting a broader trend toward classic, distinguished names.

Liam

Boy

Irish form of William, from Germanic meaning 'resolute protector'.

Noah

Boy

Rest, comfort, and consolation. Biblical figure symbolizing peace and new beginnings.

Oliver

Boy

Olive tree, symbolizing peace

Theodore

Boy

Gift of God; divine present or blessing.

James

Boy

Supplanter. Derived from the Hebrew name Yaakov, symbolizing one who follows or takes the place of another.

Henry

Boy

Estate ruler or ruler of the household. Symbolizes leadership and authority.

Mateo

Boy

Gift of God, devoted to God

Elijah

Boy

My God is Yahweh; Hebrew name combining 'God' and 'Yahweh,' expressing devotion.

Lucas

Boy

From Latin 'Lucius', meaning 'light-giving' or 'luminous'.

William

Boy

Resolute protector. Represents a strong, determined guardian.

Benjamin

Boy

Son of the right hand or son of my days. Symbolizes strength, wisdom, and being favored.

Levi

Boy

Joined, attached, pledged

Ezra

Boy

Helper, aid, protector

Sebastian

Boy

Venerable, revered

Jack

Boy

God is gracious. Originally a diminutive of John, symbolizing divine favor.

Daniel

Boy

God is my judge. Expresses trust in divine justice and wisdom.

Samuel

Boy

God has heard or his name is God. Symbolizes spiritual connection and divine favor.

Michael

Boy

Who is like God? A powerful theological name expressing incomparability to the divine.

Ethan

Boy

Strong and firm. Represents solidity, reliability, and strength.

Asher

Boy

Happy, blessed, fortunate one

John

Boy

God is gracious. A timeless name expressing divine favor and mercy.

Hudson

Boy

Son of Hugh, heart, mind, spirit

Luca

Boy

Bringer of light, man from Lucania

Leo

Boy

Lion, brave and bold

Elias

Boy

The Lord is my God

Top 25 Girl Names

Olivia continues to lead the girls' list, followed closely by Emma and Charlotte. Luna and Aurora are among the fastest risers, showing a strong preference for names with celestial and nature-inspired meanings.

Olivia

Girl

Olive tree. Latin origin representing peace, wisdom, and fruitfulness.

Emma

Girl

Whole or universal. Symbolizes completeness and wholeness.

Amelia

Girl

Industrious or striving; from Germanic Amalia meaning work

Charlotte

Girl

Free woman. Feminine form of Charles, symbolizing freedom and independence.

Mia

Girl

Mine or beloved; a cherished one.

Sophia

Girl

Wisdom. Represents intellect, knowledge, and spiritual insight.

Isabella

Girl

Devoted to God. Represents faith, commitment, and spiritual devotion.

Evelyn

Girl

Wished for child. Originally a surname meaning desired or longed for.

Ava

Girl

Possibly from Latin 'avis' (bird) or Germanic 'Aveline'.

Sofia

Girl

Wisdom, knowledge, insight

Camila

Girl

Young ceremonial attendant, noble

Harper

Girl

Harp player, minstrel

Luna

Girl

Moon, divine light

Eleanor

Girl

From Old French/Germanic roots, possibly meaning 'other' or 'foreign'.

Violet

Girl

Purple flower, modesty and faithfulness

Aurora

Girl

Dawn, goddess of the morning

Elizabeth

Girl

God's oath or consecrated to God. Represents divine commitment and holiness.

Eliana

Girl

Hazel

Girl

The hazel tree; symbolizing protection and wisdom.

Chloe

Girl

Blooming, young green shoot, fertility

Ellie

Girl

Bright shining one, light

Nora

Girl

Honor, light, woman of honor

Gianna

Girl

God is gracious, the Lord's grace

Lily

Girl

Pure, passion, rebirth, lily flower

Emily

Girl

Industrious or rival, representing determination and effort.

Key Trends for 2026

  • Classic revival: Traditional names like Henry, Theodore, Eleanor, and Josephine continue climbing.
  • Nature names: Ivy, Willow, River, Sage, and Aurora reflect a deep connection to the natural world.
  • Short and sweet: One and two-syllable names like Kai, Mia, Leo, and Ivy are increasingly favored.
  • Gender-neutral growth: Unisex names like Avery, Riley, Rowan, and Quinn are at all-time highs.
  • Cultural diversity: Names like Mateo, Camila, Kai, and Amara reflect America's multicultural identity.

Whether you are looking for a name that's right on trend or something timelessly classic, our name search tool can help you find the perfect fit. Browse all boy names or all girl names to explore more options.