How the SSA Tracks Baby Names
Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) compiles a list of names given to babies born in the US, based on Social Security card applications. The SSA only reports names given to at least 5 babies to protect privacy. The database covers names from 1880 to the present and is updated annually — making it the most comprehensive and reliable baby name dataset available.
The 2024 rankings reflect babies born in 2024 whose parents applied for Social Security cards. Because some parents apply months after birth, the final 2024 data may be updated in the following year.
Top 10 Boy Names of 2024
| Rank | Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liam | Irish | Strong-willed warrior |
| 2 | Noah | Hebrew | Rest, comfort |
| 3 | Oliver | Latin/Norse | Olive tree |
| 4 | James | Hebrew | Supplanter |
| 5 | Elijah | Hebrew | My God is Yahweh |
| 6 | Mateo | Spanish/Hebrew | Gift of God |
| 7 | Theodore | Greek | Gift of God |
| 8 | Henry | Germanic | Ruler of the home |
| 9 | Lucas | Latin/Greek | Light, illumination |
| 10 | William | Germanic | Resolute protector |
Top 10 Girl Names of 2024
| Rank | Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olivia | Latin | Olive tree |
| 2 | Emma | Germanic | Whole, universal |
| 3 | Charlotte | French | Free woman |
| 4 | Amelia | Germanic | Work, industriousness |
| 5 | Sophia | Greek | Wisdom |
| 6 | Mia | Scandinavian/Hebrew | Mine, beloved |
| 7 | Isabella | Hebrew/Italian | Devoted to God |
| 8 | Ava | Latin/Hebrew | Life, bird |
| 9 | Evelyn | English | Wished for child |
| 10 | Luna | Latin | Moon |
Why These Names Dominate
The top names reflect several trends: classic names with modern feel (Olivia, Charlotte, Henry), short, strong names (Liam, Ava, Mia), and multicultural picks (Mateo, Luna) reflecting the growing Hispanic influence on US naming culture.
Olivia has held the #1 spot for girls for multiple consecutive years — a rare feat that reflects both its beautiful sound and cultural resonance (Shakespeare's Olivia in Twelfth Night, plus many beloved Olivias in popular culture).
Liam's dominance for boys reflects a broader shift from traditional American names (John, Michael, David) to Celtic-origin names that feel simultaneously classic and fresh.
Regional Variations
While national rankings show the above, regional preferences vary:
- Southern states: More traditional names (William, James, Elizabeth) rank higher
- Western states: Nature and unique names (River, Sage, Atlas) are more popular
- Texas, California, Florida: Spanish-origin names (Mateo, Sofia, Isabella) rank higher due to Hispanic population
- New England: Preppy classics (Henry, Eleanor, George, Caroline) perform above average
Use NameBlooms to explore full popularity trends for any name over time, including regional breakdowns.