According to data released by the Social Security Administration, Olivia and Liam retained their positions as the most popular baby names in the United States for 2024, marking the sixth consecutive year both names have held the top spots. The annual list, announced to celebrate Mother’s Day, highlights the 1,000 most popular names based on Social Security card applications for children born in 2024.
The top 10 names for girls saw a notable shift, with Sofia entering the list at number 10, replacing Luna, which fell out of the top tier. Emma secured the second spot for the sixth year, followed by Amelia, Charlotte, and Mia.
For boys, Noah remained in second place, with Oliver, Theodore, and James rounding out the top five. The full top 10 lists for 2024 are as follows: for girls, Olivia, Emma, Amelia, Charlotte, Mia, Sophia, Isabella, Evelyn, Ava, and Sofia; for boys, Liam, Noah, Oliver, Theodore, James, Henry, Mateo, Elijah, Lucas, and William.
Social Security began compiling baby name data in 1997, drawing from names provided by parents when applying for a child’s Social Security card at birth. The agency’s records date back to 1880, offering a comprehensive view of naming trends over time. The 2024 list, available at the Social Security Administration press site, provides access to the complete ranking of 1,000 names.
“As Mother’s Day nears, we remember the incredible impact that mothers have on our lives,” said Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano. “Growing up with a working mom, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, resilience, and balance it takes to juggle both career and family. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers in our lives who inspire us and set an example for future generations.”
The announcement also highlighted names that saw significant increases in popularity. For girls, Ailany, meaning “chief,” topped the list of fastest-rising names. For boys, Truce, meaning “peace,” surged 11,118 spots to rank 991 overall, entering the top 1,000 for the first time. Other notable risers included Aylani, Marjorie, Scottie, and Analeia for girls, and Colsen, Bryer, Halo, and Azaiah for boys.
Commissioner Bisignano emphasized the importance of obtaining a Social Security number (SSN) for newborns, a step most parents take during their hospital stay. An SSN is essential for claiming a child as a dependent for tax purposes, opening a bank account, or purchasing savings bonds. The agency provides detailed guidance on securing a child’s SSN in its publication, underscoring the role of the SSN in accessing future benefits.
The Social Security Administration’s baby name list reflects cultural and social trends, with names like Sofia and Truce indicating shifts in parental preferences. The agency’s data collection process, tied to SSN applications, ensures accuracy and consistency, making it a reliable source for tracking naming patterns. The annual release of the list coincides with Mother’s Day to honor the contributions of mothers and families nationwide.
Since its inception, the baby name list has offered insights into naming conventions, with historical data revealing shifts in popularity over decades. The 2024 rankings prefer familiar names like Olivia and Liam, while emerging names like Ailany and Truce suggest evolving tastes among new parents.
