Alabama – Olivia, William
Alabama has welcomed countless Olivias and Williams over the past few decades. William comes from the Old German name Wilhelm, meaning ‘helmet of will’. A name for kings, soldiers and noblemen, its international variations include Willem, Walaam, Vilko and Guillaume. The country music singer William Lee Golden comes from Brewton, Alabama.
Alaska – Amelia, Noah
Currently, the most popular name for newborn boys in Alaska is Noah, from the famed Biblical figure. Meanwhile the top name for girls is Amelia, which comes from the Hebrew word ‘amal’, meaning ‘work.’ Saint Amelia was a 7th-century nun from the Low Countries in Europe, and her Saint’s Day (celebrated in some cultures by all who share the saint’s name) is July 10th.
Arizona – Olivia, Liam
Arizona’s most common names for newborns are Liam and Olivia. Liam is a shortened version of the Germanic name William. This name soared in popularity in the UK during the 1980s, and it has come into fashion in the United States since 2009. It has also been the most popular boys’ name in Canada for the past decade.
Arkansas – Olivia, Liam
Like Arizona, Arkansas also has Liam and Olivia at the top of its list. The name Olivia is rooted in the Latin word for olive (‘oliva’), but it didn’t become a widespread name until William Shakespeare popularized it with his Twelfth Night character, Countess Olivia.
California – Olivia, Noah
California likewise has Olivia as its most popular girls’ name, while Noah takes the top spot for the boys. The biblical name Noah is of uncertain origin, but it most likely comes from the Babylonian word ‘nukhu’, meaning ‘rest’. The pop singer Olivia Rodrigo was born and raised in Murrieta, California. One famous Noah from the state is Emmy-nominated actor Noah Wyle.
Colorado – Olivia, Liam
Once again, Olivia takes the top spot for girls’ names in the Centennial State of Colorado, while Liam is the most popular name for baby boys. William Jackson Palmer was the name of the industrialist who founded the city of Colorado Springs, the largest settlement in El Paso County.
Connecticut – Olivia, Noah
Just like California, Connecticut has Olivia and Noah as their most popular baby names. Noah Webster, whose lexicographical work led to the creation of Merriam-Webster dictionaries, was born in the Connecticut town of West Hartford. Charlotte, Emma, Amelia, and Sophia are other popular names in this state, along with Liam, James, and Lucas.
Delaware – Charlotte, Liam
Liam tops the list for boys’ names in Delaware, but for the top girls’ names, we have a unique entry so far: Charlotte. This name is the feminine form of Charlot, which is a diminutive of the French name Charles. It has long been popular among European royalty, including Prince William and Catherine Middleton, who named their only daughter Charlotte.
District of Columbia – Charlotte, Henry
Charlotte is the most popular girl’s name across the state of Columbia, while Henry is the most common boy’s name. Henry derives from the Old French name Henri, which in turn comes from the Old Frankish ‘Heimeric’, meaning ‘home-ruler’. The punk rock singer and presenter Henry Rollins was born in Washington, D.C.
Florida – Olivia, Liam
Following the trend in Arizona, Arkansas, and Colorado, Olivia and Liam are also the most popular baby names in the Sunshine State currently. The American football coach and former cornerback William Gay was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. Emma, Isabelle, Lucas, and Elijah are other popular newborn names in Florida.
Georgia – Olivia, Noah
In the state of Georgia, the most popular baby names are the exact same as in Connecticut. Residents of the Southern state seem to favor Olivia for a girl. Noah takes the top spot for little boys once again, and while the top picks may be traditional names, the state seems to be embracing trendier times as they’re followed up shortly with Raeylnn and Emerson.
Hawaii – Olivia, Noah
Olivia and Noah are also at the top of the list for Hawaii. However, the rest of the list features more unique and cultural names. Isla, Kaia, and Aria are all in the top ten for girl’s names. While for boys, Hawaii is the only state where Kai (meaning ‘keeper of the keys and earth’) is in the top ten most popular picks!
Idaho – Olivia, Oliver
Once again, we see Olivia sitting as the most popular name for baby girls. But while Idaho may not divert from the majority in terms of girl names, the most popular male name is Oliver! This masculine version of Olivia also means ‘olive tree’ and stands for peace, dignity, and friendship. It’s derived from Latin but also has Old Germanic roots.
Illinois – Olivia, Noah
In the midwestern state of Illinois, the most popular baby names are Olivia and Noah. Olivia Howell is a Junior on the University of Illinois track and field team and is set to go far. The name also appears on the list of most popular baby girl names in the state’s most populous city of Chicago too.
Indiana – Charlotte, Liam
Indiana breaks from the trends with the nation’s most popular names for baby boys and baby girls not topping the state list. Instead, the most popular name for a baby girl is Charlotte (much like The Prince of Wales’ young child) and the most popular name for boys is Liam, meaning ‘strong-willed warrior’. Famous paleontologist, Charlotte Hill, was born in Indiana.
Iowa – Charlotte, Oliver
The most popular boy and girl names in the state of Iowa are Oliver and Charlotte respectively. Both names are the third most popular in their genders in the US overall. Charlotte is also the name of a small city in the state, with the motto ‘Little country town, big on friendly.’
Kansas – Olivia, Liam
Residents of Kansas are fans of the most popular baby names in the country with Olivia and Liam both their top names and the country’s overall. While the landlocked state may seem traditional, many of the names topping their lists are unsex including Sloane, Parker, Sutton, and Reese. Mainly thought of as a surname, Tatum is beginning to grow in popularity.
Kentucky – Emma, Liam
This southeastern state is unique in the way that it is the only state where the top of the list for both baby boy and baby girl names are claimed by Emma and Liam. The root of the name Emma comes from a Germanic word ‘ermen’ meaning ‘whole’ or ‘universal’ which makes sense as German is the third most common language spoken in Kentucky.
Lousiana – Olivia, Liam
While Louisiana is a state rich in culture, known as one of the melting pots of the United States, the most popular baby names remain traditional, continuing the trend with Olivia and Liam. However, there’s some influence from the Creole and Cajun cultures with French names remaining quite popular such as Camille, Corinne, Zuri, and Ace.
Maine – Charlotte, Oliver
With its rugged landscape and beautiful coastline, it makes sense that Maine is a little more unique when it comes to what they’re naming their children. While Charlotte and Oliver are in the top ten most popular baby names nationally, they’re joined in popularity by Harper and Colton, making Maine the only state where Colton broke into the top ten!
Maryland – Olivia, Liam
Maryland continues the trend, reflecting national sentiment with Liam and Olivia being the most popular names. For a state with such a rich history (Fort McHenry in Maryland was the birthplace of the national anthem), it’s fitting that many of the most popular names are those of political figures such as Franklin and Teddy, the nickname of the 26th president Theodore Roosevelt.
Massachusetts – Olivia, Noah
While Olivia continues to reign supreme as the most popular baby name both countrywide and within the state of Massachusetts, Noah (the second most popular boy’s name) ranks highest while Liam (the nation’s most popular) drops to second. New York Times bestselling novelist Noah Gordon was born and died in Massachusetts.
Michigan – Charlotte, Noah
You may be surprised just how many celebrities hail from the state of Michigan. Madonna, Selma Blair, Terry Crews, Bruce Campbell, and more all called this state home at one point. But Michigan residents seem more likely to utilize biblical names for their children than to pay homage to celebrities with Charlotte and Noah taking the top spot.
Minnesota – Charlotte, Oliver
The chilly Northwestern state bordering Canada has some very unique names ranking highly in terms of popularity. While Charlotte and Oliver are both the most popular baby names in the state and the third most popular in the US overall, Nora, Hazel, Camden, Freya, and even Felix are also common names for parents to pick in Minnesota.
Mississippi – Ava, William
While the derivative has made its way onto the top rankings for states many times so far, the name William is the most popular name for boys in Mississippi. It first became an English name when William the Conquerer became ruler of England in 1066, and fittingly the name means ‘strong-willed warrior’. For girls, Ava (meaning ‘birdlike’ or ‘lively’) takes the top spot.
Missouri – Olivia, Oliver
Interestingly, for Missouri, the feminine and masculine versions of the same name took both the top stops in the list of most popular names. Olivia is definitely a trending name at the minute with celebrities sharing the name making waves. Olivia Rodrigo is topping the charts and Olivia Wilde is directing film festival favorites like Don’t Worry Darling.
Montana – Olivia, Oliver
The western state of Montana, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, is greatly associated with the time of the wild west which may explain why cowboy names are more popular in this state. Colter, Cash, Colt, and Weston are all more popular in Montana, and you’re more likely to find a southern belle like Daisy or June than in many other states.
Nebraska – Olivia, Henry
While Olivia is the most popular girl’s name in the US, Henry only ranks ninth nationally. The name means ‘house ruler’ and interestingly, Academy Award Winning actor Henry Fonda, known for his roles in 12 Angry Men, The Grapes of Wrath, and Mister Roberts was born and raised in the state of Nebraska. The state also gave us Fred Astaire, Warren Buffet and Marlon Brando.
Nevada – Olivia, Liam
The state of Nevada’s most popular name list may be topped by Olivia and Liam (the most popular names in the general US) but due to a high Hispanic population, many Spanish names enjoy great popularity in the state. Diego, Matteo, and Emiliano are all common baby names in Nevada, as well as more modern alternatives like Camila and Mateo.
New Hampshire – Olivia, Oliver
The Latin-derived name Olivia tops the names given to baby girls in New Hampshire, but you’ll find a lot more Irish names in this state than others. New Hampshire sports the highest proportion of Irish residents in the US and so classic Irish names like Maeve and Rowan are more likely to be gifted to a child here.
New Jersey – Olivia, Liam
Due to migration at the start of the 20th century to the East Coast of America, there are large populations of Irish and Italian immigrants in states such as New Jersey and New York. In particular, the Italian culture in New Jersey is strong, explaining how the Italian name Gianna broke into the top ten girls’ names in this state but no others.
New Mexico – Mia, Noah
In the only instance of all 52 states, Mia tops the list of most popular girl names. With Spanish and Italian origins, Mia means ‘mine.’ It’s also a very popular name in Australia, claiming the sixth most popular baby name in the country in 2022. This might be due to the Royal connection, with the great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II being named Mia.
New York – Olivia, Liam
The former capital of the United States of America until 1790 shares its most popular baby names with many other states including New Jersey and Kansas. However, the multicultural state has many names that don’t make the top ten in other states. Muslim names like Amir are common here as well as Yiddish names such as Moshe, meaning ‘savior.’
North Carolina – Olivia, Liam
The lists of top ten baby names in North Carolina for both boys and girls are very similar to the national list, even sporting the most popular names in the country. The southern state does, however, favor some more gender-neutral names too with Levi hitting the top ten boys’ names in the state. Parker, Eden, and Remi are also very common here.
North Dakota – Olivia, Oliver
Similarly to Montana, cowboy names such as Hayes, Briggs, and Cash are very popular in North Dakota. While the state favors the classic popular names like Olivia and Liam, you could run into many people with more unique names here. Aurora – the name given to Disney’s Sleepy Beauty – is the fifteenth most popular girls’ name in the state.
Ohio – Olivia, Oliver
The state of Ohio seems to have a soft spot for presidential names with Lincoln and Jackson ranking highly on the list of top boys names. But while these boys’ names may appear very traditional, many of the top girls’ names are much trendier. Raelynn, Ryleigh, and Oaklynn are all favorites for the state with Layla claiming the twentieth spot for popular girls’ names.
Oklahoma – Olivia, Liam
Not only does Oklahoma share its top names with the country overall, but all but one name in the state’s top ten girls names also features in the national list, the only outlier being Eleanor (meaning ‘shining light’). Actress Olivia Munn and beauty pageant winner Olivia Jordon were born in Oklahoma, sharing the top name of girls born in the state.
Oregon – Evelyn, Oliver
While Evelyn remains popular in most states in the US and nationwide, the gender-neutral name may seem more antiquated now. Meaning ‘desire’ or ‘wished for’ it tops the list in Oregon and has been gaining popularity internationally since 2002, being used 1,761 times in England and Wales in 2019.
Pennsylvania – Olivia, Noah
While the top names in Pennsylvania mirror the national trends, its most populated city Philadelphia has a few more unique names gaining popularity, some of which don’t even break the national top 100. Lyra, Genevieve and Juliet are all common names for girls in Philadelphia while Atticus, River, Amari and Milo are popular names for boys.
Rhode Island – Olivia, Liam
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US but that doesn’t mean they don’t have surprises in their lists of most common names. While Liam is the most popular name in both the state and the US at wide, Julian (the third most common name for boys in Rhode Island) ranks higher in this state than anywhere else.
South Carolina – Olivia, William
Taking the top spots in the most popular baby names list for the state of South Carolina are Olivia and William. Both names sit in the top ten for their respective genders but South Carolina does have some interstingly unique names breaking their top 100 list including Harmony, Legend, and Journee (all of which could be used as unisex names).
South Dakota – Evelyn, Henry
As in Oregon, in South Dakota Evelyn is the most popular name gifted to baby girls. In the US Evelyn Preer may take the title of most the famous Evelyn, known in the Black community as the ‘First Lady of the Screen’ performing on the screen, making blues music, and even starring in Broadway productions. Henry is the most popular for boys in this state.
Tennessee – Olivia, William
As the unofficial heart of country music in the South of the United States, it may not be shocking to know more traditional names are frequently used in Tennessee. Olivia is the national favorite girl’s name and William takes the top spot for men, being used by a number of famous people from the state including singers, politicians, and physicists.
Texas – Olivia, Liam
The fact that the most common names in Texas also mirror the national list makes sense as Texas is the most populous state in the US, therefore heavily affecting the overall rankings. However, we also see that a lot of biblical names like Jonah are popular in the state, as are Spanish names like Sofia and Jose.
Utah – Olivia, Oliver
The name Oliver beat out the most popular boys name in the United States (Liam) for the top spot in the state of Utah. Liam came second in the Western state followed by Jack, Hudson, and Owen. Meanwhile, for the girls, the feminine version of Oliver is most popular, followed by Hazel, Eleanor, and Lucy.
Vermont – Charlotte, Henry
The stunning, forested state of Vermont is the second least populous state in the US and so doesn’t impact the national list much, meaning that many of the names on their top most popular name list don’t feature on the national scale. These include Nore, Avery, and Wesley – which means ‘western meadow’ and was traditionally used as a surname.
Virginia – Charlotte, Liam
Virginia has given the world some of its biggest stars including Grammy award-winning musician Pharrell Williams. However, you might not find his name in the top ten lists for baby names in the state, as Virginia seems to favor many traditional names like Margaret, Jackson, Charlotte, and William (the final two take the top spots).
Washington – Olivia, Liam
Olivia and Liam rank as the most common baby names both in the US and in the state of Washington. With the Twilight series being set in Forks, Washington it makes sense that we see some of the character’s names remaining high on the list of most popular baby names like Charlie, which is the name of the main character’s father in the series.
West Virginia – Amelia, Liam
While Amelia and Liam are both very commonly used names in the US, West Virginia is the only state with this particular combination taking the top two spots. Unique names with spellings that differ from the norm are also becoming increasingly more popular in the state, with Paislee (as opposed to the traditional spelling of Paisley) entering the top 100 list in West Virginia.
Wyoming – Olivia, Oliver
Out of the 52 states that make up the United States of America, Wyoming has the lowest population, meaning it takes far fewer births for a name to make it into the top 100 list of most common names for the states. Emberly is very popular in the state, meaning ‘low flame’ or ‘spark,’ and while it could be unisex it is traditionally feminine.
Puerto Rico – Mia, Luis
The unincorporated US territory of Puerto Rico diverges from the US state list in terms of the most popular names. With it being the capital of the Caribbean and a very multicultural place, the names are often more unique and cultural than many of the states with the Spanish name Luis topping the list for boys and Mia for girls.
US Virgin Islands – Mary, John
In the US Virgin Islands, John and Mary are the most common names for boys and girls. The US territory has a relatively small population of just over 100,000 people. There are many traditional names that top this list, many of them with British, Irish, and Scottish origins like George and Elizabeth.
American Samoa – Maria, John
Maria, coming from the name Mary, and meaning ‘beloved’ and ‘of the sea’, is the most popular baby name for girls in American Samoa, being the third most common name given to babies overall. The most common boy’s name is John, which remains very popular in the US as well. Other biblical names like Joseph, Richard, and Mary all feature highly on the list.
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands – Maria, Joseph
In a very interesting outcome, Maria and Joseph – astonishingly close to the names of the parents of Jesus Christ (Mary and Joseph) – are the most popular names for those born in the commonwealth of the North Mariana Islands. The population of the Commonwealth of the US is extremely mixed with the area being occupied at times by Spaniards, Mexicans, Filipinos, and other Europeans.
Federated States of Micronesia – Mary, John
The top boy and girl names in the Federated States of Micronesia are John and Mary. There are a lot more female names at the top of the overall list of popular names which is unusual, with Linda, Maria, and Elizabeth all taking the next spots. There are also some more antiquated or less trendy names that are very popular in the territory, like Yvonne.
Guam – Maria, John
Once again, John claims the top spot as the most popular name and the most popular boys’ name in Guam. Many politicians from Guam have been named John including John P. Aguon who served as a senator, John F. Quan (also a senator), and John A. Cruz, former Mayor of Hagåtña.
Republic of Marshall Islands – Mary, Junior
The Republic of Marshall Islands is a country in the Pacific Ocean near Guam that is a parliamentary republic with an executive presidency in free association with the US. The most popular names in the Marshall Islands are Mary and Junior – meaning ‘the younger one’. Junior is often used as a nickname in the States so it has an interesting high usage in these islands.
Republic of Palau – Maria, John
The sovereign nation with deep ties and connections with the United States joins many of the other territories and states of the United States with their most popular names for boys and girls being John and Maria. This exact combination is the same as Guam, a territory 830 miles to the North East.
