The 10 most common baby names for girls and boys in the United States in 2024

Girls — Top 10 (2024)

1. Olivia — From Latin oliva (“olive”). Associated with peace and longevity; Shakespeare popularized it via Twelfth Night. Reigns as U.S. No. 1 for the sixth straight year.
2. Emma — Germanic roots related to ermen (“whole, universal”). A Victorian favorite that roared back in the 21st century; steady at No. 2.
3. Amelia — Often linked to Germanic amal (“work, industrious”). Vintage charm plus the aviator Amelia Earhart keeps it adventurous yet classic.
4. Charlotte — French feminine of Charles (“free man”). Royal cachet from Queen Charlotte and Princess Charlotte has boosted its modern appeal.
5. Mia — Short form of Maria; widely loved across languages. Compact, gentle, and globally pronounceable—ideal for multilingual families.
6. Sophia — From Greek sophía (“wisdom”). Elegance meets meaning; it has topped charts worldwide for over a decade.
7. Isabella — Romance-language form of Elizabeth (“God is my oath”). A favorite of the 2000s that remains firmly in style.
8. Evelyn — From Norman French Aveline; later an English surname-turned-first name. Feels vintage yet modern, with the friendly nickname “Evie.”
9. Ava — Possibly from a medieval Germanic root or a form of Eve (“life”). Short, cinematic, and stylish—think Ava Gardner’s silver-screen glow.
10. Sofia — Variant of Sophia (“wisdom”). New to the Top 10 in 2024, replacing Luna—proof that classic spellings still rise.

Boys — Top 10 (2024)

1. Liam — Irish short form of William (“resolute protector”). The nation’s No. 1 for eight years running, beloved for its brisk, modern sound.
2. Noah — From Hebrew (“rest, comfort”). A timeless biblical choice that feels gentle and steady.
3. Oliver — Often linked to “olive tree” (peace); alternatively to Old French Olivier. Literary nods from Oliver Twist to modern film keep it familiar.
4. Theodore — Greek theos + doron (“gift of God”). Old-school formal with cuddly nicknames Theo/Teddy.
5. James — From Hebrew via Latin forms of Jacob (“supplanter”). A presidential, royal, and rock-n-roll staple.
6. Henry — Germanic heim + ric (“home ruler”). Regal yet down-to-earth; “Harry” remains a friendly nickname.
7. Mateo — Spanish form of Matthew (“gift of God”). Its rise mirrors the prominence of Hispanic-heritage names in the U.S.
8. Elijah — Hebrew “my God is Yahweh.” Strong biblical resonance paired with the approachable Eli.
9. Lucas — Latin/Greek roots (“from Lucania” / “light”). Internationally consistent—Luca, Luke, Lucas—all travel well.
10. William — Germanic wil + helm (“will, protection”). An evergreen classic from Shakespeare to modern sports.

Summary

In 2024, the U.S. baby-name landscape emphasized continuity: Olivia and Liam held their crowns, and the Top-10 lists barely budged—Sofia was the only new entrant, displacing Luna among girls. The mix shows America’s enduring love for global, easily pronounced classics with deep roots. Expect these names to remain influential in 2025, even as fast-rising newcomers nip at their heels.

Sources

• U.S. Social Security Administration – Top Baby Names 2024: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
• SSA Press Release, May 2025 – Olivia and Liam Top the List Again
• Behind the Name: The Etymology and History of First Names: https://www.behindthename.com