Washington, D.C. — For the sixth year in a row, Olivia and Liam top the list as America’s most popular baby names, continuing a trend that reflects parents’ preference for timeless, familiar names. The Social Security Administration (SSA) released the 2024 list of the top 1,000 baby names just ahead of Mother’s Day, marking an annual celebration of motherhood and identity.
Emma and Noah once again claimed the number two spots for girls and boys, respectively — also for the sixth consecutive year — reaffirming their enduring popularity.
The only change in the top 10 this year came on the girls’ side, with Sofia breaking into the top 10 at number 10, replacing Luna, which dropped off the list after several years of prominence.
Top 10 Baby Names for 2024
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Oliver
- Theodore
- James
- Henry
- Mateo
- Elijah
- Lucas
- William
Girls
- Olivia
- Emma
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Mia
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Evelyn
- Ava
- Sofia
The SSA’s baby name data is compiled each year based on Social Security card applications for newborns, making it the most comprehensive and trusted source for baby name trends in the U.S. Since 1997, the SSA has published baby name rankings dating all the way back to 1880.
“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.”
Names on the Rise
Each year’s list also highlights names making significant leaps in popularity. For 2024, the fastest-rising boy’s name was Truce, a name symbolizing peace, which soared more than 11,000 spots to enter the top 1,000 at No. 991. On the girls’ list, Ailany — meaning “chief” — made the biggest jump in popularity.
Top 5 Rising Baby Names in 2024
Boys
- Truce
- Colsen
- Bryer
- Halo
- Azaiah
Girls
- Ailany
- Aylani
- Marjorie
- Scottie
- Analeia
The Importance of a Social Security Number
Most parents apply for a child’s Social Security number (SSN) at the hospital, shortly after birth. Commissioner Bisignano emphasized that obtaining an SSN is a crucial first step in ensuring access to benefits and legal protections.
An SSN is required to claim a child as a dependent on taxes, open a bank account, or buy savings bonds. More information is available in the SSA’s resource guide, Social Security Numbers for Children.
To view the complete list of the 1,000 most popular names of 2024, and to find out where your name ranks, visit: www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames.
