2024 Baby Name Trends: Popular Picks, Rising Stars, and Predictions
As we settle into 2024, baby naming trends are evolving in fascinating ways. From the comeback of vintage classics to the rise of nature-inspired choices, this year's trends reflect a desire for both tradition and individuality. Here's your comprehensive guide to what's trending in baby names this year.
Top Baby Names for 2024
Based on 2024 official data covering over 3.3 million births in the U.S., here are the most popular names parents chose for their babies this year.
Top 15 Girls Names
- 1. Olivia - 14,718 babies
- 2. Emma - 13,485 babies
- 3. Amelia - 12,740 babies
- 4. Charlotte - 12,552 babies
- 5. Mia - 12,113 babies
- 6. Sophia - 12,088 babies
- 7. Isabella - 10,770 babies
- 8. Evelyn - 9,116 babies
- 9. Ava - 8,662 babies
- 10. Sofia - 8,094 babies
- 11. Camila - 7,608 babies
- 12. Harper - 7,370 babies
- 13. Luna - 7,135 babies
- 14. Eleanor - 7,127 babies
- 15. Violet - 6,972 babies
Top 15 Boys Names
- 1. Liam - 22,164 babies
- 2. Noah - 20,337 babies
- 3. Oliver - 15,343 babies
- 4. Theodore - 12,011 babies
- 5. James - 11,793 babies
- 6. Henry - 11,547 babies
- 7. Mateo - 11,302 babies
- 8. Elijah - 11,171 babies
- 9. Lucas - 10,703 babies
- 10. William - 10,596 babies
- 11. Benjamin - 9,814 babies
- 12. Levi - 9,513 babies
- 13. Ezra - 8,774 babies
- 14. Sebastian - 8,562 babies
- 15. Jack - 8,434 babies
2024 By the Numbers
5 Major Naming Trends Shaping 2024
1. Nature Names Continue Their Rise
Nature-inspired names are strongly represented in 2024's top rankings, showing parents' continued desire to connect their children to the natural world:
- • Luna (#13 girls) - Celestial beauty
- • Violet (#15 girls) - Floral elegance
- • Aurora (#50 girls) - Natural phenomenon
- • Hazel (#61 girls) - Tree-inspired classic
- • Ivy (#90 girls) - Botanical choice
- • Nova (#100 girls) - Stellar phenomenon
- • Leo (#34 boys) - Animal kingdom
2. Classic Names Maintain Strong Appeal
Traditional names continue to dominate the top spots, showing that parents value timeless choices with historical significance:
- • Olivia, Emma, Charlotte - Classic feminine elegance
- • Liam, Noah, William, James - Strong traditional masculinity
- • Benjamin, Alexander, Christopher - Historical gravitas
- • Names like Theodore and Eleanor show vintage revival
3. Cultural Diversity in the Top 100
The 2024 rankings reflect America's cultural diversity, with names from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds represented:
- • Mateo, Santiago, Thiago - Spanish/Latin influence growing
- • Camila, Sofia, Layla - International appeal
- • Ezra, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Josiah - Biblical names popular
- • Luca, Gianna - Italian names trending
4. Short, Strong Names Leading
Many top 2024 names are concise and powerful, easy to pronounce and memorable:
- • Mia (#5), Ava (#9), Ivy (#90) - Short and sweet girls names
- • Leo (#34), Jack (#15), Luke (#48) - Strong, simple boys names
- • Trend toward names that are easy to spell and say
- • Clear pronunciation reduces confusion
5. Modern Choices with Traditional Roots
Parents are balancing innovation with tradition, choosing names that feel fresh but have established histories:
- • Maverick (#53) - Modern spirit with Western appeal
- • Hudson (#32) - Surname-turned-first-name trend
- • Aria (#74) - Musical connection with Italian roots
- • Lainey (#95) - Contemporary nickname as formal name
- • Names that sound current but aren't invented
Notable Names Making Their Mark
These names from the 2024 top 100 represent interesting trends and cultural shifts in naming preferences.
Standout Names from 2024
Girls Making Waves
- • Luna (#13) - Celestial choice rising
- • Aurora (#50) - Disney + nature appeal
- • Nova (#100) - Modern astronomical name
- • Lainey (#95) - Contemporary nickname style
- • Aria (#74) - Musical and multicultural
Boys Breaking Through
- • Mateo (#7) - Spanish variant climbing
- • Ezra (#21) - Biblical favorite rising
- • Maverick (#53) - Independent spirit
- • Thiago (#92) - International appeal
- • Hudson (#32) - Place name trend
Pop Culture & Social Media Influences
Entertainment, social media, and global connectivity continue to shape naming trends in unexpected ways.
TV & Streaming Impact
Popular shows and characters are driving name choices, particularly fantasy and period dramas.
- • Bridgerton effect: Daphne, Eloise, Anthony, Benedict
- • Fantasy names: Arya, Daenerys (still declining), Jon
- • Marvel influence: Wanda, Vision, Thor
Social Media Trends
Instagram and TikTok are creating micro-trends and spreading name ideas faster than ever.
- • Aesthetic names: Sage, Dove, Rain, Ocean
- • Short, memorable names perfect for usernames
- • Names that "sound good" on social platforms
Predictions for Late 2024 & Beyond
Based on current trends and cultural shifts, here's what we expect to see grow in popularity over the next year.
Ancient Names Revival
Expect to see more ancient Greek, Roman, and Celtic names entering mainstream use.
Climate-Conscious Names
As environmental awareness grows, expect more Earth-focused names like Terra, Grove, and Vale.
Tech-Age Names
Digital natives may embrace names like Pixel, Neo, or Aria (AI assistant influence).
Color Names
Beyond traditional Rose and Violet, expect Sage, Indigo, Scarlett, and Azure to rise.
Choosing a Trendy Name: What to Consider
Balance Trendy with Timeless
While trends are fun to follow, consider whether you'll love the name in 20 years. The best trendy names often have classic roots or timeless appeal.
- • Research the name's history and meaning
- • Consider how it sounds with your last name
- • Think about potential nicknames
- • Test how it feels to say it daily
2024: A Year of Meaningful Choices
This year's naming trends reflect a generation of parents who value both individuality and connection—to nature, to heritage, and to meaningful stories. Whether you follow the trends or forge your own path, the most important thing is choosing a name that feels right for your family.
The beautiful thing about 2024's trends is their diversity. There's room for everyone's style, from those who love vintage classics to parents seeking modern nature names or cultural heritage choices. Trust your instincts, and remember that the perfect name is the one that makes you smile every time you say it.