What's In A Name

By Julia Bollman on Sat, 05/08/2010 - 11:34am

Isabella has taken the crown from Emma, but no one can top Jacob's 11-year stronghold on being the top baby name for boys in the U.S. The Social Security Administration releases its annual list of top baby names every year around this time - Mother's Day - and only three names are new to the top ten lists. Mia is in the top ten for the first time for girls' names, while Noah and Jayden are new to the top ten for boys.

The SSA compiles the top 1000 names for girls and boys each year, but it's the top ten list that gets the most attention. But of note in the larger list are the fastest-rising names in popularity. Among them are Maliyah, Isla, Cullen and King. Among the names dropping most in popularity in 2009 were Lindsay, Brett, Alvin and Jonas.

Now on to the top ten:

10 Most popular names for girls:

1. Isabella

2. Emma

3. Olivia

4. Sophia

5. Ava

6. Emily

7. Madison

8. Abigail

9. Chloe

10. Mia

10 Most popular names for boys:

1. Jacob

2. Ethan

3. Michael

4. Alexander

5. William

6. Joshua

7. Daniel

8. Jayden

9. Noah

10. Anthony

At the www.ssa.gov web site, you can also see how the popularity of certain names has changed over time, and the most popular names for a particular year of birth.

List Source: U.S. Social Security Administration

Share This Story

by Julia Bollman, publisher of STL Parent

Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.

Things to Do

Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.

View this event »

Museum Babies Storytelling

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.

View this event »

Storytelling in the Museum from the Missouri History Museum

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024

Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Grandparents Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, and mealtime. Storytelling in the Museum is free.

View this event »

Holiday Photo Ops with Santa Claus at The Garden Glow

Take memorable photos with Santa at The Missouri Botanical Garden's Garden Glow light display. During these special evenings, you and your family can take photos with Santa at Christmas-card worthy photo spots amid the sparkling wonderland of Garden Glow.

View this event »

Turkeys and Tots

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Kids ages 1-5 are invited to a festive morning of Thanksgiving fun! They'll make a delightful Thanksgiving craft, enjoy a special story time celebrating the season of gratitude, and embark on a mini "Turkey Trot" around Walker Lake to collect some tasty treats.

View this event »

See All Things to Do

You Might Also Like...

Join The College School in Webster Groves for upcoming admissions events. Explore classrooms, meet expert faculty, and learn all about the benefits of experiential learning for Preschool through Eighth Grade. Admissions Quick Tours are set for December 6 and January 10, with an Early Childhood Open House on January 11 from 9 - 10:30 a.m., and Middle School Open House on February 25. Learn more and register at thecollegeschool.org.

Bring your family to Cardinals Nation Restaurant on select Wednesday nights for Family Night with Fredbird! Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! Kids eat FREE per adult meal purchased from 5 to 9 p.m. (Dine-in only, for kids 12 and under) Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes!

For more information and reservations: cardinalsnation.com

Gather your pack – your kids and your cold-nosed companions – for a pet-friendly visit with Santa this year at Purina Farms. Cold-Nosed Candids are for families and their cats and dogs to have their photos taken while they frolic through the snow provided by the Bubble Bus! You'll enjoy photos with Santa, frolic in the flurries, a gift shop and additional festivities! Cold-Nosed Candids will be held December 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at Purina Farms. Registration is required. Admission is free; parking is $5 per vehicle. Spots are limited. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

From Our Sponsors

Popular Stories

Embark on an Adventure at SLSO's Concert for Kids: Wild Symphony!

Embark on a musical adventure with Dan Brown’s latest surprise, Wild Symphony! Travel through the trees and across the seas to meet a wonderous whale and impatient ponies, busy beetles, and an eager elephant—each with a special secret to share.

COCA Ignites Creativity and Sparks Fun for Kids of All Ages, All Summer Long

Stroll along the Walk of Fame in the Delmar Loop, and you’ll spot the playwrights, actors, and artists who got their start in St. Louis, from Tennessee Williams and Katherine Dunham, to Tina Turner and John Goodman. Just a few steps away and around the corner, a new generation of Gateway City superstars will discover their love for the visual and performing arts this summer.

Farmer's Markets Make Great Family Outings! Here is Your 2024 Guide to Farmers Markets Across the St. Louis Area

A trip to the farmer’s market is a fun outing for the entire family – and it can be educational too. Make plans to visit one (or several) of these top St. Louis farmers’ markets this spring and summer, so that you and your kids can learn more about where your food comes from and indulge in some of the freshest, seasonal produce the St. Louis region has to offer. Plus, many of these markets offer activities just for kids, feature food trucks, welcome dogs, and more.

6 Places to Find Fun on the Farm this Fall

Visiting a farm can be a real adventure for city and suburban kids. Getting up close to and even feeding farm animals can lead to lots of fun and unexpected learning. We've rounded up some tried and true nearby options where your family can spend a day in the country and meet some new barnyard friends.

SUE: The T. Rex Experience to Roar Into the Saint Louis Science Center

This summer. families can meet Sue, the most complete, best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found, in the Lou! The Saint Louis Science Center will welcome SUE: The T. rex Experience beginning June 8. The special exhibition features the latest scientific discoveries about the species as a whole along as well immersive, sensory exploration of life in the Cretaceous period.