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

Things to Do

Preschool Science Series at the Saint Louis Science Center

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Friday, September 25, 2026

The Preschool Science Series is an open exploration learning lab for young scientists - ages 18 months to 5 years - and their families. Activities are designed around research that shows children learn best through play, inquiry and shared experiences with their parents and caregivers.

View this event »

Twilight Thursdays Concert Series at the Missouri History Museum

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Free outdoor concerts are back at the Missouri History Museum. The May series of concerts features favorite bands, food trucks, and exhibits inside the museum that are open to the public on concert nights. Concerts are held from 6-8 p.m.

View this event »

Potty Training 101

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Monday, October 26, 2026

Is it time to potty train your toddler? The St. Louis County Library is offering Potty Training 101 to parents of children ages 2-3. This free workshop for parent and child includes a potty-themed storytime, and parents & caregivers will receive information to get them started on the potty training process. Attendees will also receive a potty seat, step stool, training pants and a potty-themed board book.

View this event »

Toddler Time at The Magic House

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!

View this event »

Free Children's Yoga at Brentwood Public Library

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Take part in a free yoga session just for kids! Children's yoga, presented by Complete Harmony, is held at the Brentwood Public Library on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Classes include stories, movement and mindfulness and are geared for children up to age 5. Bring a yoga mat or towel.

View this event »

See All Things to Do

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

Popular Stories

Dinoroarus Comes Roaring Back at the Saint Louis Zoo

The Dinoroarus exhibit brings prehistoric fun back to the Saint Louis Zoo this summer with 20 lifelike dinosaur animatronics and sculptures on the Zoo's Historic Hill.

Get Ready to Climb and Explore at These Free Big Truck Days

If your kids love to explore big trucks and vehicles, these upcoming Big Truck Days are a perfect weekend or weeknight outing. They'll get to climb on and explore fire trucks, police vehicles, bulldozers, bucket trucks, ambulances and lots more.

Travel Back in Time Every Friday at the Missouri History Museum’s Free Summer Family Fun Series

There comes a point every summer when all that “free time” isn’t so fun anymore. Your kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s too hot to hit the playground, and every activity seems to come with a big price tag. That’s when the screens come out, and parents find themselves counting down the minutes to bedtime. Thankfully, when Friday rolls around each week, your family can experience a mini summer getaway through history – no travel required.

City Museum's Stuff the Bus Campaign Provides School Supplies for 160 St. Louis Schools

Visit City Museum August 3-31, bring school supplies to donate, and get discounted admission! That's the idea behind City Museum's Stuff the Bus campaign.

Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

Seeing a movie at the theater is a magical experience, but when summer rolls around, it’s time to get outside and enjoy free movies under the stars! Free family movie nights abound across the St. Louis area, so grab your kids, a blanket or lawn chairs, and get ready for some cinematic fun. Here's where to find them:

You Might Also Like...

Lace up and leash up for a great cause! You and your dog are invited to run, jog, or walk in the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run at Purina Farms. Compete for top dog in the 5K race or take it easy in the 1-mile fun run. Put your paws to the pavement and then head over to the TAILgate after party for food, drinks, music and more all while raising awareness for the Purple Leash Project. All purple outfits and purple dog gear are highly encouraged! The Purple Leash Project was born out of the Purina mission to bring and keep pets and people together and the RedRover® mission to bring people and their pets from crisis to care. Your support of the Purple Leash Project assists domestic violence shelters on their journey to welcome family pets by funding pet-friendly renovations. Sunday, October 11. FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER

The Missouri History Museum celebrates education and family learning with History Exploration Days! One Friday per month from September to May, homeschool families with kids of all ages can explore a different historical topic—together! All activities are FREE. Explore St. Louis history in new and exciting ways through interactive guided gallery tours, hands-on workshops, and community performances that align with each month’s theme, encouraging investigation, exploration, and creative fun. Activities are offered at various times throughout the day and are customized for specific grade-level groups.

Storytelling takes place in the morning, and all ages are welcome. Visit the craft room for fun learning experiences, with museum educators available to help learners participate in meaningful ways. Topics this school year include colonial St. Louis, baseball, Black history, and wildlife. Detailed schedules for each day will be posted to the Museum’s website. The program is offered on October 9, November 13, December 11, January 15, February 19, March 19, April 9, and May 14. LEARN MORE

See the Purina Incredible Dog Team perform extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill right here in St. Louis at Union Station this summer! Featuring some of the most talented canines in the country, the Purina Incredible Dog Team consists of more than 20 remarkably gifted dogs and two trainers who entertain audiences with extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill. Spectators can watch the team demonstrate a variety of canine sports while dogs of different breeds fly through the air to catch a flying disc, leap over a high jump, and maneuver through a series of obstacles in an agility course. Free performances are happening Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Union Station's Performance Plaza in front of the St. Louis Wheel. Learn more at purina.com/purinafarms.

From Our Sponsors