How popular is the baby name Gershon in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Gershon.

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Popularity of the baby name Gershon


Posts that mention the name Gershon

Popular and unique baby names in each U.S. state, 2022

USA topographic map

Which baby names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2022?

And which names appeared in the data for just one state last year?

Here are all the answers! (Any unique name that also popped up in last year’s post is in boldface.)

Alabama (AL)

  • Alabama’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Alabama’s top boy name: William
  • Alabama’s 5 unique girl names: Justyce, Adleigh, Crimson, Kamori, Khylee
    • The University of Alabama’s football team is called the Crimson Tide.
  • Alabama’s 5 unique boy names: Bankston, Chapman, Chipper, Treyvon, Wheeler

Alaska (AK)

  • Alaska’s top girl name: Aurora/Charlotte (tie)
  • Alaska’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • Alaska’s 1 unique boy name: Paxson

Arizona (AZ)

  • Arizona’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arizona’s top boy name: Liam
  • Arizona’s 5 unique girl names: Zo, Payson, Ariza, Naelani, Neema
  • Arizona’s 1 unique boy name: Payson
    • Payson (used for both genders above) could be a reference to the Arizona town of Payson.

Arkansas (AR)

  • Arkansas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arkansas’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Arkansas’s 1 unique girl name: Camari
  • No unique boy names.

California

  • California’s top girl name: Olivia
  • California’s top boy name: Liam
  • California’s top 10 unique girl names: Mehar, Quetzalli, Emiko, Nare, Yamila, Mei, Mannat, Rayleen, Ajooni, Caia (total of 535)
  • California’s top 10 unique boy names: Arjan, Narek, Lino, Maceo, Zenith, Tigran, Pranav, Sahib, Ashot, Sayed (total of 391)

Colorado

  • Colorado’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Colorado’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Colorado’s 1 unique girl name: Ezmae
  • Colorado’s 1 unique boy name: Cale
    • Professional hockey player Cale Makar plays for the Colorado Avalanche (and won the Stanley Cup with them in mid-2022).

Connecticut

  • Connecticut’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Connecticut’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Delaware

  • Delaware’s top girl name: Sophia
  • Delaware’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

District of Columbia

  • D.C.’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • D.C.’s top boy name: Henry
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Florida

  • Florida’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Florida’s top boy name: Liam
  • Florida’s top 10 unique girl names: Abigaelle, Ainoa, Keisha, Anaelle, Alysha, Jamia, Jehlani, Mariangel, Taraji, Aaleyah (total of 123)
  • Florida’s top 10 unique boy names: Piero, Kenley, Kensley, Kion, Romel, Royale, Promise, Adams, Imani, Jahkai (total of 110)

Georgia

  • Georgia’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Georgia’s top boy name: Noah
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique girl names: Yari, Choyce, Janova, Aloni, Kelli, Sarabi, Serayah, Zakiyah, Cai, Candelaria (total of 33)
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique boy names: Deuce, Walton, Jamario, Lawton, Jeb, Kanon, Masyn, Peace, Pearce, Robel (total of 29)

Hawaii

  • Hawaii’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Hawaii’s top boy name: Noah
  • Hawaii’s 5 unique girl names: Lilinoe, Mahealani, Kelia, Mehana, Mele
  • Hawaii’s top 10 unique boy names: Ikaika, Ryzen, Kainalu, Kaeo, Kaikoa, Kawika, Makani, Hayzen, Kalai, Kiai (total of 11)

Idaho

  • Idaho’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Idaho’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Illinois

  • Illinois’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Illinois’s top boy name: Noah
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique girl names: Kinzie, Zuzanna, Maleyah, Miliani, Novella, Ozzie, Colleen, Iga, Kamira, Kamoura (total of 15)
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique boy names: Vuk, Aleksandar, Andrej, Michal, Nikodem, Teodor, Lazar, Namir, Nyaire, Abdurrahman (total of 22)

Indiana

  • Indiana’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Indiana’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Indiana’s 10 unique girl names: Israel, Brenlee, Talaya, Arionna, Dalayah, Islay, Jacklynn, Laiana, Saylah, Wrigley
  • Indiana’s 6 unique boy names: Maciah, Brayton, Jentry, Jordon, Menno, Olyver

Iowa

  • Iowa’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Iowa’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Kansas

  • Kansas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Kansas’s top boy name: Liam
  • Kansas’s 1 unique girl name: Breckyn
  • Kansas’s 1 unique boy name: Calan

Kentucky

  • Kentucky’s top girl name: Harper
  • Kentucky’s top boy name: Liam
  • Kentucky’s 2 unique girl names: Rosetta, Tinslee
  • Kentucky’s 2 unique boy names: Jansen, Taytum

Louisiana

  • Louisiana’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Louisiana’s top boy name: Liam
  • Louisiana’s 9 unique girl names: Kamyri, Jaylei, Juri, Kemani, Ellarie, Jaisley, Kaleigha, Kenslei, Weslyn
  • Louisiana’s top 10 unique boy names: Khyzer, Kennon, Aysen, Denym, Brylon, Caisen, Dedrick, Mahzi, Tory, Treylin (total of 11)

Maine (ME)

  • Maine’s top girl name: Evelyn
  • Maine’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Maine’s 1 unique girl name: Acadia
    • Acadia National Park is located in Maine.
  • No unique boy names.

Maryland (MD)

  • Maryland’s top girl name: Ava
  • Maryland’s top boy name: Liam
  • Maryland’s 6 unique girl names: Nature, Arsema, Loyal, Ayomide, Eniola, Hasset
  • Maryland’s 4 unique boy names: Record, Tavon, Ezana, Kymere

Massachusetts (MA)

  • Massachusetts’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Massachusetts’s top boy name: Noah
  • Massachusetts’s 8 unique girl names: Emilly, Marialuiza, Mariaclara, Aylla, Emanuelly, Hellena, Eloa, Isabelly
  • Massachusetts’s 2 unique boy names: Eoghan, Murilo

Michigan (MI)

  • Michigan’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Michigan’s top boy name: Noah
  • Michigan’s top 10 unique girl names: Reema, Zahraa, Germany, Rital, Areej, Harlym, Kamylah, Layal, Zyaire, Elloise (total of 17)
  • Michigan’s top 10 unique boy names: Floyd, Renley, Mohsen, Stuart, Wissam, Amaree, Delon, Husayn, Ishaaq, Joud (total of 12)

Minnesota (MN)

  • Minnesota’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Minnesota’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique girl names: Maryama, Siham, Ahlam, Manal, Mumtaz, Rayan, Ikhlas, Nawal, Afnan, Maiza (total of 34)
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique boy names: Yahye, Muhsin, Mohamedamin, Munasar, Nels, Sudais, Amaar, Brekken, Hanad, Majid (total of 29)

Mississippi (MS)

  • Mississippi’s top girl name: Ava
  • Mississippi’s top boy name: James
  • Mississippi’s 5 unique girl names: Rivers, Kaisleigh, Rhyleigh, Kulture, Mills
  • Mississippi’s 1 unique boy name: Khyler

Missouri (MO)

  • Missouri’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Missouri’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Missouri’s 5 unique girl names: Quinley, Rilee, Taylynn, Sekani, Teddy
  • Missouri’s 6 unique boy names: Petie, Tennessee, Devontae, Kolsyn, Maclin, Weslee

Montana (MT)

  • Montana’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Montana’s top boy name: William
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Nebraska

  • Nebraska’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Nebraska’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Nebraska’s 1 unique girl name: Eh
  • Nebraska’s 1 unique boy name: Creighton
    • Creighton University is located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Nevada

  • Nevada’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Nevada’s top boy name: Liam
  • Nevada’s 1 unique girl name: Hemen
  • No unique boy names.

New Hampshire

  • New Hampshire’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • New Hampshire’s top boy name: Theodore
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

New Jersey

  • New Jersey’s top girl name: Emma
  • New Jersey’s top boy name: Liam
  • New Jersey’s top 10 unique girl names: Tzivia, Shulamis, Ita, Debra, Fay, Sheva, Dena, Esti, Giorgia, Mattea (total of 11)
  • New Jersey’s top 10 unique boy names: Gershon, Boruch, Michoel, Yechezkel, Pinchos, Avigdor, Ahsan, Betzalel, Ibn, Nesanel (total of 15)

New Mexico

  • New Mexico’s top girl name: Sophia
  • New Mexico’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • New Mexico’s 1 unique boy name: Cruzito

New York

  • New York’s top girl name: Olivia
  • New York’s top boy name: Liam
  • New York’s top 10 unique girl names: Faigy, Gitty, Yitty, Raizy, Goldy, Shaindy, Blima, Henny, Pessy, Hinda (total of 197)
  • New York’s top 10 unique boy names: Shaya, Mendy, Usher, Yitzchak, Avrum, Yossi, Hershel, Elimelech, Shloma, Yida (total of 179)

North Carolina

  • North Carolina’s top girl name: Olivia
  • North Carolina’s top boy name: Liam
  • North Carolina’s top 10 unique girl names: Huntleigh, Makinley, Meylin, Talayah, Adair, Alaura, Avacyn, Bryelle, Emersen, Goddess (total of 18)
  • North Carolina’s top 10 unique boy names: Darrius, Shelton, Sheppard, Ward, Waylan, Zeb, Chasen, Clarke, Kaysin, Kori (total of 22)

North Dakota

  • North Dakota’s top girl name: Olivia
  • North Dakota’s top boy name: Oliver
  • North Dakota’s 1 unique girl name: Girl (a placeholder name)
  • No unique boy names.

Ohio

  • Ohio’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Ohio’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique girl names: Kierra, Lamiyah, Paizlee, Dempsey, Myonna, Annamae, Iyonna, Jaila, Jamyah, Khori (total of 29)
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique boy names: Bennet, Cylas, Merlin, Abdallah, Wayde, Atlee, Bashir, Blessing, Bryden, Cylus (total of 19)

Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Oklahoma’s top boy name: Liam
  • Oklahoma’s 4 unique girl names: Lakota, Huxley, Lun, Raelee
  • Oklahoma’s 2 unique boy names: Thang, Ripken

Oregon

  • Oregon’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Oregon’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Pennsylvania’s top boy name: Liam
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique girl names: Barbie, Verna, Lavina, Alahna, Allure, Gionna, Laela, Lovina, Giavonna, Jennica (total of 25)
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique boy names: Benuel, Enos, Arlan, Penn, Munir, Welles, Kendry, Koleson, Tyreek, Ahsaan (total of 25)

Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Rhode Island’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

South Carolina

  • South Carolina’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • South Carolina’s top boy name: Noah
  • No unique girl names.
  • South Carolina’s 4 unique boy names: Rashaun, Tillman, Keylan, Tyquan

South Dakota

  • South Dakota’s top girl name: Evelyn
  • South Dakota’s top boy name: Oliver
  • South Dakota’s 1 unique girl name: Kimimila (from the Lakota word kimímila, meaning “butterfly”)
  • No unique boy names.

Tennessee

  • Tennessee’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Tennessee’s top boy name: Liam
  • Tennessee’s top 10 unique girl names: Neely, Annsley, Elleanor, Kimberlynn, Whitlee, Alasia, Brenley, Brylie, Copper, Enslee (total of 15)
  • Tennessee’s top 10 unique boys names: Neyland, Holston, Opie, Hatcher, Kevon, Randal, Ryman, Aleczander, Dekari, Kaven (total of 14)
    • The University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium was named after former athletic director/coach Robert Neyland.
    • Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium was named after Nashville businessman Thomas Ryman.

Texas

  • Texas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Texas’s top boy name: Liam
  • Texas’s top 10 unique girl names: Landrie, Devany, Darianna, Atalie, Conley, Eliane, Leddy, Aitanna, Darely, Heiress (total of 501)
  • Texas’s top 10 unique boy names: Riggin, Witten, Job, Weldon, Cutter, Judge, Stratton, Blayze, Cross, Ferran (total of 310)

Utah

  • Utah’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Utah’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Utah’s 9 unique girl names: Alta, Liesl, Swayzee, Indica, Manaia, Nayvie, Quincey, Rorie, Savvy
  • Utah’s 10 unique boy names: Stockton, Ammon, Dallin, Cache, Kimball, Tyce, Hudsen, Niels, Quin, Talmage
    • Former professional basketball player John Stockton spent his entire NBA career with the Utah Jazz.
    • Dallin H. Oaks is one of the leaders of the LDS Church.
    • James E. Talmage was one of the leaders of the LDS Church in the early 1900s.

Vermont

  • Vermont’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Vermont’s top boy name: Henry
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Virginia

  • Virginia’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Virginia’s top boy name: Liam
  • Virginia’s 2 unique girl names: Cameran, Menna
  • Virginia’s 5 unique boy names: Amnen, Arkan, Athens, Kani, Khylen

(Here are the top baby names in Virginia, and within each of Virginia’s largest ethnic groups, according to the state itself.)

Washington

  • Washington’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Washington’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Washington’s 10 unique girl names: Mishika, Simona, Angelika, Hermela, Masina, Meklit, Shelly, Skadi, Soliana, Zakia
  • Washington’s top 10 unique boy names: Ruvim, Leul, Nazar, Orrin, Eldon, Ilya, Odysseus, Roscoe, Ryett, Tavish (total of 11)

West Virginia

  • West Virginia’s top girl name: Amelia
  • West Virginia’s top boy name: Asher
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Wisconsin’s top boy name: Henry
  • Wisconsin’s 3 unique girl names: Lorene, Luann, Maevis
  • Wisconsin’s 3 unique boy names: Lavern, Wilbur, Willem

Wyoming

  • Wyoming’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Wyoming’s top boy name: Noah
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

(Here are the top baby names in Wyoming according to the state itself.)


Many of the unique names above can be attributed to large religious/ethnic groups within certain states, such as the Amish in Pennsylvania/Ohio/Indiana, the Jews in New York/New Jersey, the Mormons in Utah/Idaho, and the Somali in Minnesota.

In fact, some of the names that appeared in the data for two states can be attributed to usage within these groups as well. Examples include…

  • Hyrum, Utah & Idaho
  • Mckay, Utah & Idaho
  • Mordechai, New York & New Jersey
  • Malka, New York & New Jersey
  • Rhoda, Ohio & Pennsylvania

Do you have any thoughts about the single-state names above? Or about any of the other names in the 2022 state-by-state data? If so, please leave a comment!

(One thought I had: The most interesting top-5 this time around has to be West Virginia’s boys’ list: Asher, Grayson, Waylon, Oliver, and Liam. And sixth place is a tie between Maverick and Noah.)

Source: Popular Names by State – SSA

Image (USATopographicalMap) by NOAA

Popular and unique baby names in each U.S. state, 2020

USA topographic map

Which baby names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2020? And which names only popped up in the data for a single state in 2020? Here are the answers! (Any unique name that also appeared in last year’s post is in boldface.)

Alabama

  • Alabama’s top girl name: Ava
  • Alabama’s top boy name: William
  • Alabama’s 7 unique girl names: Emoree, Khylie, Petrona, Annalynn, Jailee, Kaloni, Loxley
  • Alabama’s 7 unique boy names: Kyser, Mills, Johnluke, Kamar, Kendarius, Saylor, Xzavion

Alaska

  • Alaska’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Alaska’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Arizona

  • Arizona’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arizona’s top boy name: Liam
  • Arizona’s 3 unique girl names: Zo, Ariza, Payson
  • Arizona’s 2 unique boy names: Iram, Quill

Arkansas

  • Arkansas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arkansas’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names
  • No unique boy names.

California

  • California’s top girl name: Olivia
  • California’s top boy name: Noah
  • California’s top 10 unique girl names: Sequoia, Emiko, Rey, Melrose, Roxanna, Shaila, Briseida, Ara, Cathy, Koa (total of 551)
  • California’s top 10 unique boy names: Slater, Curren, Armen, Fateh, Agam, Angad, Gurbaaz, Subhan, Yash, Ojas (total of 394)

Colorado

  • Colorado’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Colorado’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Connecticut

  • Connecticut’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Connecticut’s top boy name: Noah
  • No unique girl names.
  • Connecticut’s 1 unique boy name: Henrique

Delaware

  • Delaware’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Delaware’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

District of Columbia

  • D.C.’s top girl name: Olivia
  • D.C.’s top boy name: William
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Florida

  • Florida’s top girl name: Emma
  • Florida’s top boy name: Liam
  • Florida’s top 10 unique girl names: Abigaelle, Harbor, Allana, Breeze, Forever, Jaziyah, Railyn, Aniyla, Arielis, Dalani (total of 81)
  • Florida’s top 10 unique boy names: Aramis, Jaheim, Javaris, Maleek, Caio, Jahleel, Jeriel, Kamir, Marvens, Amyr (total of 81)

Georgia

  • Georgia’s top girl name: Ava
  • Georgia’s top boy name: Liam
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique girl names: Harmonii, Emmagrace, Kaior, Kiersten, Maebry, Makiya, Aloni, Jersi, Allura, Amalie (total of 25)
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique boy names: Antwon, Kiari, Woods, Elnathan, Jalil, Javontae, Keigan, Londyn, Mansa, Rhylan (total of 30)

Hawaii

  • Hawaii’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Hawaii’s top boy name: Liam
  • Hawaii’s 6 unique girl names: Halia, Anela Mahealani, Ilihia, Malie, Maile
  • Hawaii’s 6 unique boy names: Kainalu, Kahiau, Kamahao, Keawe, Alika, Kaikoa

Idaho

  • Idaho’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Idaho’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Illinois

  • Illinois’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Illinois’s top boy name: Noah
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique girl names: Zuzanna, Pola, Aniela, Eleen, Daliyah, Calia, Daniya, Destini, Eleonora, Esha (total of 18)
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique boy names: Krystian, Teodor, Jovon, Petar, Syair, Vuk, Akshar, Jameer, Kiyaan, Lashawn (total of 24)

Indiana

  • Indiana’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Indiana’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Indiana’s 2 unique girl names: Aayla, Renlee
  • Indiana’s 8 unique boy names: Maciah, Axtyn, Buckley, Emmerson, Javonni, Kashten, Lavon, Layken

Iowa

  • Iowa’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Iowa’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • Iowa’s 1 unique boy name: Kinnick
    • Kinnick is the name of the University of Iowa’s football stadium.

Kansas

  • Kansas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Kansas’s top boy name: Liam
  • Kansas’s 2 unique girl names: Brecken, Atley
  • No unique boy names.

Kentucky

  • Kentucky’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Kentucky’s top boy name: Liam
  • Kentucky’s 2 unique girl names: Larkyn, Karson
  • Kentucky’s 1 unique boy name: Brentlee

Louisiana

  • Louisiana’s top girl name: Ava
  • Louisiana’s top boy name: Liam
  • Louisiana’s 8 unique girl names: Kaislee, Rylen, Harlym, Riyah, Cecile, Damiya, Jrue, Rhemi
  • Louisiana’s 6 unique boy names: Baylen, Daxx, Jansen, Tylin, Hutson, Tyrin

Maine

  • Maine’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Maine’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Maryland

  • Maryland’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Maryland’s top boy name: Liam
  • Maryland’s 7 unique girl names: Dynver, Oakland, Brailyn, Chidera, Gelila, Kaylei, Shekinah
  • Maryland’s 3 unique boy names: Yafet, Jordon, Karon

Massachusetts

  • Massachusetts’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Massachusetts’s top boy name: Noah
  • Massachusetts’s 8 unique girl names: Aylla, Manuella, Eloah, Nelle, Clarisse, Emilly, Heloisa, Malu
  • Massachusetts’s 8 unique boy names: Heitor, Tadhg, Joaopedro, Noriel, Walden, Dana, Enzogabriel, Jordany

Michigan

  • Michigan’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Michigan’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Michigan’s top 10 unique girl names: Zahraa, Cashmere, Ellouise, Manar, Breslyn, Cobi, Hala, Raneem, Arla, Avacyn (total of 22)
  • Michigan’s top 10 unique boy names: Blair, Ayham, Coltyn, Nicklas, Daijon, Alastair, Deante, Haidar, Kodah, Mohsen (total of 13)

Minnesota

  • Minnesota’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Minnesota’s top boy name: Henry
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique girl names: Maida, Rayan, Nawal, Adna, Ahlam, Ikhlas, Ayan, Britta, Mumtaz, Munira (total of 28)
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique boy names: Muad, Muhsin, Yaqub, Sudais, Abdulahi, Mohamedamin, Masud, Liban, Mikko, Yonis (total of 23)

Mississippi

  • Mississippi’s top girl name: Ava
  • Mississippi’s top boy name: James
  • Mississippi’s 3 unique girl names: Harlei, Mattilyn, Rivers
  • Mississippi’s 6 unique boy names: Ashtin, Devonta, Aycen, Jakayden, Keondre, Landan

Missouri

  • Missouri’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Missouri’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Missouri’s 8 unique girl names: Kelce, Esma, Kamori, Quinley, Blu, Jhream, Kendyl, Mavery
  • Missouri’s 5 unique boy names: Travon, Bryton, Darrion, Sutter, Whitley

Montana

  • Montana’s top girl name: Charlotte & Olivia (tie)
  • Montana’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Nebraska

  • Nebraska’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Nebraska’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Nebraska’s 1 unique girl name: Breckyn
  • Nebraska’s 1 unique boy name: Eh

Nevada

  • Nevada’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Nevada’s top boy name: Liam
  • Nevada’s 1 unique girl name: Unity
  • No unique boy names.

New Hampshire

  • New Hampshire’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • New Hampshire’s top boy name: Lucas
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

New Jersey

  • New Jersey’s top girl name: Olivia
  • New Jersey’s top boy name: Liam
  • New Jersey’s top 10 unique girl names: Bluma, Ruchama, Leba, Avigayil, Jadelyn, Alianny, Arna, Bina, Ita, Maahi (total of 13)
  • New Jersey’s top 10 unique boy names: Boruch, Shraga, Gershon, Shaul, Avigdor, Naksh, Abeer, Nesanel, Refoel, Yerachmiel (total of 19)

New Mexico

  • New Mexico’s top girl name: Olivia
  • New Mexico’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

New York

  • New York’s top girl name: Olivia
  • New York’s top boy name: Liam
  • New York’s top 10 unique girl names: Gitty, Yitty, Raizy, Sury, Esty, Goldy, Idy, Henny, Yides, Hinda (total of 174)
    • Esty came up in the 2020 Pop Culture Baby Name Game because of the Netflix mini-series Unorthodox, which features an ultra-Orthodox Jewish main character named Esty from Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC. Of the 67 baby girls named Esty last year, 59 were born in New York specifically.
  • New York’s top 10 unique boy names: Lipa, Yechiel, Hershel, Pinchas, Avrum, Lazer, Md, Nachman, Berl, Muhammadyusuf (total of 157)

North Carolina

  • North Carolina’s top girl name: Olivia
  • North Carolina’s top boy name: Liam
  • North Carolina’s 8 unique girl names: Wrenn, Katara, Beckley, Embree, Kaileigh, Promyse, Reigna, Twyla
  • North Carolina’s top 10 unique boy names: Nolyn, Calihan, Aysen, Bladen, Damarcus, Dempsey, Hilton, Jahmere, Kaedyn, Kamdon (total of 16)

North Dakota

  • North Dakota’s top girl name: Amelia & Olivia
  • North Dakota’s top boy name: Oliver
  • North Dakota’s 1 unique girl name: Girl (…still probably just a place-holder)
  • No unique boy names.

Ohio

  • Ohio’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Ohio’s top boy name: Liam
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique girl names: Damyla, Jozie, Delainey, Delila, Dorcas, Joselynn, Maisley, Maizey, Marcia, Bexleigh (total of 22)
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique boy names: Willis, Larkin, Jashawn, Abdallah, Bennet, Bexley, Buck, Cylus, Freeman, Graeme (total of 26)

Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Oklahoma’s top boy name: Liam
  • Oklahoma’s 4 unique girl names: Brenlee, Jentri, Lun, Man
  • Oklahoma’s 5 unique boy names: Pau, Creek, Mung, Cale, Dayson

Oregon

  • Oregon’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Oregon’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • Oregon’s 1 unique boy name: Rogue

Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania’s top girl name: Emma
  • Pennsylvania’s top boy name: Noah
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique girl names: Barbie, Suhaylah, Lavina, Verna, Surah, Erma, Adalind, Azara, Saloma, Aasiyah (total of 28)
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique boy names: Mahlon, Benuel, Ayyub, Aasim, Lavern, Baxter, Carmen, Muadh, Ahzir, Asir (total of 32)

Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Rhode Island’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

South Carolina

  • South Carolina’s top girl name: Ava
  • South Carolina’s top boy name: William
  • South Carolina’s 3 unique girl names: Kaniya, Ellory, Indya
  • South Carolina’s 3 unique boy names: Drayton, Bowman, Collins

South Dakota

  • South Dakota’s top girl name: Harper
  • South Dakota’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Tennessee

  • Tennessee’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Tennessee’s top boy name: Liam
  • Tennessee’s top 10 unique girl names: Anslee, Callaway, Henleigh, Mallie, Amellia, Blakley, Chloee, Crimson, Emersynn, Ivyanna (total of 14)
  • Tennessee’s top 10 unique boy names: Neyland, Martavious, Holston, Ladarius, Mckinley, Ripken, Conley, Crockett, Kimoni, Ryman (total of 11)
    • Neyland is the name of the University of Tennessee’s football stadium.
    • Holston is the name of a river in Tennessee.
    • Ryman is the name of the Nashville auditorium that was the home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-’74).

Texas

  • Texas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Texas’s top boy name: Liam
  • Texas’s top 10 unique girl names: Elida, Kymber, Roberta, Xaria, Debanhi, Karyme, Abilene, Kirby, Analeigh, Bryar (total of 452)
    • Abilene is the name of a city in Texas.
  • Texas’s top 10 unique boy names: Crawford, Homero, Guadalupe, Eliazar, Abiel, Clemente, Javi, Koe, Javen, Kutter (total of 276)

Utah

  • Utah’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Utah’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Utah’s 5 unique girl names: Alta, Scottlyn, Cozette, Auburn, Swayzie
  • Utah’s 6 unique boy names: Kaladin, Taggart, Thayne, Trapper, Alma, Quaid
    • Kaladin is the name of a character in the Stormlight Archive book series by Utah author Brandon Sanderson.

Vermont

  • Vermont’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Vermont’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Virginia

  • Virginia’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Virginia’s top boy name: Liam
  • Virginia’s 6 unique girl names: Soliana, Soliyana, Cornelia, Harlan, Makenzi, Yanet
  • Virginia’s 6 unique boy names: Yuvin, Berkley, Keandre, Nayel, Nyzir, Sarim

Washington

  • Washington’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Washington’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Washington’s 6 unique girl names: Ellinor, Jasper, Freja, Korah, Ravenna, Robbie
    • Ravenna is the name of a neighborhood in Seattle.
  • Washington’s 7 unique boy names: Finlay, Amnen, Finnan, Lochlann, Peregrine, Echo, Jettson

West Virginia

  • West Virginia’s top girl name: Harper
  • West Virginia’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Wisconsin’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Wisconsin’s 1 unique girl name: Marietta
  • Wisconsin’s 2 unique boy names: Chet, Everhett

Wyoming

  • Wyoming’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Wyoming’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Have any info/theories on any of the unique names above? If so, please leave a comment!

Source: Popular Names by State – SSA

Image (USATopographicalMap) by NOAA

Where did the baby name Geddy come from?

Geddy Lee of the band Rush (in 2004)
Geddy Lee of Rush

Last weekend, the Toronto Zoo announced that its three capybara pups would be named Geddy, Alex, and Neil in honor of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart — the three members of Canadian progressive rock band Rush (known for songs like “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight”).

This reminded me that, in the late 1970s and early ’80s — when Rush was a fixture on the U.S. Billboard charts — the name Geddy started appearing in the U.S. baby name data:

  • 1984: 9 baby boys named Geddy
  • 1983: unlisted
  • 1982: 14 baby boys named Geddy
  • 1981: unlisted
  • 1980: unlisted
  • 1979: 5 baby boys named Geddy [debut]
  • 1978: unlisted

Vocalist Geddy Lee was born Gary Lee in Toronto in 1953 to parents Morris and Manya Weinrib, Holocaust survivors from Poland. Here’s how the name “Gary” morphed into the name “Geddy”:

“Okay, it’s like the same story of Leave it to Beaver. The story goes: my mother is Polish and she has a very thick accent. When I was about twelve years old, I had a friend who, whenever he heard my mother pronounce my name, he thought she was calling me, ‘Geddy.’ He started calling me ‘Geddy,’ and eventually, all of my friends started calling me ‘Geddy,’ and eventually my mother started to call me ‘Geddy,’ for real. And eventually, I changed my name legally to ‘Geddy,’ so that’s the story and that’s my name, Geddy.”

If you were having a son, and you had to name him either Gary or Geddy, which would you choose? Why?

Update, Feb. 2024: Here’s a paragraph from the prologue of Geddy Lee’s memoir My Effin’ Life (which was published late last year):

You probably know me as Geddy Lee, but my birthname was Gershon Eliezer Weinrib, after my maternal grandfather who was murdered in the Holocaust. As per tradition, my mom, her sister and her brother all named their first-born male children in his honour; my two cousins and I, all of us born within a couple of years of one another, were given that same first name, Gershon.

The name on his birth certificate, however, is Gary Lee Weinrib — the “English equivalent” of his Jewish name.

Sources:

Image: Adapted from Geddy Lee Milan 2004 (public domain) by Enrico Frangi

Baby born on ship, but not named for it

Back when ocean liners were the main mode of long distance travel, it was common for babies born at sea to be named after the ship they were born on (e.g., Cleveland, Martello, Numidian).

So it was notable when a baby was born on a ship and not named for that ship.

Case in point, the first baby born aboard the RMS Carmania:

The first baby to be born on board the new Cunard turbine liner Carmania came into the world in midocean last Wednesday. The baby is a boy, the son of Russian parents, who were among the 1,001 steerage passengers arriving here on the Carmania yesterday. The saloon passengers made up a purse of $60 and presented it to the parents. Strange to say, the boy was not christened Carmania. His parents decided that when he grew up he might object.

According to the manifest for that trip, the baby was named Gerschon. (His father’s first and middle names were Abram Gerschon.)

The Biblical name Gerschon/Gershon is a variant of another Biblical name, Gershom, which is thought to mean “[a person in] exile” in Hebrew.

Sources:

  • First Carmania Baby.” New York Times 5 Mar. 1906.
  • Hanks, Patrick, Kate Hardcastle and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of First Names. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.