Which baby names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2019?
And which names only popped up in the data for a single state in 2019?
All the answers are below!
Alabama
- Alabama’s top girl name: Ava
- Alabama’s top boy name: William
- Alabama’s 4 unique girl names: Brelynn, Jamaria, Kenslie, Vella
- Alabama’s 6 unique boy names: Wheeler, Kyser, Walton, Whitaker, Zaylon, Zylon
Alaska
- Alaska’s top girl name: Emma & Evelyn (tie)
- Alaska’s top boy name: Liam
- No unique girl names.
- Alaska’s 1 unique boy name: Hatcher
Arizona
- Arizona’s top girl name: Olivia
- Arizona’s top boy name: Liam
- Arizona’s 5 unique girl names: Aolanis, Ariza, Zona, Kamri, Polly
- Arizona’s 1 unique boy name: Aric
Arkansas
- Arkansas’s top girl name: Olivia
- Arkansas’s top boy name: William
- Arkansas’s 1 unique girl name: Savvy
- No unique boy names.
California
- California’s top girl name: Olivia
- California’s top boy name: Noah
- California’s top 10 unique girl names: Aashvi, Mannat, Emiko, Roxy, Sehaj, Metztli, Yadira, Aiko, Cathy, Daliah (total of 558)
- California’s top 10 unique boy names: Ekan, Armen, Fateh, Remmy, Hiro, Agam, Angad, Manraj, Rick, Skye (total of 421)
Colorado
- Colorado’s top girl name: Charlotte
- Colorado’s top boy name: Liam
- Colorado’s 2 unique girl names: Ellamae, Analaya
- No unique boy names.
Connecticut
- Connecticut’s top girl name: Olivia
- Connecticut’s top boy name: Liam
- No unique girl names.
- Connecticut’s 1 unique boy name: Lukasz
Delaware
- Delaware’s top girl name: Emma
- Delaware’s top boy name: Noah
- No unique baby names.
District of Columbia
- D.C.’s top girl name: Olivia
- D.C.’s top boy name: William
- No unique baby names.
Florida
- Florida’s top girl name: Emma
- Florida’s top boy name: Liam
- Florida’s top 10 unique girl names: Serayah, Ainoha, Anaelle, Anthonella, Derin, Franchesca, Jaelle, Vasilisa, Arielys, Gaelle (total of 100)
- Florida’s top 10 unique boy names: Omarion, Platon, Chayse, Adams, Ameir, Jakhi, Luccas, Mako, Chauncey, Enrico (total of 98)
Georgia
- Georgia’s top girl name: Ava
- Georgia’s top boy name: Liam & William (tie)
- Georgia’s top 10 unique girl names: Dallis, Honest, Mayleigh, Armonie, Carrigan, Collier, Jahlani, Kaidyn, Khylee, Kylei (total of 36)
- Georgia’s top 10 unique boy names: Akari, Lawton, Yohannes, Cali, Chozen, Ikenna, Kamir, Mills, Sanchez, Tyshaun (total of 29)
Hawaii
- Hawaii’s top girl name: Olivia
- Hawaii’s top boy name: Noah
- Hawaii’s 6 unique girl names: Lilinoe, Hiilei, Hilinai, Tehani, Haukea, Kealohilani
- Hawaii’s top 10 unique boy names: Kaimana, Kainalu, Laakea, Keahi, Ryzen, Aukai, Haaheo, Ikaika, Kaniela, Kawelo (total of 12)
Idaho
- Idaho’s top girl name: Emma & Olivia (tie)
- Idaho’s top boy name: Oliver
- No unique baby names.
Illinois
- Illinois’s top girl name: Olivia
- Illinois’s top boy name: Noah
- Illinois’s top 10 unique girl names: Kayloni, Dariah, Katalyna, Melah, Shaelyn, Shanti, Ajla, Daniya, Jalynn, Kaoir (total of 19)
- Illinois’s top 10 unique boy names: Demond, Lamari, Lavell, Dawid, Kellin, Lamarion, Patryk, Abdulmalik, Bassam, Damen (total of 22)
Indiana
- Indiana’s top girl name: Olivia
- Indiana’s top boy name: Liam
- Indiana’s 4 unique girl names: Dena, Haizlee, Brynna, Copeland
- Indiana’s 2 unique boy names: Menno, Finnlee
Iowa
- Iowa’s top girl name: Charlotte
- Iowa’s top boy name: Oliver
- Iowa’s 1 unique girl name: Misty
- Iowa’s 1 unique boy name: Kinnick
Kansas
- Kansas’s top girl name: Olivia
- Kansas’s top boy name: Liam
- No unique baby names.
Kentucky
- Kentucky’s top girl name: Amelia
- Kentucky’s top boy name: Liam
- No unique girl names.
- Kentucky’s 2 unique boy names: Koleson, Thayer
Louisiana
- Louisiana’s top girl name: Olivia
- Louisiana’s top boy name: Noah
- No unique baby names.
Maine
- Maine’s top girl name: Charlotte
- Maine’s top boy name: Oliver
- No unique baby names.
Maryland
- Maryland’s top girl name: Olivia
- Maryland’s top boy name: Liam
- Maryland’s 1 unique girl name: Ayomide
- Maryland’s 4 unique boy names: Tavon, Ademide, Ifeoluwa, Jabril
Massachusetts
- Massachusetts’s top girl name: Olivia
- Massachusetts’s top boy name: Benjamin
- Massachusetts’s 5 unique girl names: Aylla, Heloisa, Isabelly, Mariaeduarda, Tula
- Massachusetts’s 3 unique boy names: Guilherme, Jayziel, Nyzaiah
Michigan
- Michigan’s top girl name: Olivia
- Michigan’s top boy name: Noah
- Michigan’s top 10 unique girl names: Zahraa, Breslyn, Germani, Layal, Breslin, Makyla, Talayah, Alaska, Hadeel, Katara (total of 13)
- Michigan’s top 10 unique boy names: Arkan, Bryton, Karon, Martell, Milano, Mohamadali, Rayvon, Damere, Emad, Fadi (total of 15)
Minnesota
- Minnesota’s top girl name: Olivia
- Minnesota’s top boy name: Henry
- Minnesota’s top 10 unique girl names: Maida, Ahlam, Munira, Anzal, Adna, Bushra, Sabrin, Siham, Maryan, Mumtaz (total of 37)
- Minnesota’s top 10 unique boy names: Muhsin, Bauer, Musab, Abdulahi, Sabir, Eh, Harun, Mikko, Mohamedamin, Yahye (total of 20)
Mississippi
- Mississippi’s top girl name: Ava
- Mississippi’s top boy name: William
- Mississippi’s 5 unique girl names: Swayze, Ainslee, Eriel, Lynley, Rivers
- Mississippi’s 2 unique boy names: Hilton, Landan
Missouri
- Missouri’s top girl name: Olivia
- Missouri’s top boy name: Liam
- Missouri’s 3 unique girl names: Makynlee, Dru, Gwendolynn
- Missouri’s 2 unique boy names: Cale, Darrion
Montana
- Montana’s top girl name: Emma
- Montana’s top boy name: Oliver
- No unique baby names.
Nebraska
- Nebraska’s top girl name: Olivia
- Nebraska’s top boy name: Oliver
- Nebraska’s 2 unique girl names: Brecklynn, Lennyn
- No unique boy names.
Nevada
- Nevada’s top girl name: Sophia
- Nevada’s top boy name: Liam
- No unique baby names.
New Hampshire
- New Hampshire’s top girl name: Charlotte
- New Hampshire’s top boy name: Benjamin
- No unique baby 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: Leeba, Tzivia, Zahava, Bluma, Ruchama, Brocha, Chaitra, Fay, Aanika, Akshaya (total of 14)
- New Jersey’s top 10 unique boy names: Nosson, Boruch, Philopater, Nechemia, Param, Refoel, Naftoli, Betzalel, Donato, Ziyon (total of 22)
New Mexico
- New Mexico’s top girl name: Ava
- New Mexico’s top boy name: Liam
- No unique baby 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: Shaindy, Hindy, Sury, Goldy, Etty, Henny, Idy, Gittel, Shaindel, Fradel (total of 208)
- New York’s top 10 unique boy names: Lazer, Naftali, Shmiel, Shloma, Benzion, Hershel, Berl, Abubakr, Shaul, Md (total of 175)
North Carolina
- North Carolina’s top girl name: Ava
- North Carolina’s top boy name: Liam
- North Carolina’s top 10 unique girl names: Tyla, Brenley, Dasia, Essie, Nalayah, Passion, Zyana, Chesnee, Kamyra, Kenly (total of 13)
- North Carolina’s top 10 unique boy names: Quamir, Bowman, Brennon, Cyncere, Azion, Braylan, Jahking, Juel, Kamauri, Layke (total of 13)
North Dakota
- North Dakota’s top girl name: Amelia
- North Dakota’s top boy name: Liam
- North Dakota’s 1 unique girl name: Girl (…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: Crosley, Coralynn, Aissata, Arbor, Dezire, Jamiah, Larkyn, Neva, Shaelynn, Amarra (total of 24)
- Ohio’s top 10 unique boy names: Kolsen, Jansen, Kaydon, Dyson, Jayshawn, Krishal, Rayshawn, Urban, Amiir, Bennie (total of 26)
Oklahoma
- Oklahoma’s top girl name: Olivia
- Oklahoma’s top boy name: Liam
- Oklahoma’s 3 unique girl names: Niang, Jentri, Tennessee
- Oklahoma’s 4 unique boy names: Thang, Pau, Rhyatt, Saxton
Oregon
- Oregon’s top girl name: Olivia
- Oregon’s top boy name: Oliver
- No unique girl names.
- Oregon’s 2 unique boy names: Ripley, Rogue
Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania’s top girl name: Olivia
- Pennsylvania’s top boy name: Liam
- Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique girl names: Barbie, Suhaylah, Allure, Erma, Saloma, Auriella, Lavina, Surah, Aasiyah, Mecca (total of 31)
- Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique boy names: Masai, Aasir, Mervin, Benuel, Ayyub, Jamin, Kasir, Munir, Naseem, Aleem (total of 31)
Rhode Island
- Rhode Island’s top girl name: Charlotte
- Rhode Island’s top boy name: Noah
- No unique baby names.
South Carolina
- South Carolina’s top girl name: Olivia
- South Carolina’s top boy name: William
- South Carolina’s 4 unique girl names: Elloree, Zyasia, Kerrington, Matilyn
- Elloree is a South Carolina town.
- South Carolina’s 3 unique boy names: Kinston, Drayton, Rakeem
South Dakota
- South Dakota’s top girl name: Emma
- South Dakota’s top boy name: Liam
- No unique baby names.
Tennessee
- Tennessee’s top girl name: Ava
- Tennessee’s top boy name: William
- Tennessee’s 8 unique girl names: Annslee, Anzlee, Avie, Dearia, Embry, Karsen, Lora, Tylee
- Tennessee’s 10 unique boy names: Ryman, Tracy, Blakely, Briley, Crews, Dmari, Holston, Jorah, Ladarrius, Marquel
Texas
- Texas’s top girl name: Emma
- Texas’s top boy name: Liam
- Texas’s top 10 unique girl names: Landree, Dariela, Laramie, Irma, Kendalyn, Amarachi, Debanhi, Devany, Jayci, Kenzlie (total of 424)
- Texas’s top 10 unique boy names: Witten, Rhyder, Eliud, Cutter, Eliab, Zuriel, Homero, Burhanuddin, Prescott, Weldon (total of 304)
- Jason Witten is a football player who was with the Dallas Cowboys for most of his career.
Utah
- Utah’s top girl name: Olivia
- Utah’s top boy name: Oliver
- Utah’s top 10 unique girl names: Weslie, Mele, Quincey, Taylie, Alta, Cozette, Lyndee, Mccall, Navie, Nayvie (total of 17)
- Utah’s top 10 unique boy names: Cache, Dallin, Korver, Kaladin, Covey, Kimball, Beckam, Jens, Haze, Oaks (total of 19)
Vermont
- Vermont’s top girl name: Harper
- Vermont’s top boy name: Oliver
- No unique baby names.
Virginia
- Virginia’s top girl name: Ava
- Virginia’s top boy name: Liam
- Virginia’s 1 unique girl name: Ashby
- Virginia’s top 10 unique boy names: Nahmir, Ashby, Berkley, Jenesis, Leul, Nymir, Amanuel, Antwon, Cornell, Dany (total of 12)
Washington
- Washington’s top girl name: Olivia
- Washington’s top boy name: Liam
- Washington’s 6 unique girl names: Anuhea, Imogene, Keona, Posie, Ravenna, Runa
- Washington’s 7 unique boy names: Rainier, Abhay, Kelson, Nam, Tidus, Tyr, Whittaker
West Virginia
- West Virginia’s top girl name: Emma
- West Virginia’s top boy name: Liam
- West Virginia’s 1 unique girl name: Laykin
- No unique boy names.
Wisconsin
- Wisconsin’s top girl name: Olivia
- Wisconsin’s top boy name: Oliver
- Wisconsin’s 2 unique girl names: Lumen, Brexley
- Wisconsin’s 5 unique boy names: Keston, Dekker, Eivin, Merlin, Sully
Wyoming
- Wyoming’s top girl name: Charlotte & Olivia (tie)
- Wyoming’s top boy name: Liam
- No unique baby names.
Did you spot the name Tennessee on the Oklahoma list, and the name Alaska on the Michigan list? ;)
If you happen to know why any of the single-state names are seeing higher usage in those particular states, please let us know in the comments!
Source: Popular Names by State – SSA
Image (USATopographicalMap) by NOAA
It’s interesting to see the influence of different ethnic groups that predominantly reside in one or two states on these names. Most of the nique names in Minnesota are Somali. Eh might be Hmong. The unique names from New York and New Jersey are mainly Yiddish names from the Orthodox Jewish community there, probably many Chasidic. A few of the unique names from Pennsylvania are predominantly used by the Amish or related Mennonite communities: Benuel and Mervin for boys; Barbie, Erma, and Lavina for girls.
I also spotted another Mennonite unique name in Indiana: Menno for boys. The Amish and Mennonites have some sizable communities in Indiana now as well as in other states. Menno is likely used by Mennonites in honor of founder Menno Simons.
And one more Amish name: Saloma for girls in Pennsylvania. They also use the variant Salome.
Last winter we visited Crater Lake in Oregon and learned about the Rogue Pack of wolves that live there. The pack is named after a local river. We brought home a plush wolf, and named it Rogue. It looks like some other people have used that name for even cuter little souvenirs.
MI: The Breslin Center is where the Michigan State University basketball team plays. The coach, Tom Izzo, just hit his 25th anniversary coaching there, & has a lot of devoted fans, but his name isn’t really in line with current naming trends. There also might be an oblique element of support for him in the naming pattern, since he’s been facing questions in the fallout from the Larry Nasser mess.
Reasons behind a couple of the unique names of Tennessee: Ryman would be because of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville (and I think that’s actually really cute as a name). Tracy for boys is probably a nod to either Tracy Lawrence or Trace Adkins whose birth name is Tracy. Both are country singers in Nashville.
Ashby – which I think is the only name to be on a state’s unique list for both genders – is likely influenced by either the place Ashby’s Gap (or Ashby Gap depending on who you ask) or the person, General Turner Ashby.
Ashby’s Gap is a break in the ridgeline to cross from Northern Virginia to the Shenandoah Valley. It was named after an early landowner, Thomas Ashby, and the well known Ashby’s Inn is nearby. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area of Ashby’s Gap.
General Turner Ashby was a Brigadier General in the Confederate Army who was born & served in Virginia leading the cavalry. According to the Virginia Library he is related to Thomas Ashby. Civil War buffs abound in Virginia, so naming your child (or dog) for someone associated with the Confederacy is not at all unlikely and my money’s on him.
Anslee Daniel is a reporter for a TV station in Johnson City Tennessee.
@Ellyn
I think Rayshard Ashby, current Virginia Tech linebacker, could also be an influence.
@ Becca Definitely anyone or anything Va Tech related could influence baby names. At least Hokie isn’t on the list.
Thank you for all these great comments/insights, you guys!
Rainier is a dormant volcano that looms over many scenic vistas in Seattle and Tacoma. It definitely concentrates locally: there are multiple Rainiers in one grade of a local school! Ravenna is a neighborhood in Seattle, and also a street and a park.
For Utah’s names, Alta is one of the big ski areas here, as well as a town. Cache is a county. Dallin H. Oaks is a former Utah Supreme Court justice and current Latter-day Saint apostle. Stephen Covey of Franklin Covey and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was from Utah. And Kimball would be a reference to Spencer W. Kimball, former prophet from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jens could be a heritage pick, Utah having a higher than average Scandinavian heritage and higher than average involvement in genealogical research.
@SilentOne – Thank you!
Many of the names in Massachusetts are from the Portuguese language (Heloísa, Maria Eduarda, Guilherme) or are names that are common in Brazil (Aylla, Isabelly), which makes sense since Massachusetts has a lot of people from Portuguese-speaking countries!
@Lena – Thanks!