How popular is the baby name Pat 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 Pat.

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Popularity of the baby name Pat


Posts that mention the name Pat

Popular and unique baby names in each U.S. state in 2024

USA topographic map

Which baby names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2024?

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

Let’s check it out…

Alabama

Girl names (AL)Boy names (AL)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 234 babies
2. Olivia, 224
3. Amelia, 214		1. William, 314 babies
2. John, 303
3. James, 297
Unique to AL’s dataAlona, Kaziah, Laiklyn, MarcieBryston, Gaines, Javaris, Kamir, Raylon, Talan

Alaska

Girl names (AK)Boy names (AK)
Most popular1. Amelia, 39 babies
2. Olivia, 36
3. Aurora, 31		1. Oliver, 52 babies
2. Theodore, 40
3. Liam/Noah (tie), 39 each
Unique to AK’s data(none)(none)

Arizona

Girl names (AZ)Boy names (AZ)
Most popular1. Olivia, 346 babies
2. Emma, 326
3. Isabella, 306		1. Liam, 504 babies
2. Noah, 446
3. Mateo, 420
Unique to AZ’s dataAriza, Nizhoni, Adelani, Aryella, Blu, RehemaPayson, Huey, Tillman

The Navajo word nizhóní means “beautiful” or “good.”

Payson might be a reference to the Arizona town of Payson.

Tillman could be a tribute to Arizona Cardinals player Pat Tillman, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004.

Arkansas

Girl names (AR)Boy names (AR)
Most popular1. Olivia, 132 babies
2. Amelia, 117
3. Emma, 104		1. Liam, 173 babies
2. Oliver, 159
3. Noah, 149
Unique to AR’s data(none)(none)

California

Girl names (CA)Boy names (CA)
Most popular1. Mia, 1,986 babies
2. Olivia, 1,931
3. Camila, 1,885		1. Liam, 2,716 babies
2. Noah, 2,674
3. Mateo, 2,360
Unique to CA’s dataMannat, Rahil, Shaya, Imara, Anayat, Genevie, Hennessy, Roya, Venice, Arlyn, Itzia, Iyari, Izabel, Jiana, Lulu, Sandy, Seerat, Yaneth, Avnoor, Daleysa, Dayra, Inayat, Iona, Magali, Nadar, Nazanin, Nico, Sahar, Ameli, Anahat, Arissa, Arpi, Avleen, Bani, Carmel, Delphine, Gisel, Jazlene, Justine, Kirpa, Ora, Raylene, Ruhani, Sidak, Xochi, Zephyr, Adelynne, Amanat, Arisa, Aritzia…
(top 50 of 502 total)		Armen, Hero, Remmy, Agam, Dara, Ekam, Mehtab, Himmat, Waris, Jujhar, Jun, Sahib, Jorawar, Lenin, Skye, Tejas, Tigran, Galileo, Hari, Kirin, Rai, Zeno, Kavir, Rigo, Sora, Aadvik, Franky, Gibran, Greg, Hovhannes, Kasra, Laksh, Nasser, Oz, Ara, Arin, Artur, Ashot, Bosco, Broderick, Eduin, Eliano, Ferdinand, Juno, Kavin, Marius, Matisse, Mehran, Mihir, Ojas…
(top 50 of 356 total)

Another unique-to-California girl name was Topanga.

Colorado

Girl names (CO)Boy names (CO)
Most popular1. Olivia, 277 babies
2. Charlotte, 262
3. Emma, 229		1. Liam, 423 babies
2. Oliver, 367
3. Noah, 341
Unique to CO’s data(none)Wacey

Connecticut

Girl names (CT)Boy names (CT)
Most popular1. Mia/Olivia (tie), 167 babies each
3. Charlotte, 155		1. Liam, 253 babies
2. Noah, 252
3. Oliver, 170
Unique to CT’s data(none)Kendriel

Delaware

Girl names (DE)Boy names (DE)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 46 babies
2. Sophia, 43
3. Emma, 38		1. Liam, 74 babies
2. Noah, 54
3. Oliver, 44
Unique to DE’s data(none)(none)

District of Columbia

Girl names (DC)Boy names (DC)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 48 babies
2. Olivia, 43
3. Zoe, 39		1. James, 58 babies
2. Liam, 56
3. Henry, 51
Unique to DC’s data(none)(none)

Florida

Girl names (FL)Boy names (FL)
Most popular1. Olivia, 1,142 babies
2. Emma, 1,084
3. Mia, 1,058		1. Liam, 1,818 babies
2. Noah, 1,736
3. Lucas, 926
Unique to FL’s dataElianis, Icelyn, Pera, Adel, Ainoah, Daliana, Emunah, Jaziyah, Kiarah, Saraiyah, Alanys, Aluna, Leyna, Sephora, Zayelle, Alaiia, Alesia, Anahia, Christelle, Christie, Daily, Dillon, Lidya, Mehlani, Reigna, Taisha, Taylynn, Viktoria, Yemaya, Zorah, Abigael, Ahsoka, Ainoa, Ariyana, Cailee, Cailynn, Cristy, Daniyah, Darah, Derin, Elayah, Florencia, Gaelle, Gracey, Jaelle, Jaia, Jasper, Jemimah, Kamoni, Khai…
(top 50 of 117 total)		Diago, Fabrizio, Piero, Yan, Woodley, Carlens, Eliyah, Kervens, Maelo, Zahmir, Adams, Geoffrey, Jakeem, Janiel, Khairo, Lamir, Mako, Nilo, Tavaris, Xian, Amael, Apolo, Armand, Artis, Chaz, Costa, Dequan, Ege, Filippo, Jahani, Jahmyr, Jardani, Jazir, Jomar, Keion, Khaleb, Kimani, Kuzey, Mattia, Matvey, Millan, Peace, Romir, Shamar, Thane, Trae, Yamil, Aeden, Antwon, Beckam…
(top 50 of 96 total)

Georgia

Girl names (GA)Boy names (GA)
Most popular1. Charlotte/Olivia (tie), 451 babies each
2. Amelia, 431		1. Liam, 771 babies
2. Noah, 708
3. James, 478
Unique to GA’s dataJalia, Amryn, Choyce, Honest, Ameria, Atley, Jaida, Jamiya, Kaiori, Nalayah, Teyana, Zori, Alden, Alonna, Amiria, Amouri, Annsley, Azani, Braylin, Cree, Dasia, Drue, Esma, Heran, Jazaiyah, Justyce, Kaidence, Kanyla, Kayani, Khylee, Kohen, Legacie, Mariya, Noriah, Nyrobi, Purity, Purpose, Savani, Waverley, Zakiya, ZanaiLawton, Jhacari, Kari, Nahmir, Quamir, Amarii, Kidus, Kmari, Murray, Sevin, Xylan, Britt, Chancellor, Charleston, Dayvon, Gaspar, Honest, Hutson, Jahsier, Jailen, Jakori, Jalani, Jameer, Jamiri, Kaedyn, Kamiri, Kendell, Keyshawn, Khayir, Kory, Kyier, Kymari, Makhari, Marquez, Oseas, Rahzi, Romari, Taylan, Taylon, Wilkes

Hawaii

Girl names (HI)Boy names (HI)
Most popular1. Olivia, 40 babies
2. Emma/Kaia (tie), 38 each		1. Noah, 59 babies
2. Elijah/Ezra/Liam (3-way tie), 40 each
Unique to HI’s dataNanea, Pualena, Malie, Olena, IlihiaKaimana, Kanaloa, Kaikoa, Kainalu, Kanoa, Makana, Ryzen, Nainoa, Ikaika, Kamahao, Kanai

Idaho

Girl names (ID)Boy names (ID)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 95 babies
2. Hazel, 91
3. Olivia, 89		1. Oliver, 143 babies
2. Henry, 113
3. Liam, 105
Unique to ID’s data(none)(none)

Illinois

Girl names (IL)Boy names (IL)
Most popular1. Olivia, 501 babies
2. Mia, 477
3. Charlotte, 463		1. Liam, 737 babies
2. Noah, 670
3. Oliver, 556
Unique to IL’s dataAlicja, Carley, Auden, Camora, Germany, Hajar, Jouri, Maja, Sila, Sofiia, Sofija, SusannahNikodem, Kacper, Maksym, Andrej, Damarion, Emry, Tadei, Zaviel, Ansar, Darrion, Eldon, Jozef, Lukyan, Nox, Trayvon

Indiana

Girl names (IN)Boy names (IN)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 354 babies
2. Amelia, 346
3. Sophia, 254		1. Oliver, 397 babies
2. Liam, 384
3. Theodore, 341
Unique to IN’s dataApolonia, Charlette, Halen, Maris, QuinnleyDarrin, Wrigley, Grayden, Jamin, Maciah, Naunihal, Oaklyn

Iowa

Girl names (IA)Boy names (IA)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 140 babies
2. Amelia, 133
3. Evelyn/Harper (tie), 121 each		1. Oliver, 192 babies
2. Henry, 187
3. Liam, 164
Unique to IA’s dataPosieWilbur, Willard

Kansas

Girl names (KS)Boy names (KS)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 166 babies
2. Olivia, 151
3. Emma, 131		1. Oliver, 174 babies
2. Theodore, 163
3. Liam, 150
Unique to KS’s data(none)Kipton

Kentucky

Girl names (KY)Boy names (KY)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 204 babies
2. Amelia, 191
3. Lainey/Willow (tie), 161 each		1. Liam, 256 babies
2. Oliver, 244
3. Waylon, 223
Unique to KY’s dataAnistyn, Blaklee, JorjaWoodson, Brentlee, Rook, Janson, Kashten

Louisiana

Girl names (LA)Boy names (LA)
Most popular1. Olivia, 204 babies
2. Amelia, 178
3. Charlotte, 173		1. Liam, 261 babies
2. Noah, 256
3. Elijah, 214
Unique to LA’s dataDaliyah, Makenzi, Baileigh, Jamari, Jori, KaislynDenym, Kylon, Crews, Demond, Mykel, Tyren, Kailon, Khyren, Kullen, Zaylon

Maine

Girl names (ME)Boy names (ME)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 60 babies
2. Olivia, 51
3. Evelyn, 45		1. Oliver, 79 babies
2. Theodore, 69
3. Henry, 51
Unique to ME’s data(none)Horace

Maryland

Girl names (MD)Boy names (MD)
Most popular1. Olivia, 231 babies
2. Charlotte, 225
3. Emma, 207		1. Liam, 455 babies
2. Noah, 348
3. James/Oliver (tie), 211 each
Unique to MD’s dataYari, Arsema, Ephrata, ImisioluwaRecord, Dyland, Drue, Hazel

The placeholder “Record” also popped up in Maryland’s data in 2023.

Massachusetts

Girl names (MA)Boy names (MA)
Most popular1. Olivia, 339 babies
2. Charlotte, 294
3. Emma, 294		1. Noah, 514 babies
2. Liam, 441
3. Oliver, 346
Unique to MA’s dataMariaclara, Mariaalice, Analiz, Isabelly, Lunna, MarialuizaJoaomiguel, Otavio

Michigan

Girl names (MI)Boy names (MI)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 382 babies
2. Amelia, 377
3. Olivia, 316		1. Noah, 488 babies
2. Theodore, 469
3. Oliver, 454
Unique to MI’s dataZahraa, Raneem, Maram, Onalee, Winnifred, Annastasia, Jersei, Kamoura, Lainie, Lenni, Lyndie, Mielle, Raevyn, RhileyHaidar, Hutch, Hutchinson, Majd, Masyn, Wellington, Callaghan, Colston, Henryk, Kavon, Khyaire, Marquan, Myair, Orrin, Siraj, Uthman

Minnesota

Girl names (MN)Boy names (MN)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 225 babies
2. Evelyn, 222
3. Olivia, 208		1. Liam, 340 babies
2. Henry/Theodore (tie), 326 each
Unique to MN’s dataMaiza, Maryama, Nawal, Manal, Anzal, Svea, Munira, Maryan, Solveig, Ahlaam, Hamdi, Hikma, Salwa, Britta, Freja, Ikhlas, Manaal, Nada, Paw, Sabrin, Suhaila, YemariamAbdullahi, Muad, Mubarak, Bauer, Eh, Munasar, Sabir, Mohamedamin, Jabir, Maher, Masud, Mazin, Mubashir, Muzamil, Nels, Ole, Sajid, Suhaib

Mississippi

Girl names (MS)Boy names (MS)
Most popular1. Ava, 94 babies
2. Olivia, 93
3. Amelia, 86		1. William, 161 babies
2. John, 158
3. James, 146
Unique to MS’s dataKhylie, Jaisley, LoxleyJamarius

Missouri

Girl names (MO)Boy names (MO)
Most popular1. Amelia/Charlotte (tie), 292 each
2. Olivia, 252		1. Oliver, 425 babies
2. Henry, 323
3. Theodore, 303
Unique to MO’s dataSaloma, Jensyn, Kayori, LettiEverhett, Huxlee, Bently, Dietrich, Maclin

Montana

Girl names (MT)Boy names (MT)
Most popular1. Lainey, 47 babies
2. Charlotte, 41
3. Olivia, 37		1. Oliver, 58 babies
2. James, 56
3. Theodore, 49
Unique to MT’s data(none)(none)

Nebraska

Girl names (NE)Boy names (NE)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 107 babies
2. Evelyn, 83
3. Amelia/Harper/Olivia (3-way tie), 82 each		1. Oliver, 137 babies
2. Theodore, 122
3. Henry, 113
Unique to NE’s dataHalsey, Lennie(none)

Nevada

Girl names (NV)Boy names (NV)
Most popular1. Olivia, 159 babies
2. Isabella, 121
3. Sophia, 119		1. Liam, 213 babies
2. Mateo, 187
3. Noah, 177
Unique to NV’s data(none)(none)

New Hampshire

Girl names (NH)Boy names (NH)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 93 babies
2. Olivia, 55
3. Amelia, 54		1. Theodore, 91 babies
2. Oliver, 90
3. Henry, 82
Unique to NH’s data(none)(none)

New Jersey

Girl names (NJ)Boy names (NJ)
Most popular1. Mia, 468 babies
2. Sophia, 465
3. Emma, 456		1. Liam, 773 babies
2. Noah, 717
3. Lucas, 428
Unique to NJ’s dataTzipora, Tzivia, Leba, Ettel, Tzipporah, Deena, Mahi, Radhika, Reena, Rus, Temi, Temima, Arna, Asani, Dena, Fatema, Heloisa, Nili, Perri, TammyYechezkel, Michoel, Elchonon, Shaul, Avigdor, Nosson, Naftoli, Arda, Shimshon, Shivaay, Domenick, Joniel, Maahir, Mordy, Nochum, Aryav, Harshiv, Nechemia, Refoel, Shivay, Shiven, Shua

New Mexico

Girl names (NM)Boy names (NM)
Most popular1. Mia, 81 babies
2. Camila, 74
3. Emma, 72		1. Noah, 102 babies
2. Mateo, 96
3. Ezekiel/Liam (tie), 95 each
Unique to NM’s data(none)(none)

New York

Girl names (NY)Boy names (NY)
Most popular1. Mia, 836 babies
2. Emma, 830
3. Sophia, 821		1. Liam, 1,445 babies
2. Noah, 1,409
3. Lucas, 774
Unique to NY’s dataGitty, Faigy, Rivky, Sury, Chany, Hindy, Esty, Goldy, Hinda, Yides, Faiga, Henny, Perel, Shevy, Etty, Brucha, Frady, Yenty, Frimet, Shaindel, Aissatou, Mushka, Frimmy, Kadiatou, Zlaty, Mirel, Abiha, Ayelet, Bina, Reizel, Toba, Ajla, Chani, Maha, Muntaha, Penina, Ratzy, Rivkah, Sari, Chumy, Faiza, Frimy, Hadja, Mali, Yittel, Arfa, Baily, Fatiha, Fotima, Henchy…
(top 50 of 192 total)		Hershy, Mendy, Usher, Yechiel, Hersh, Elimelech, Yossi, Avrumy, Lazer, Hershel, Pinchas, Motty, Shloma, Shraga, Duvid, Meilech, Pinchus, Mordche, Yida, Ousmane, Burech, Leiby, Boruch, Faizan, Safwan, Muhammadamin, Sruly, Aboubacar, Nuchem, Rakan, Yona, Ahnaf, Boubacar, Nachman, Tovia, Abdoul, Ibrohim, Menashe, Arish, Mechel, Noach, Akil, Imron, Ioannis, Mouhamadou, Naseem, Abrar, Antonino, Giacomo, Nazar…
(top 50 of 181 total)

North Carolina

Girl names (NC)Boy names (NC)
Most popular1. Olivia, 469 babies
2. Amelia, 466
3. Emma, 425		1. Liam, 745 babies
2. Noah, 685
3. Oliver, 536
Unique to NC’s dataKeagan, Lynleigh, Myers, Niara, Lynnox, Nalaya, Nyasia, Talayah, Xenovia, Emaline, Grayson, Layloni, Mailynn, Rian, Tahani, Taylen, Xylani, Xylia, ZenayaNakari, Nylan, Cyncere, Daquan, Macon, Righteous, Takoda, Wheeler, Wisdom, Dani, Jaceyon, Kaesyn, Laine, Lakota, Talen, Zaelyn

North Dakota

Girl names (ND)Boy names (ND)
Most popular1. Evelyn, 48 babies
2. Amelia/Lainey (tie), 37 each		1. Oliver, 56 babies
2. Henry, 49
3. Theodore, 45
Unique to ND’s data(none)(none)

Ohio

Girl names (OH)Boy names (OH)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 531 babies
2. Amelia, 480
3. Olivia, 420		1. Oliver, 617 babies
2. Noah, 597
3. Theodore, 595
Unique to OH’s dataMaizey, Maylynn, Renn, Adlee, Bexleigh, Winsley, Amyla, Coralynn, Corrine, Elayne, Jayonna, Kamara, Kiah, Kierra, Kimberlee, Krista, Laci, Lanae, Layonna, Leigha, Lenyx, Leonna, Treazure, WeslynJoni, Kenyon, Larkin, Martez, Raymir, Rennick, Shreyansh, Trevin, Bodey, Brantlee, Cincere, Dameir, Domani, Ebenezer, Harlen, Javin, Kallan, Kingstyn, Tymeir, Urban, Weller, Zylon

Oklahoma

Girl names (OK)Boy names (OK)
Most popular1. Olivia, 165 babies
2. Amelia/Charlotte (tie), 149 each		1. Liam, 262 babies
2. Oliver, 210
3. Noah, 192
Unique to OK’s dataNiang, MyleighThang

Oregon

Girl names (OR)Boy names (OR)
Most popular1. Olivia, 164 babies
2. Amelia, 149
3. Charlotte, 135		1. Oliver, 237 babies
2. Liam, 201
3. Theodore, 189
Unique to OR’s data(none)Timber

Pennsylvania

Girl names (PA)Boy names (PA)
Most popular1. Olivia, 513 babies
2. Charlotte, 487
3. Emma, 460		1. Noah, 740 babies
2. Liam, 611
3. Oliver, 597
Unique to PA’s dataFannie, Lavina, Kelce, Sumayyah, Surah, Avamarie, Danni, Harlo, Keegan, Kree, Liani, Sarann, Verna, Ameenah, Ayuri, Azarah, Daysha, Jazara, Kerri, Khori, Liviana, Michaella, Roseanna, Shree, Tayla, Vivia, Wrenna, ZuriyahBenuel, Mahlon, Nino, Trea, Azier, Boyd, Muadh, Aasir, Aayush, Ahzir, Azim, Conall, Freeman, Jamian, Jaxiel, Karon, Nasai, Nevin, Penn

Fannie, Lavina, Benuel, and Mahlon are often used by the Amish.

Kelce could have been influenced by longtime Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce, who announced his retirement in early 2024.

Rhode Island

Girl names (RI)Boy names (RI)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 48 babies
2. Mia, 44
3. Emma, 42		1. Liam, 74 babies
2. Noah, 68
3. Lucas, 66
Unique to RI’s data(none)(none)

South Carolina

Girl names (SC)Boy names (SC)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 227 babies
2. Amelia, 202
3. Olivia, 197		1. Noah, 310 babies
2. Liam, 295
3. William, 274
Unique to SC’s dataGracen, Nature, RoyaltiDrayton, Creighton, Kymere

South Dakota

Girl names (SD)Boy names (SD)
Most popular1. Amelia, 47 babies
2. Charlotte/Lainey (tie), 45 each		1. Liam/Oliver (tie), 52 babies each
2. Henry, 51
Unique to SD’s data(none)(none)

Tennessee

Girl names (TN)Boy names (TN)
Most popular1. Amelia, 354 babies
2. Charlotte, 343
3. Olivia, 304		1. Liam, 532 babies
2. Oliver, 427
3. William, 421
Unique to TN’s dataWeslynn, Acelyn, Azayla, Brilee, Cing, Deasia, Lakely, Lemon, Maevry, Posey, RileighNeyland, Ryman, Holston, Kavion, Zamarion, Ladarius, Breyer, Huntlee, Locklan, Martavious, Walton

Neyland and Ryman are references to Neyland Stadium and Ryman Auditorium.

Texas

Girl names (TX)Boy names (TX)
Most popular1. Olivia, 1,757 babies
2. Emma, 1,754
3. Mia, 1,689		1. Liam, 3,084 babies
2. Noah, 2,396
3. Mateo, 2,087
Unique to TX’s dataEugenia, Berenice, Cambri, Analeigha, Ailen, Maribella, Myka, Silvana, Amorette, Ayelen, Channing, Chimamanda, Chizaram, Conley, Dariela, Emarie, Lyriq, Alizay, Aven, Azlynn, Karli, Kiari, Maysen, Taryn, Tiaraoluwa, Collyns, Karson, Kimberlyn, Kolbi, Leddy, Leigh, Mialani, Shaddai, Steely, Vibha, Xayla, Yeshna, Zailee, Aeliana, Arlie, Atenea, Chizara, Golden, Hannia, Ivyanna, Kaisleigh, Kambrie, Katalyna, Kayliana, Leilanni…
(top 50 of 535 total)		Roel, Stoney, Witten, Cutter, Ediel, Homero, Hays, Judge, Amelio, Cross, Jr, Rhyder, Texas, Eduar, Eliud, Hilario, Kaycee, Zacchaeus, Avik, Ayaansh, Azlaan, Banner, Brahim, Dimas, Fabricio, Fermin, Jaceon, Jehu, Manvik, Riyansh, Tilden, Yamin, Zayvian, Aavyan, Alam, Anias, Audie, Azreal, Caine, Collins, Enmanuel, Esiah, Exodus, Gamaliel, Hamdan, Jazhiel, Judas, Kiyaan, Magdiel, Mathieu…
(top 50 of 343 total)

Utah

Girl names (UT)Boy names (UT)
Most popular1. Olivia, 215 babies
2. Charlotte, 189
3. Emma, 175		1. Oliver, 285 babies
2. Liam, 260
3. Henry, 238
Unique to UT’s dataAfton, Brexlee, Bronwyn, Maizee, Quincey, SwayzeeMckay, Hyrum, Jeter, Talmage, Covey, Bruin, Dallin, Elden, Clancy, Garth, Griffey, Kove, Quin, Sosaia, Tomasi

Past and current leaders of the LDS Church include David O. McKay, Hyrum Smith, James E. Talmage, and Dallin H. Oaks. And I think it’s possible that Covey was influenced by LDS-associated business writer Stephen Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People).

Vermont

Girl names (VT)Boy names (VT)
Most popular1. Amelia, 29 babies
2. Charlotte, 28
3. Harper, 24		1. Oliver, 34 babies
2. Henry, 28
3. Theodore, 27
Unique to VT’s data(none)(none)

Virginia

Girl names (VA)Boy names (VA)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 435 babies
2. Olivia, 362
3. Sophia, 354		1. Liam, 585 babies
2. Noah, 511
3. James, 425
Unique to VA’s dataDakotah, Aaryn, Odyssey, Rayelle, SoliyanaCaelan, Afton, Emaan, Johannes, Leul, Terence, Tyus

Washington

Girl names (WA)Boy names (WA)
Most popular1. Olivia, 354 babies
2. Charlotte, 284
3. Amelia, 269		1. Oliver, 448 babies
2. Liam, 444
3. Noah, 388
Unique to WA’s dataAmen, Solomiya, Airi, Ishira, MaanyaAvenir, Babyboy, Ruvim, Anav

West Virginia

Girl names (WV)Boy names (WV)
Most popular1. Amelia, 89 babies
2. Lainey/Olivia (tie), 72 each		1. Oliver, 102 babies
2. Waylon, 92
3. Maverick, 83
Unique to WV’s data(none)Koleson

Wisconsin

Girl names (WI)Boy names (WI)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 248 babies
2. Olivia, 209
3. Evelyn, 206		1. Oliver, 314 babies
2. Henry, 303
3. Liam, 296
Unique to WI’s dataLorene, SigridTidus

Lorene is another name often used by the Amish.

Wyoming

Girl names (WY)Boy names (WY)
Most popular1. Emma, 19 babies
2. Harper/Hazel (tie), 18 each		1. Oliver, 27 babies
2. Hudson/James (tie), 24 each
Unique to WY’s data(none)(none)

Do you have thoughts/theories about any of these single-state names?

Source: Popular Names by State – SSA

Image: Topographical Map of the USA by NOAA

Popular baby names in Ireland, 2024

Flag of Ireland
Flag of Ireland

The top baby names in the Republic of Ireland last year were Sophie and Jack.

Here are Ireland’s top 50+ girl names and top 50 boy names of 2024:

Girl names

  1. Sophie, 294 baby girls
  2. Éabha, 293
  3. Grace, 291
  4. Emily, 290
  5. Fiadh, 286
  6. Lily, 253
  7. Olivia, 246
  8. Amelia, 220
  9. Sadie, 216
  10. Mia, 213
  11. Lucy, 204
  12. Freya, 196
  13. Isla, 193
  14. Ella, 192
  15. Ellie, 190
  16. Croía, 188
  17. Emma, 187 (tie)
  18. Maya, 187 (tie)
  19. Sophia, 180
  20. Chloe, 179 (tie)
  21. Hannah, 179 (tie)
  22. Molly, 171
  23. Evie, 167
  24. Saoirse, 164
  25. Sofia, 154
  26. Ava, 152
  27. Robyn, 148
  28. Millie, 145
  29. Anna, 140
  30. Ruby, 134
  31. Caoimhe, 131 (tie)
  32. Rosie, 131 (tie)
  33. Róisín, 126
  34. Bonnie, 123
  35. Erin, 120 (tie)
  36. Isabelle, 120 (tie)
  37. Cara, 118
  38. Sadhbh, 117
  39. Holly, 115
  40. Éala, 114
  41. Annie, 112
  42. Clodagh, 109 (tie)
  43. Daisy, 109 (tie)
  44. Hazel, 108
  45. Aoife, 107 (tie)
  46. Katie, 107 (tie)
  47. Kate, 106 (tie)
  48. Willow, 106 (tie)
  49. Maisie, 105
  50. Ada, 104 (tie)
  51. Méabh, 104 (tie)

Boy names

  1. Jack, 490 baby boys
  2. Noah, 486
  3. Rían, 432
  4. Cillian, 352
  5. James, 336
  6. Tadhg, 318
  7. Fionn, 304
  8. Liam, 303
  9. Oisín, 286
  10. Charlie, 258
  11. Daniel, 257
  12. Finn, 255
  13. Theo, 252
  14. Thomas, 226
  15. Seán, 222
  16. Patrick, 220
  17. Michael, 218
  18. Luke, 217
  19. Conor, 210
  20. Harry, 209
  21. Tommy, 202
  22. Leo, 201 (tie)
  23. Páidí, 201 (tie)
  24. Luca, 197
  25. Adam, 188
  26. Darragh, 184
  27. Oliver, 181
  28. Bobby, 179
  29. John, 168
  30. Jamie, 162 (tie)
  31. Kai, 162 (tie)
  32. Oscar, 159
  33. Cian, 158 (tie)
  34. Max, 158 (tie)
  35. Ollie, 157
  36. Alex, 155
  37. Callum, 154
  38. Sonny, 147
  39. Dylan, 141
  40. David, 134
  41. Ben, 132
  42. Matthew, 131
  43. Caelan, 128
  44. Alexander, 127
  45. Muhammad, 126
  46. Ryan, 124
  47. Arthur, 119
  48. Arlo, 118
  49. Alfie, 117
  50. Shay, 107

The trendy name Croía (pronounced KREE-a) rose from 95th in 2020, to 52nd in 2021, to 38th in 2022, to 24th in 2023, to 16th last year. Do you think it will reach the top 10 in 2025?

Speaking of names on the upswing, the fastest-rising girl names in the top 100 were Maya (in terms of number of babies) and Rhea (in terms of rank). Likewise, the fastest-rising boy names in the top 100 were Rían (in terms of number of babies) and Caleb (in terms of rank).

And what about the names at the other end of the spectrum? Here’s a selection of the names given to just 3 babies each in Ireland last year:

Rare girl namesRare boy names
Annalivia, Brídín, Ceoladh, Dolcie, Elira, Fearne, Goldie, Heather, Iveagh, Jessa, Kenza, Líobhan, Morrigan, Nollaig, Oonagh, Peach, Réalta, Saffi, Tiffany, Vega, Willa, ZariaAhan, Bento, Chulainn, Daróg, Enda, Fearghal, Gene, Hughie, Íarlaith, Jameson, Keelin, Laith, Mick, Naomhán, Oilibhéar, Pat, Ralphie, Séadh, Téidí, Vlad, Willie, Zeke

The Irish word réalta means “star.”

Source: Irish Babies’ Names – CSO (Irish Babies’ Names 2024)

Image: Adapted from Flag of Ireland (public domain)

What gave the baby name Vanna a boost in the 1980s?

Game show hostess Vanna White on "Wheel of Fortune" (January, 1986)
Vanna White on “Wheel of Fortune“

The baby name Vanna only saw a smattering of usage every year until the early 1980s, when it suddenly became trendy:

  • 1988: 58 baby girls named Vanna
  • 1987: 87 baby girls named Vanna
  • 1986: 111 baby girls named Vanna [peak]
  • 1985: 71 baby girls named Vanna
  • 1984: 39 baby girls named Vanna
  • 1983: 21 baby girls named Vanna
  • 1982: 7 baby girls named Vanna
  • 1981: 8 baby girls named Vanna
Graph of the usage of the baby name Vanna in the U.S. since 1880
Usage of the baby name Vanna

The like-sounding names Savannah and Savanna also got a boost during that time period, and the spelling variant Vannah debuted the year Vanna hit peak usage.

What spurred all this interest in the name Vanna?

If you owned a TV set during the ’80s, you already know the answer: Vanna White, hostess of the popular game show Wheel of Fortune.

Vanna White was chosen out of a field of 200 hopefuls to join host Pat Sajak on the show in December of 1982. (The original hostess, Susan Stafford, quit in October.)

Her job essentially consisted of walking in front of a puzzle board — sometimes right to left, sometimes left to right — and turning tiles to reveal letters as contestants made their guesses. (Today she still walks back and forth, but the puzzle board letters are touch-activated.)

Wheel of Fortune became the highest-rated syndicated show on television in the mid-1980s. As a result, Vanna White became “TV’s most improbable cult heroine.” She became so popular, in fact, that the press dubbed the phenomenon Vanna-mania.

(Several years after peak Vanna-mania, one reporter noted that it “was one of the oddest phenomenons of our time, bestowing superstar status on a woman whose only obvious skill was turning letters on cue.”)

By early 1986, Vanna White knew she had multiple namesakes:

“I’ve gotten tons of fan mail,” she marvels. “Love letters, marriage proposals, children being named after me, which is quite an honor. Every year on Sept. 4, I get a picture of this adorable little Vanna.”

So, where did the original Vanna get her unusual first name?

[T]he name Vanna came from my grandmother’s next-door neighbor. Her name was Vana Woorell … and she spelled her name with one n … my mother liked the name so much, she said, Well, I’m gonna name my daughter Vanna with two n‘s.

What are your thoughts on the name Vanna? Would you use it?

Sources:

Image: Screenshot of Wheel of Fortune

Popular baby names in Ireland, 2021

Flag of Ireland
Flag of Ireland

According to data from Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO), the most popular baby names in the country last year were Fiadh and Jack.

Here are Ireland’s top 50 girl names and top 50 boy names of 2021:

Girl Names

  1. Fiadh, 424 baby girls
  2. Grace, 412
  3. Emily, 388
  4. Sophie, 336
  5. Éabha, 288
  6. Lucy, 287
  7. Mia, 279
  8. Ava, 272
  9. Lily, 271
  10. Ella, 268
  11. Amelia, 265
  12. Chloe, 243
  13. Hannah, 238
  14. Sophia, 234
  15. Emma, 233
  16. Ellie, 228
  17. Isla, 226
  18. Molly, 219 (3-way tie)
  19. Olivia, 219 (3-way tie)
  20. Sadie, 219 (3-way tie)
  21. Anna, 209
  22. Freya, 208
  23. Evie, 190 (tie)
  24. Saoirse, 190 (tie)
  25. Caoimhe, 183
  26. Ruby, 180
  27. Robyn, 175
  28. Kate, 172
  29. Willow, 166
  30. Sofia, 162
  31. Holly, 160
  32. Aoife, 159
  33. Cara, 155
  34. Róisín, 152
  35. Katie, 150 (tie)
  36. Sadhbh, 150 (tie)
  37. Leah, 148 (tie)
  38. Millie, 148 (tie)
  39. Isabelle, 147
  40. Alice, 138 (tie)
  41. Clodagh, 138 (tie)
  42. Zoe, 136
  43. Sarah, 134
  44. Erin, 132
  45. Ada, 131
  46. Annie, 129
  47. Bonnie, 128
  48. Charlotte, 122 (tie)
  49. Layla, 122 (tie)
  50. Rosie, 118

Boy Names

  1. Jack, 667 baby boys
  2. Noah, 475
  3. James, 442
  4. Conor, 360
  5. Rían, 357
  6. Liam, 353
  7. Charlie, 345
  8. Daniel, 325
  9. Cillian, 322
  10. Tadhg, 318
  11. Michael, 310
  12. Oisín, 302
  13. Finn, 299
  14. Fionn, 289
  15. Thomas, 288
  16. Seán, 274
  17. Darragh, 273
  18. Luke, 268
  19. Patrick, 266
  20. Harry, 264
  21. Alex, 253
  22. Adam, 237
  23. Cian, 217
  24. Theo, 210
  25. Oliver, 208
  26. Dylan, 205
  27. Jamie, 203
  28. John, 198
  29. Leo, 192
  30. Oscar, 189
  31. Ollie, 187
  32. Ben, 185
  33. Tom, 181
  34. Bobby, 179
  35. Ryan, 172
  36. Tommy, 171
  37. Matthew, 170 (tie)
  38. Max, 170 (tie)
  39. Callum, 162
  40. Sam, 161
  41. Danny, 158
  42. Aaron, 151
  43. Alexander, 150
  44. Alfie, 147 (tie)
  45. Jake, 147 (tie)
  46. Mason, 143
  47. David, 141
  48. Joseph, 139
  49. Jacob, 137
  50. Ethan, 135

In the girls’ top 10, Éabha and Lily replaced Amelia and Hannah. (In both 2019 and 2020, Éabha was the fastest-rising girl name in Ireland.)

In the boys’ top 10, Rían, Cillian, and Tadhg replaced Finn, Fionn, and Harry.

Newbies to the girls’ top 100 were Indie, Ayla and Lottie; newbies to the boys’ top 100 were Teddy, Daithí, Páidí, Jaxon, Brody, Ted, Hunter, Tadgh, Tiernan, and Arlo.

The fastest-rising names in the top 100 in terms of numbers of babies were:

  • Croía (+60 baby girls), Emily (+59), Fiadh (+58), Éabha (+54), Isla (+52)
  • Rían (+72 baby boys), Jack (+70), Danny (+57), Theo (+53), Ollie (+51)

The fastest-rising names in terms of rank were:

  • Croía (+43 spots), Indie (+28), Ayla (+28), Fíadh (+24), Daisy (+21)
  • Ted (+49 spots), Hunter (+38), Hugo (+35), Brody (+35), Teddy (+31)

Rían (which was already on the rise) and Croía have both given a boost recently by Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who welcomed a daughter named Croía Mairéad at the start of 2019 and a son named Rían in May of 2021.

Here’s what writer and Irish language activist Darach Ó Séaghdha’s had to say about the rise of Rían (and Éabha):

Given that the first name Ryan started to decline in popularity in the 2010s around the time Rian and Rían began to ascend it is reasonable to see Rían as an update or replacement to Ryan, much as Éabha has climbed in popularity as Eve, Ava and Aoibhe have wavered.

He also noted that “Rían and Rian would be the [most popular] Gaeilge-origin boy name if counted together, edging ahead of Conor.”

P.S. To follow up on Friday’s post about the free lighthouse tour…the name Patrick is currently ranked 19th in Ireland, but none of the other three names (Paddy, Pat, or Patricia) rank anywhere near the top 100. That said, one of the names new to the boys’ top 100 last year was Páidí (pronounced paw-dee) — a pet form of Pádraig, which is an Irish form of Patrick.

Sources: Irish Babies’ Names, Irish Babies’ Names 2021, The Irish For: The rise of Rían – the latest baby names in Ireland

Image: Adapted from Flag of Ireland (public domain)