How popular is the baby name Stoney 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 Stoney.

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Popularity of the baby name Stoney


Posts that mention the name Stoney

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

Baby names with ONE: Onella, Lionel, Boone

one

Are you a name-seeker on the hunt for “the one”?

Have you considered baby names that contain the word ONE? :)

Below you’ll find a long list of names that contain the letter sequence “o-n-e.” Most of these names come directly from the U.S. SSA’s baby name data.

  • Aaronette
  • Adones
  • Aidoneus
  • Alphones
  • Anemone
  • Anjonette
  • Anousone
  • Anthone
  • Anthonette
  • Anthoney, Anthonee
  • Antigone
  • Antione
  • Antionette, Antionett, Anntionette, Anntonette
  • Antone
  • Antonea
  • Antonella, Antonela
  • Antonello
  • Antoneo
  • Antonese
  • Antonesha
  • Antonetta
  • Antonette, Antonett
  • Antoney
  • Antoneyo
  • Antrone
  • Antwone, Antwione
  • Antwonette
  • Arione
  • Arlone
  • Armone
  • Armonee
  • Audrone
  • Avione
  • Avonelle, Avonell, Avonel
  • Bloneva
  • Boneita
  • Bonell
  • Bonetta, Boneta
  • Boneva
  • Boney
  • Boone
  • Brione
  • Capone
  • Cemone
  • Cerrone, Cerone
  • Chavone
  • Cherone
  • Chione
  • Ciboney
  • Cimone, Cymone
  • Cleone
  • Colonel
  • Conelia
  • Conell
  • Coner
  • Conesha
  • Coney
  • Corleone
  • Damione
  • Damone
  • Dashone
  • Davione
  • Davone
  • Deione
  • Delone
  • Demone
  • Deone
  • Derone
  • Derrione
  • Deshone
  • Desmone
  • Devone
  • Devoney, Devonee
  • Diamone
  • Diavione
  • Dione
  • Dionel
  • Doneen, Donene
  • Doneisha
  • Doneka
  • Donel, Donell
  • Doneld
  • Donelda
  • Donella
  • Donelle
  • Donese
  • Donesha
  • Doneshia
  • Donesia, Donecia
  • Donetta, Doneta
  • Donette
  • Doneva
  • Donevan, Donevin
  • Doney
  • Dymone
  • Ebone
  • Eboney, Ebonee
  • Emone
  • Emonee, Emonei
  • Evone, Eyvone
  • Falone
  • Fashionette
  • Froney
  • Gerone
  • Gladstone
  • Guarionex
  • Harmone
  • Harmonee, Harmonei
  • Hermione
  • Honest
  • Honesty, Honestie, Honesti, Honestii
  • Honey
  • Idonea
  • Indonesia
  • Ione, Iyone
  • Ironesha
  • Ivone
  • Jacione
  • Jamone
  • Jarone
  • Jasmone
  • Javione
  • Javone
  • Jermone
  • Jerone
  • Jone
  • Jonea
  • Joneen, Jonene
  • Joneisha
  • Joneka
  • Jonella
  • Jonelle, Jonell, Jonel
  • Jonerik, Joneric
  • Jones
  • Jonesha
  • Joneshia
  • Jonessa
  • Jonesy
  • Jonet
  • Jonetta
  • Jonette
  • Joney, Jonee
  • Jovone
  • Kapone
  • Kavone
  • Kemone
  • Keone
  • Kevone
  • Keyone
  • Kione, Khione
  • Kleone
  • Koner
  • Konesha
  • Koneta
  • Kotone
  • Kyrone
  • Laione
  • Lamone
  • Larone
  • Lashone, Lachone
  • Latrone
  • Lavone
  • Leone
  • Leonel, Leonell
  • Leonella, Leonela
  • Leoner
  • Leonetta
  • Leonette
  • Lerone
  • Levone
  • Lionel, Lionell, Lyonel
  • Lone
  • Lonell
  • Lones
  • Lonetta, Loneta
  • Lonette
  • Loney
  • Looney
  • Malone
  • Marionette
  • Marlone
  • Meloney, Melonee, Melloney
  • Michone
  • Mignonette
  • Mone
  • Monea
  • Moneca, Moneka
  • Monecia
  • Monee
  • Moneeb
  • Moneeka
  • Moneer
  • Monekia
  • Monelle, Monell
  • Moneque, Moneke, Moneek, Moneak, Moneik
  • Monesha
  • Moneshia
  • Monet
  • Monetta, Moneta
  • Monette
  • Money
  • Monez
  • Moonee
  • Natrone
  • Ngone
  • Oenone
  • Oneatha
  • Oneda
  • Onedia
  • Oneeda
  • Oneida
  • Oneika
  • Oneil, Oneal, Oneill
  • Oneisha
  • Oneita
  • Oneka
  • Onekki
  • Onelia
  • Onell, Onel
  • Onella
  • Onesimo, Onecimo
  • Onesimus
  • Onesty, Onesti
  • Oneta, Onetta
  • Onetha
  • Onetia
  • Oneva
  • Oney
  • Oneyda
  • Onezia
  • Persephone
  • Petronella
  • Phonesavanh
  • Ramone
  • Rashone
  • Raymone
  • Rayshone
  • Rayvone
  • Remone
  • Romone
  • Rone, Rhone
  • Ronee
  • Roneisha
  • Roneka
  • Ronekia
  • Ronel
  • Ronelda
  • Ronella, Ronell
  • Ronelle
  • Ronen
  • Ronesha, Rhonesha
  • Roneshia
  • Ronesia, Ronecia
  • Ronessa
  • Ronetta
  • Ronette
  • Roney
  • Rooney
  • Salone
  • Samone
  • Savone
  • Semone
  • Shalone
  • Shamone
  • Shannone
  • Sharone, Sharrone
  • Sharonette
  • Shavone
  • Sherone, Sherrone
  • Shevone
  • Shone
  • Shoneen
  • Shonell
  • Shonetta
  • Shonette, Shonett
  • Shoney
  • Shyrone
  • Siboney
  • Simone, Simmone, Symone
  • Simonetta
  • Simonette
  • Sione
  • Slone
  • Solomone
  • Sone
  • Sonequa
  • Sooner
  • Stallone
  • Stephone, Stefone
  • Stone
  • Stonewall
  • Stoney
  • Tarone
  • Tavone
  • Terone
  • Theone
  • Therone
  • Thyrone
  • Timone
  • Tione
  • Tionee
  • Tirone
  • Tone
  • Tonea
  • Tonee
  • Toneesha
  • Toneisha
  • Toneka
  • Tonesha
  • Toneshia
  • Tonesia
  • Tonetta
  • Tonette
  • Toney
  • Tramone
  • Travone
  • Tremone
  • Trevione
  • Treyvone
  • Trone
  • Tylone
  • Tyone
  • Tyrone
  • Tyshone
  • Tyvone
  • Vashone
  • Verone
  • Vione
  • Vionette
  • Voneda
  • Vonell
  • Vonessa
  • Vonetta, Voneta
  • Vonette
  • Yone
  • Yoneko
  • Yonel
  • Yoneo
  • Yvone
  • Zione

Several of the above are non-traditional spellings of more common names such as Antoine, Donald, Melanie, and Yvonne.

Of all the ONE names above, which one do you like most? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. You might also want to check out names with a numerological value of 1, or names starting with the letter I, as the Roman numeral I (“unus” in Latin) has a value of 1. Here are long lists of girl names and boy names starting with I.

Source: SSA

Image: Adapted from One (6086756594) by Tony Hisgett under CC BY 2.0.

Popular and unique baby names in each U.S. state in 2023

USA topographic map

Which baby names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2023?

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 7 unique girl names: Maeleigh, Dominga, Huntley, Cerenity, Jabria, Kenslei, Weslyn
  • Alabama’s 8 unique boy names: Bankston, Kylar, Gates, Jakaiden, Ladarrius, Taylan, Wheeler, Zaylan

Alaska (AK)

  • Alaska’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Alaska’s top boy name: Liam/Oliver (tie)
  • No unique girl names.
  • Alaska’s 1 unique boy name: Atigun
    • Atigun, the name of a river in northern Alaska, debuted last year in the national data with five baby boys — all five of whom (we now know) were born in-state.

Arizona (AZ)

  • Arizona’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arizona’s top boy name: Liam/Mateo (tie)
  • Arizona’s 5 unique girl names: Ariza, Payson, Aolanis, Zo, Zanovia
  • Arizona’s 3 unique boy names: Aleister, Bradyn, Rosario

Arkansas (AR)

  • Arkansas’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Arkansas’s top boy name: Liam
  • Arkansas’s 1 unique girl name: Savvy
  • Arkansas’s 1 unique boy name: Emmit

California

  • California’s top girl name: Olivia
  • California’s top boy name: Noah
  • California’s top 10 unique girl names: Emiko, Gurnaaz, Amada, Avina, Mannat, Zephyr, Amairany, Arzoi, Aveah, Divina (total of 490)
  • California’s top 10 unique boy names: Aren, Armen, Angad, Tigran, Gurfateh, Mehtab, Davit, Hayk, Nirvair, Dara (total of 336)

Colorado

  • Colorado’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Colorado’s top boy name: Liam
  • Colorado’s 2 unique girl names: Fae, Imogene
  • Colorado’s 2 unique boy names: Cale, Gustav
    • Hockey player Cale Makar is a star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche.

Connecticut

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

Delaware

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

District of Columbia

  • D.C.’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • D.C.’s top boy name: Liam
  • 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: Abigael, Talani, Daisha, Daliyah, Elianys, Kloe, Yari, Akeelah, Jasmyn, Kelsi (total of 84)
  • Florida’s top 10 unique boy names: Marvens, Antwan, Ahmari, Maikol, Wensley, Woodley, Gaspar, Javaris, Wood, Bane (total of 102)

Georgia

  • Georgia’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Georgia’s top boy name: Liam
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique girl names: Christian, Israel, Lawson, Markayla, Dallis, Julian, Landree, Loralei, Makiya, Aaryn (total of 39)
  • Georgia’s top 10 unique boy names: Flint, Deontae, Tyrus, Cyxx, Kaimir, Kamani, Laksh, Zakhari, Chapel, Epic (total of 31)

Hawaii

  • Hawaii’s top girl name: Isla
  • Hawaii’s top boy name: Elijah
  • Hawaii’s 5 unique girl names: Mahina, Hilinai, Kealani, Kahealani, Malie
  • Hawaii’s top 10 unique boy names: Keahi, Kaipo, Kawika, Kanaloa, Kealii, Kiai, Makana, Haaheo, Ioane, Kaena (total of 15)

Idaho

  • Idaho’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Idaho’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Idaho’s 1 unique girl name: Mesa
  • No unique boy names.

Illinois

  • Illinois’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Illinois’s top boy name: Noah
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique girl names: Maja, Anastasija, Ainslie, Namari, Saliha, Ajla, Alexie, Bellamie, Dalylah, Imaan (total of 19)
  • Illinois’s top 10 unique boy names: Andrej, Marshawn, Petar, Teodor, Bogdan, Danylo, Kacper, Nikodem, Alim, Eldon (total of 24)

Indiana

  • Indiana’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Indiana’s top boy name: Liam
  • Indiana’s 5 unique girl names: Taylynn, Elnora, Haevyn, Mable, Maylie
  • Indiana’s 8 unique boy names: Infantmale, Dewayne, Lynx, Makiah, Abbott, Holdyn, Nymeir, Quinlan

Iowa

  • Iowa’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Iowa’s top boy name: Oliver
  • No unique girl names.
  • Iowa’s 2 unique boy names: Jens, October

Kansas

  • Kansas’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Kansas’s top boy name: Liam
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Kentucky

  • Kentucky’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Kentucky’s top boy name: Liam
  • Kentucky’s 2 unique girl names: Embry, Hazeleigh
  • Kentucky’s 1 unique boy name: Weller

Louisiana

  • Louisiana’s top girl name: Amelia
  • Louisiana’s top boy name: Liam
  • Louisiana’s 8 unique girl names: Kaislee, Jersei, Kacelyn, Amiree, Jalyric, Jori, Khaza, Khylie
  • Louisiana’s top 10 unique boy names: Nylan, Caston, Jhai, Kaven, Kharter, Cevyn, Demauri, Jeanluc, Khyler, Kruze (total of 11)

Maine (ME)

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

Maryland (MD)

  • Maryland’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Maryland’s top boy name: Liam
  • Maryland’s 3 unique girl names: Meklit, Melona, Syncere
  • Maryland’s 6 unique boy names: Record, Access, Karon, Oluwadamilare, Tavon, Tobechukwu
    • “Record” seems to be a placeholder (like “Infantmale,” “Babygirl,” and so forth).

Massachusetts (MA)

  • Massachusetts’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Massachusetts’s top boy name: Noah
  • Massachusetts’s 8 unique girl names: Aylla, Mariaalice, Eloah, Emilly, Mariajulia, Lunna, Annaliz, Indira
  • Massachusetts’s 6 unique boy names: Murilo, Bento, Keiden, Zayvian, Conall, Konstantinos

Michigan (MI)

  • Michigan’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Michigan’s top boy name: Noah
  • Michigan’s top 10 unique girl names: Zahraa, Aryam, Anhar, Arha, Ellanora, Kendyll, Manar, Maysa, Shahd, Zionna (total of 20)
  • Michigan’s 8 unique boy names: Taim, Amer, Bassam, Clint, Juwan, Martell, Mousa, Neko

Minnesota (MN)

  • Minnesota’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Minnesota’s top boy name: Theodore
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique girl names: Maryama, Anzal, Munira, Nawal, Afnan, Mumtaz, Ayan, Ibtisam, Ikhlas, Sabrin (total of 26)
  • Minnesota’s top 10 unique boy names: Mubarak, Suhayb, Majid, Muzamil, Nels, Yonis, Muscab, Sven, Abdifatah, Griffen (total of 13)

Mississippi (MS)

  • Mississippi’s top girl name: Ava
  • Mississippi’s top boy name: John
  • Mississippi’s 3 unique girl names: Jalaysia, Loxley, Mamie
  • Mississippi’s 1 unique boy name: Khysen

Missouri (MO)

  • Missouri’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Missouri’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Missouri’s 4 unique girl names: Lakota, Irelynn, Kamoni, Kimberlynn
  • Missouri’s 2 unique boy names: Creedence, Bayler

Montana (MT)

  • Montana’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Montana’s top boy name: Oliver
  • 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: Atley
  • Nebraska’s 1 unique boy name: Creighton
    • Creighton University (which has a strong athletics program) is located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Nevada

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

New Hampshire

  • New Hampshire’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • New Hampshire’s top boy name: Oliver
  • 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: Penina, Lianny, Ettel, Aanvi, Adelle, Avisha, Ruchama, Serayah, Dhara, Selin (total of 11)
  • New Jersey’s top 10 unique boy names: Binyomin, Michoel, Karas, Aras, Drin, Elazar, Nakai, Tuvia, Ason, Henrique (total of 12)

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: Emma
  • New York’s top boy name: Liam
  • New York’s top 10 unique girl names: Faigy, Malky, Rivky, Raizy, Yitty, Goldy, Hindy, Shaindy, Esty, Blimy (total of 190)
  • New York’s top 10 unique boy names: Usher, Mendy, Lipa, Lazer, Hershel, Simcha, Yossi, Moishe, Shloma, Meilech (total of 184)

North Carolina

  • North Carolina’s top girl name: Olivia
  • North Carolina’s top boy name: Liam
  • North Carolina’s top 10 unique girl names: Wrenn, Yulani, Layanna, Skylan, Wisteria, Zalani, Alayla, Amillia, Aryya, Bethel (total of 20)
  • North Carolina’s top 10 unique boy names: Henderson, Graylen, Kaidence, Larson, Worth, Alegend, Avett, Chayton, Jahmel, Jalani (total of 17)

North Dakota

  • North Dakota’s top girl name: Evelyn
  • North Dakota’s top boy name: Oliver
  • North Dakota’s 1 unique girl name: Girl
  • North Dakota’s 1 unique boy name: Boy

Ohio

  • Ohio’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Ohio’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique girl names: Hanan, Ramiyah, Mahala, Bexleigh, Emmelyn, Giavonna, Roseann, Rowena, Zaryiah, Aahana (total of 24)
  • Ohio’s top 10 unique boy names: Rayshawn, Larkin, Aavyan, Findley, Kari, Carmello, Cheikh, Darion, Dirk, Khyair (total of 31)

Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Oklahoma’s top boy name: Liam
  • Oklahoma’s 5 unique girl names: Cing, Lyndi, Niang, Parklynn, Wilder
  • Oklahoma’s 1 unique boy name: Sampson

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: Charlotte
  • Pennsylvania’s top boy name: Noah
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique girl names: Barbie, Suzanne, Verna, Suhaylah, Azarah, Elisia, Roux, Abagail, Kendal, Niamh (total of 29)
  • Pennsylvania’s top 10 unique boy names: Benuel, Mahlon, Aasir, Azir, Nasai, Cashel, Lavern, Amaree, Freeman, Joash (total of 21)

Rhode Island

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

South Carolina

  • South Carolina’s top girl name: Olivia
  • South Carolina’s top boy name: Noah
  • South Carolina’s 4 unique girl names: Kheumani, Ellorie, Khole, Elloree
  • South Carolina’s 3 unique boy names: Drayton, Asiyah, Grainger

South Dakota

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

Tennessee

  • Tennessee’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Tennessee’s top boy name: Liam
  • Tennessee’s 4 unique girl names: Hampton, Lemon, Lorna, Rivers
  • Tennessee’s 8 unique boys names: Neyland, Hendon, Ryman, Deshun, Jamario, Javontae, Manning, Stiven
    • Neyland Stadium is the home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team.
    • Ryman Auditorium, a concert hall that dates back to the 1890s, is located in Nashville, Tennessee.
    • Peyton Manning played football for the Tennessee Volunteers in the 1990s.

Texas

  • Texas’s top girl name: Emma
  • Texas’s top boy name: Liam
  • Texas’s top 10 unique girl names: Eugenia, Dariela, Analucia, Gretel, Eleonor, Karyme, Landyn, Zailey, Katelynn, Kobi (total of 536)
  • Texas’s top 10 unique boy names: Stoney, Eugenio, Pete, Whitten, Brayson, Eliud, Homero, Weldon, Dimas, Ediel (total of 399)

Utah

  • Utah’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Utah’s top boy name: Liam
  • Utah’s 7 unique girl names: Boston, Bentlee, Swayzie, Adalaide, Quincey, Rossi, Swayzee
  • Utah’s top 10 unique boy names: Hyrum, Mckay, Ammon, Stockton, Covey, Dallin, Heber, Hesston, Jeter, Nix (total of 13)
    • Hyrum Smith was an early leader of the LDS Church. (He was one of Joseph Smith’s siblings.)
    • David O. McKay was one of the leaders of the LDS Church during the mid-20th century.
    • John Stockton played basketball for the Utah Jazz from 1984 to 2003.
    • Dallin H. Oaks is one of the current leaders of the LDS Church.
    • Heber C. Kimball was an early leader of the LDS Church.

Vermont

  • Vermont’s top girl name: Amelia/Eleanor (tie)
  • 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 4 unique girl names: Aviya, Hayleigh, Meylin, Yemariam
  • Virginia’s 2 unique boy names: Lochlann, Azan

Washington

  • Washington’s top girl name: Olivia
  • Washington’s top boy name: Oliver
  • Washington’s 8 unique girl names: Lucile, Babygirl, Ellinor, Kiah, Mercer, Ravenna, Winnifred, Yoadan
  • Washington’s 3 unique boy names: Ruvim, Advay, Kipp

West Virginia

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

Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin’s top girl name: Charlotte
  • Wisconsin’s top boy name: Theodore
  • Wisconsin’s 2 unique girl names: Amarianna, Gretta
  • Wisconsin’s 2 unique boy names: Loren, Renley

Wyoming

  • Wyoming’s top girl name: Evelyn
  • Wyoming’s top boy name: Henry/Jack (tie)
  • No unique girl names.
  • No unique boy names.

Do you have thoughts about any of the single-state names above?

Source: Popular Names by State – SSA

Image: Topographical Map of the USA by NOAA

Why didn’t Cloris Leachman change her name?

Actress Cloris Leachman (1926-2021)
Cloris Leachman

While other mid-20th-century actors and actresses were swapping out their birth names for catchy stage names (like Rory Calhoun, Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas, Piper Laurie, Tab Hunter, and Rock Hudson), Cloris Leachman decided to go against the grain and stick with her legal name (which she’d inherited from her mother).

But she did consider changing her name for a time…thanks largely to Tallulah Bankhead.

In 1949, Cloris was in her early 20s and appearing on stage in Come Back, Little Sheba. Bankhead came to see the production, and, afterwards, when the two women met for the first time, Tallulah implored Cloris to change her name.

On a different occasion, Bankhead brought the topic up again:

“Cloris Leachman,” she crowed, “too long. Too many syllables. Too unknown. Clorox Bleachman would be better. You can’t even fit it on the marquee in front of a theater.”

During that second interaction, Cloris came up with the potential stage name “April Claiborne” by combining her birth month with her youngest sister’s first name. (“Claiborne” was their paternal grandmother’s maiden name.)

She still wasn’t sure about making the change, though.

When I went to the Actors Studio the next day, I talked about Madame Bankhead’s rant. They all agreed with her. “You have to change your name! You have to!,” they cried. It was a unanimous opinion. So right there we got out the New York phone book. It opened it up to the Ls, closed my eyes, and the name under my finger was Leavitt. It was miraculous. That translated to “Leave it!” This is no accident, I thought. The god of monikers is talking, and he says leave it. Okay, I’ll leave it.

When I got to Hollywood, the subject came up again. People said I should not only change my name, I should have my nose shortened. I emphatically didn’t want to do either, and that’s why I’m still Cloris Leachman with a big nose.

Cloris Leachman’s name may not have been as trendy-sounding as “Lana Turner” or “Piper Laurie,” but it certainly wasn’t an impediment to her career, which lasted more than seven decades. She appeared in nearly 100 films (like The Last Picture Show), dozens of TV movies (such as A Girl Named Sooner), and well over 100 TV shows (including Johnny Staccato, Rawhide, Outlaws, Shirley Temple’s Storybook, The Loretta Young Show, Gunsmoke, The Twilight Zone, Route 66, Wagon Train, Stoney Burke, 77 Sunset Strip, A Man Called Shenandoah, The Big Valley, Mannix, The Virginian, and Lancer).

Her first name, a variant spelling of the ancient Greek name Chloris (meaning “greenish-yellow, pale green”), is closely related to the name Chloe (meaning “green shoot”).

What are your thoughts on the name Cloris?

Sources: