There’s something sacred about naming a baby.
It’s one of the first decisions a parent makes. Before you meet them. Before you know who they’ll be. Before you’ve ever heard the sound of their cry. And yet somehow, you’re trying to give them a name that will carry them through a lifetime. A name that fits the curve of their newborn cheek and the signature on their wedding invitation. One they won’t cringe at in middle school. One that holds something of you and something of them, all wrapped up in a few syllables.
It’s a big ask for a tiny human.
But somehow, parents do it. They scroll baby name websites at 2 a.m. They text lists to each other during meetings. They whisper names to growing bellies just to hear how it sounds. They make spreadsheets. They veto names with love and occasional side-eye. They fall in love with names they’ll never get to use. And sometimes, they land right back on the one they’ve had in their hearts from the beginning.
The name that just feels like their baby.
There’s so much weight and wonder in a name. It can be a prayer, a memory, a tribute. A spark of originality. A piece of family history. Some names are chosen because they honor someone deeply loved. Others because they hold meaning or music or joy. And sometimes, a name just feels right and that’s enough.
When Ted and I were naming our children, it was important to us to give them family names. Names tied to people we deeply loved and respected. It meant a lot to the family members they were named after, and now, it means even more to our kids. They know who they were named for. They carry those names with pride. We didn’t pick names out of a book. We didn’t name them after celebrities or childhood crushes. That was our choice. Not everyone feels that way, and that’s perfectly okay. Naming a child is deeply personal. There’s no single “right” way to do it. Just the way that feels right to you.
Every year, the Social Security Administration releases a list of the most popular baby names in the United States. It’s a fascinating little snapshot of what’s capturing the hearts of parents across the country. Some names hold strong for decades. Others come out of nowhere and suddenly feel like they’re everywhere. It’s always interesting. Sometimes surprising. And occasionally confusing. Especially when you realize three of your friends have kids with the exact same name, but they are spelled slightly differently.
Looking at that national list always makes me curious. How do the babies I’ve helped welcome into the world compare?
So I pulled seven years of name data from the families I’ve been honored to serve through Holistic Heritage Homebirth. Several hundred babies. Several hundred names. Each one is full of meaning and love. And now, I’m sharing both. The top 20 baby names in the country, and the names actually chosen by families I’ve walked alongside during birth.
Some overlap. Some complete surprises. All of them are beautiful.
I hope you smile. I hope you laugh. Maybe even tear up a little because behind every name is a story. And I’ve learned that those stories matter more than anything.
Let’s take a look at what’s trending, what’s timeless, and what my families have been naming their little miracles.
The Top 10 Girl Names in the U.S. (2024)
Every year, the list of top girl names reads like a greatest hits album. A little classic, a little trendy, and always full of names that have captured something real in the hearts of parents.
Here are the top ten girl names in the United States for 2024, along with a peek at their meanings, origins, and a few honest thoughts from someone who hears a lot of them whispered for the very first time in the birth room.
1. Olivia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Olive tree
Alternate spellings: Alivia, Olyvia
Peaceful, timeless, and elegant, Olivia has been holding tight to the number one spot for years. It’s graceful and strong at the same time, and it tends to grow well with a child. It’s also one of those names you hear in every classroom and ballet recital, and somehow, it still doesn’t get old.
2. Emma
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Whole or universal
Alternate spellings: Not many, but occasionally Ema or Emme
Emma is soft, strong, and sweet. It’s been popular since the Jane Austen days and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. This is the name that feels good in your mouth. It’s cozy and complete. Also, toddlers named Emma tend to have excellent opinions and excellent hair.
3. Amelia
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Work or industrious
Alternate spellings: Amilia, Emelia, Emilia
This one feels like it belongs to someone who grows up to fly planes or open a pie shop with a secret family recipe. Amelia has polish, but it’s also warm and steady. It’s a name that gets things done and still has time to hug you afterward.
4. Charlotte
Origin: French (feminine form of Charles)
Meaning: Free person
Alternate spellings: Carlotta, Charlotta, Charlette
Charlotte sounds regal and old-fashioned in the best way. It has elegance, but also flexibility. You get nicknames like Charlie, Lottie, or Char. I’ve seen this name given in honor of grandmothers, literary heroines, and one very spirited family dog.
5. Mia
Origin: Italian/Scandinavian/Spanish
Meaning: Mine or beloved
Alternate spellings: Mya, Miya
Mia is short, spunky, and confident. It packs a punch in three little letters. If there’s a Mia in the room, she usually has strong opinions and a sense of humor. It’s simple, but it’s never boring.
6. Sophia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Wisdom
Alternate spellings: Sofia
Sophia has a gentle strength to it. It’s elegant and timeless, and the meaning feels rich and grounded. You can almost picture a Sophia reading on the porch or running a nonprofit. It’s been a favorite for years, and for good reason.
7. Isabella
Origin: Hebrew/Spanish
Meaning: Devoted to God
Alternate spellings: Izabella, Ysabella, Isabela
Isabella is romantic and lyrical. It’s the kind of name that sings. Some families choose it because of its connection to faith or family heritage. Others just love the way it sounds. Either way, it’s beautiful. And it’s almost always shortened to Bella, which brings its own sparkle.
8. Evelyn
Origin: English
Meaning: Desired, or possibly hazel tree
Alternate spellings: Evelynn, Evalyn, Evlyn
Evelyn is a name with quiet strength and vintage charm. It feels timeless, gentle, and deeply rooted. The alternate spelling Evelynn holds a special place in my heart; it’s my granddaughter’s name. Every time I say it, I’m reminded how much love can be tucked into a name. Whether classic or modern, this name feels like a warm hand in yours.
9. Ava
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Life or birdlike
Alternate spellings: Avah
Ava is short and powerful. It’s glamorous, but it’s not trying too hard. Think silver-screen starlet or the quiet girl who surprises you with her strength. There’s a reason Ava keeps showing up year after year. It’s simply lovely.
10. Sofia
Origin: Greek (same as Sophia)
Meaning: Wisdom
Alternate spellings: This is the alternate spelling
Sofia is Sophia’s softer sister. A little more European. A little more poetic. Same beautiful meaning, just a slightly different spelling. Whether parents are honoring family or just prefer the way it looks, Sofia is climbing the charts on its own.
The Top 10 Boy Names in the U.S. (2024)
Boy names tend to stay on the charts a little longer than girl names. There’s something steady and dependable about many of these, but that doesn’t mean they’re boring. Some are classic. Some are cool. Some are probably about to be called across your living room while someone small throws spaghetti.
Here are the top ten boy names in the United States for 2024, complete with meanings, roots, and a few honest midwife-style reflections.
1. Liam
Origin: Irish, short form of William
Meaning: Strong protector
Alternate spellings: Lyam
Liam has held the top spot for nearly a decade. It’s strong and sweet at the same time, which is probably why so many families fall in love with it. Just be prepared—if you say “Liam” on a playground, at least three kids will turn around.
2. Noah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Rest or comfort
Alternate spellings: Not many. Noa is technically a separate name, often used for girls in Hebrew
Noah has a gentle strength to it. It feels calm, grounded, and quietly confident. And yes, it’s biblical, but it also feels modern. This is the name of a kind soul who knows how to build a blanket fort and keep secrets.
3. Oliver
Origin: Latin/French
Meaning: Olive tree
Alternate spellings: Olivier
Oliver is charming. There’s just something about it that feels friendly and wise, like someone who might write you a poem or offer you snacks without being asked. Nicknames like Ollie keep it playful, but the full name still holds elegance.
4. Theodore
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Gift of God
Alternate spellings: Teodor, Teodoro
Theodore is thoughtful. It’s the kind of name that comes with its own vintage book collection and maybe a monogrammed blanket. Nicknames like Theo or Teddy keep it sweet, but the full name feels timeless and full of heart.
It’s been climbing the charts in recent years, but I always smile when I see it. My husband’s name is Theodore, and he’s sixty-one. He was named after his grandfather, which makes this name feel even more special to me. Either it’s been quietly stylish for decades, or his mom and grandma were way ahead of the trend.
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5. James
Origin: Hebrew via Latin
Meaning: Supplanter or “may God protect”
Alternate spellings: Jaymes (but rarely)
James is a classic in every sense. It’s elegant and familiar and still feels fresh after more than a century at the top of the charts. Depending on the person wearing it, it can sound regal or rugged.
For me, this name holds a special place. It’s the middle name of my middle son, given in honor of my father. It was also the middle name of my husband Ted’s youngest brother, Tony. Names like this carry more than meaning. They carry memory.
6. Henry
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Home ruler
Alternate spellings: Henri (French)
Henry is buttoned-up but never boring. It’s the name of someone who might build you a treehouse or help fix your bike. It has old-school charm, but feels totally current, which is probably why it keeps showing up on these lists.
7. Mateo
Origin: Spanish form of Matthew
Meaning: Gift of God
Alternate spellings: Matteo
Mateo is full of rhythm and warmth. It feels like a name with music in it. Culturally rich and beautifully cross-lingual, Mateo continues to rise because it strikes a balance between modern and meaningful. And yes, it looks great on a birth certificate.
8. Elijah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Yahweh is my God
Alternate spellings: Elias is related, but a separate name
Elijah has weight and soul. It’s poetic, spiritual, and powerful without being heavy. Eli is the go-to nickname, and somehow both versions manage to feel kind and wise. There’s something deeply rooted in this one, and parents seem to know it.
9. Lucas
Origin: Latin
Meaning: From Lucania, or bringer of light
Alternate spellings: Lukas
Lucas has easy charm and quiet confidence. It’s one of those names that never feels trendy, even when it’s near the top. Whether you go with the full Lucas or the ever-popular Luke, this name just works.
10. William
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Resolute protector
Alternate spellings: None widely used. Will, Liam, and Billy are common nicknames
William is the kind of name that feels like it has its shoulders back. It’s solid, respectful, and somehow still playful. It’s one of those names that has been passed down for generations and continues to feel relevant. That’s not easy to pull off, but William does it effortlessly.
Honorable Mentions: Still Climbing, Still Loved
Every name can’t be in the top ten, but these next ten girl and boy names are holding strong, rising fast, or making a serious case for becoming the next big thing. Some are vintage revivals. Some are modern favorites. All of them are worth a second look.
I’ve listed them here with quick meanings and a little midwife-style commentary. Because while not every baby can be a Liam or an Olivia, that might actually be a good thing.
Girls: Names 11–20
Camila
Origin: Spanish/Latin
Meaning: Attendant or helper
A soft, lyrical name that sounds like music. Almost always ends up shortened to Mila, which is its own rising star.
Luna
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Moon
Beautiful, moody, magical. The kind of name that shows up on astrology posters and birth certificates. A top pick for dreamers.
Harper
Origin: English
Meaning: Harp player
Harper is bold, literary, and slightly edgy. Less frilly, more fierce. Also the name of at least three kids I know who refused to nap.
Sofia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Wisdom
Same lovely meaning as Sophia, just spelled with a bit more flair. Often chosen to reflect cultural roots or simply personal style.
Ella
Origin: German/English
Meaning: Light or fairy maiden
Short, sweet, and gentle. A lot of Ellas are technically Gabriella or Isabella, but this little name stands strong all on its own.
Avery
Origin: English
Meaning: Ruler of the elves
Unisex, upbeat, and steadily climbing. Avery sounds friendly and smart, and it wears well at any age.
Scarlett
Origin: English
Meaning: Red
Fiery and dramatic. Scarlett is a name that makes an entrance and rarely blends into the crowd.
Emily
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Rival or industrious
An old favorite that never really left. Emily is reliable, elegant, and still quietly thriving after all these years.
Aria
Origin: Hebrew/Italian
Meaning: Lioness (Hebrew) or air/melody (Italian)
Light and airy with just enough power behind it. A good pick for a kid destined to sing, roar, or both.
Abigail
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father’s joy
Grounded, classic, and full of warmth. Nickname Abby still reigns on playgrounds, and for good reason.
Boys: Names 11–20
Benjamin
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Son of the right hand
Solid, kind, and trustworthy. Also a favorite of parents who want something strong with built-in nickname charm (hello, Ben).
Levi
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Joined or attached
Levi is short, strong, and cowboy-cool. Feels equally at home on a toddler or a denim label, and that’s not a bad thing.
Ezra
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Help
Soft-spoken with quiet confidence. Ezra feels like the kid who’s already journaling and politely correcting your grammar.
Sebastian
Origin: Latin/Greek
Meaning: Venerable or revered
Elegant and dramatic. Sebastian sounds like someone who owns a pocket watch or stars in a romance novel. Which is honestly a plus.
Jack
Origin: English
Meaning: God is gracious (via John)
Alternate spellings: Not many, though Jackson is often used as a variant or surname
Jack is a simple, classic name that shows up everywhere—and still feels good every time. It’s strong without being stiff. Timeless without being boring. My oldest son’s middle name is Jackson, which comes from the same root. We gave him that name in honor of Ted’s father and his middle brother. It’s more than a name to us. It’s family, history, and a legacy we’re proud to pass on.
Daniel
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my judge
Steady, kind, and unfussy. Daniels tend to be quietly brilliant and extremely good at board games.
Samuel
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has heard
A gentle, thoughtful name with strong roots. Sam always feels friendly, even before he can talk.
Michael
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Who is like God?
Once the most popular boy name in the U.S. for decades. Now making a comeback among parents who appreciate its strength and tradition.
Ethan
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Strong or firm
A quietly confident name. Ethans don’t need to shout to be heard. They’re too busy figuring out how to fix the problem.
Asher
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Happy or blessed
Upbeat and joyful. Asher has been climbing for years, and it’s easy to see why. Who doesn’t want to name their baby something that means happy?
The HHH Twist: What My Homebirth Families Are Actually Naming Their Babies
National trends are one thing, but when you look at the babies born into the arms of their parents in living rooms, bedrooms, and birth tubs under my care at Holistic Heritage Homebirth, you start to see something a little more personal. A little more poetic. And sometimes, delightfully surprising.
Yes, we’ve had our share of the country’s top names. I’ve caught three little Olivias, four Ezras, five Charlottes, and even a Lucas or two. These babies could’ve walked straight off the SSA Top 20 list and into my waiting hands.
But the real magic? It’s in the names that don’t show up on national lists.
We’ve welcomed baby girls named Avonlea, Azaria, and Elowyn. We’ve had boys named Atticus, Shepherd, and Ocean. I’ve announced the births of children named after grandmothers and great-grandfathers. Siblings share middle names. Whole family trees bloom in the margin notes of my charts.
The names I see most often aren’t just popular—they’re meaningful. Sometimes chosen months in advance, other times whispered in wonder just moments after birth, when a mother looks down and says, “She just feels like a Hazel.” Or when a dad’s voice catches as he says, “His name is Samuel. After my brother.”
I think that’s what I love most about this work. The names aren’t just letters strung together. They’re stories. Legacies. Hopes.
And that’s something no national chart will ever quite capture.
Trendy? Traditional? Totally Unique? What Names Say About Us
There’s a whole secret language in baby names. You can learn a lot about a person by what they name their child, and sometimes, what they don’t.
Some parents lean into tradition. They want names that have stood the test of time, the ones you’d find in family Bibles or etched into weathered headstones. Think Henry, Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Samuel. Solid. Steady. These names wear well into adulthood and sound equally good on a baby announcement or a Supreme Court nomination.
Other parents? Total trend-watchers. They’ve read the blogs, bookmarked the baby name apps, and they know what’s climbing fast on the charts. They love names like Mila, Asher, Luna, and Ezra. Short. Sweet. Stylish. These names feel fresh, Instagrammable, and effortlessly cool.
And then there are my wild cards; the families who name their babies something that catches me off guard in the very best way. I’ve had a baby, Avonlea (yes, Anne of Green Gables), a boy named Atlas, a girl named Soli, and one glorious set of twins named Hazel and Violet—before either name became trendy. These are the parents who say, “We just want something that feels like them,” and I respect the heck out of that.
When Ted and I were naming our children, we knew from the beginning that we wanted to give them family names. That became especially meaningful when our oldest, AJ (Anthony Jackson), was born. Ted had lost his youngest brother, Tony, just a few years earlier in a heartbreaking chapter of our lives, and it was important to him that our son carry on that name. Read my article on grief for more details. AJ’s middle name, Jackson, honored his middle brother and their father. After that, every name we gave followed the same principle. A legacy. A memory. A love story in a name.
And that’s the thing about baby names. Whether they’re trendy, traditional, or totally one-of-a-kind, what matters most is the why behind them. Because names aren’t just sounds. They’re stories.
Final Thoughts: The Name, the Story, the Soul
I’ve attended hundreds of births (almost 900 as of this writing). I’ve whispered names into the soft ears of brand-new babies, listened to grandmothers gasp with joy on FaceTime, and watched older siblings toddle into rooms, declaring, “Her name is Pickle!” with full conviction.
And you know what? Every single time, it feels like something sacred is happening.
Because names aren’t just what we call each other, they’re the first gift we give our children. Before the first diaper change. Before the first feeding. We speak their name before the first night of “what have we done?”. And that name carries them forward.
It might be popular. It might be rare. It might be spelled in a way that’ll never appear on a keychain at a gas station. But it’ll be theirs.
So, whether you’re naming your baby after a beloved uncle, a favorite book character, a great-great-grandmother, or a fruit (I’ve seen it), remember this:
You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to make it yours.
And someday, when your child asks why you chose the name you did, you’ll smile and say, “Because it meant something to us.” That’s all that really matters.
Happy naming, friends. May your babies grow into their names with grace, grit, and just enough mischief to keep life interesting.
—Stay Strong, Jaelin—
Additional Reading
- The Complete Book of Baby Names: The #1 Baby Names Book with the Most Unique Baby Girl and Boy Names by Lesley Bolton
- The Complete Baby Name Guide: A Comprehensive Collection of Baby Names with Special Meanings, Origins, and Significance for Parents Seeking Unique, Timeless, and Culturally Rich Names by Colton Blake
Note: Full disclosure: SHEis Online earns a small (very small) commission on any links in the article that take you to Amazon.
About the Author:
Dr. Jaelin Stickels, DPN, CNM, APRN, is a deeply passionate and highly skilled Certified Nurse Midwife, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and the owner of Holistic Heritage Homebirth in Houston, Texas. With over a decade of midwife experience, Jaelin has had the privilege of helping several hundred (over 700 as of 2024…) women welcome their babies into the world. In addition to her advanced practice licensure training, she has additional advanced training in twin and breech births, making her one of only a few with these skills in her area. Jaelin approaches every birth with expertise, compassion, and a deep respect for the birthing process.
Jaelin’s journey into midwifery began with a profound love for supporting women through the incredible experience of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Since 2010, she has been dedicated to walking alongside families during these transformative moments, offering guidance, support, and care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. She is a big believer in informed consent and ensures clients are given the best evidence-based information to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Married to her high school sweetheart Ted (aka Chef Ted) since 1984, Jaelin is the proud mother of three grown children and the delighted grandmother of one amazing granddaughter. When she’s not assisting in births, Jaelin finds joy in going to the movies with her husband, quilting, and cherishing time with her family. Known by the other midwives in her practice (Holistic Heritage Homebirth) affectionately as the “Birth Hog,” she brings an unmatched dedication and enthusiasm to her work—no one loves birth quite like she does.
Find out more about Jaelin’s Homebirth Practice (Holistic Heritage Homebirth) in Houston, TX
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