Top 100 Baby Names

Many soon-to-be parents are curious about the top 100 baby names used in the United States each year. Looking at these names can be useful for a few reasons. Some people research the top names to avoid using a popular name when they name their child -- they prefer more unique and uncommon baby names. Others do want to name their baby something traditional and popular, so they look at the list to get some ideas.

 

Keep in mind that baby names generally follow trends. For example, in some years, names that rhyme (such as Jayden, Aidan, and Cayden) are very popular. In other years, names that have a similar ending (like Ashley, Hayley, and Kaylee) top the charts. So a name that was popular a few years ago may not be all that common today.

 

By looking at several names and making a list of your favorites, your search for the perfect baby name will be underway!

 

Where Do the Top 100 Baby Names Come From?

Let's begin with a little background on the top 100 names for babies. When a baby is born in the United States, the parents or hospital where the baby was born sends paperwork to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA is an agency of the U.S. government and is responsible for keeping track of every American citizen and issuing social security numbers. Since the SSA issues social security numbers, they also keep a database of every person born in the United States. The top 100 baby names are compiled from these records.