Top 100 Baby Names

An Introduction to the 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.

Searching Top Baby Names With eMedTV's BabyBuilder

If you're looking for the top 100 names in a given year, be sure to visit eMedTV's BabyBuilder^TM name creation tool. This new Web page lists the top 100 names for both genders by year -- all the way back to 1880. BabyBuilder also provides each name's origin, meaning, and different variations.

To access the top baby names, simply click this BabyBuilder link and follow the instructions below:

On the BabyBuilder main page, click on "Top 100." This will bring up the most recent year available.

Scroll through the "Year" tab (on the left of the screen) and then select the desired year. A list of the top 100 names for that year will instantly appear. BabyBuilder automatically searches for names in the United States, but you can also view names from several other countries.

As you explore the different names that appeal to you, click on each name to learn its meaning, origin, and variations.

As you look at the top 100 names for a baby, you may find it interesting to see how certain names have cycled through popularity over the years. You might even want to see how popular your name was the year you were born.

Note: If you come across a name you like, but would prefer something a little more unique and less commonly used, be sure to look at the variations of the name. These may give you some good ideas.

Closing Thoughts on the Top 100 Baby Names

While 100 baby names may not seem like a lot, reviewing the top 100 is a great place to begin your search. If you prefer popular names, you have plenty of options to choose from. And if you'd rather learn about unique baby names, BabyBuilder can list over 75,000 additional names.

Whether or not your baby's name is part of the top 100, rest assured that he or she will still be a unique individual with diverse talents and a one-of-a-kind personality.

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