Popular Baby Names

What Makes a Popular Baby Name

Popular baby names have changed through-out the years. It seems that each decade brings upon us a new name that tips the scale of popularity. The most popular baby names of 2005 for boys and girls were Jacob and Emily respectively. One decade earlier the most popular baby names were Michael and Jessica. Interestingly enough, Michael has held the top spot as the most popular baby boy name from 1961 to 1999, a staggering run of 38 consecutive years! Michael has still held on strong over the past six years, coming in second place from 2000 to 2005. Michael didn't break into the top 10 until 1942, when it started to make a strong and steady presence while climbing up the rankings as one of the most popular baby boy names of all time. Baby girls names have seen more fluctuation at the top spot, with the clear favorite over the last 20 years being Jessica. Breaking into the top spot as most popular baby girl name in 1985, Jessica remained the most popular girl name until the year 1991 when it was topped (by a mere 71 births) by the name Ashley. Since that time, the top girls name has seen some fluctuation as the top spot has seemed to change almost every 3 or 4 years.

So, what makes a popular baby name? Popular baby names are defined by the total number of births where the new-born babies share the same birth name. The book definition of popular is defined as anything that is commonly liked or approved. In the case of baby names, that definition is most certainly true. Whether it be personal situations or the want of a parent for their children to be social accepted, the most popular baby names of a decade early continue to remain popular to this day. This is especially true for baby boys names, where Michael continues to dominate in the top 10 lists year after year for the last half-century. With baby girls names, the trend does not seem to retain itself as it once did. Jessica, the top name of the past 2 decades, can't even be found in the top 20 of the 2005 most popular baby name list!

What does all this tell us? Nothing really. As a parent you're likely to spend hours upon hours preparing for the child's birth, going to pregnancy classes, reading books on delivery and child care, and picking out the outfit that's perfect for baby's first day home. For many, choosing a name will be decided within minutes and for some it will be an agonizing process with many hours spent researching names and their meanings, viewing top 100 baby names lists, reading about the most popular baby names by state, and more. The name given to your baby will carry with him or her for the rest of their lives. Perhaps that's why so many parents are basing their name selections from the most popular names list. Not only is it a lot easier to choose, but it ensures your baby will grow up with a socially accepted name.

Make sure to spread the word and let others know about us! Your Baby Resource is dedicated to bringing you the latest and most accurate information on baby names and child care. We hope you've found this information useful. Bookmark this page so you can come back and check out our information on popular baby names!