Thank goodness parents have at least nine months to decide on a name for their baby girl or boy, because the options are truly endless. And just as times change, names do too. Some first names that weren’t as popular during your birth year may just fall within the top 20 nowadays.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed an extensive amount of data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to figure out which first names have been gaining popularity over the course of nearly three decades. The result? There are quite a few names that have grown dramatically in the number of occurrences since the 1990s.

For example, the girl name Ava was given to only 0.03% of girls born in the 1990s, but it was given to 1.07% of all girls born so far in the 2010s — a difference of over 100,000.

You may also notice that a few names on the list are variations of one another like Sofia and Sophie or Luke and Lucas, which is indicative of similar origin. Whether you are expecting or not, you may be interested to learn what names are hot now.

Click here to see the fastest growing girl names in the United States.
Click here to see the fastest growing boy names in the United States.

To identify the fastest growing first names in the U.S., 24/7 Wall St. calculated the average annual occurrence of baby boys and girls’ names in the 1990s and the average annual occurrence of those same names over the seven years from 2010 to 2016. To compare popularity between these periods without distortions from population growth we reviewed the average counts of each name as a share of average annual births in the 1990s and in the 2010s. The ranking is based on the percentage point difference between these shares. All data was obtained from the Social Security Administration. Different spellings of similar names are not combined.

Fastest Growing Girl Names

25. Aaliyah
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.25 ppt.
> Girls named Aaliyah in 1990s: 12,937
> Girls named Aaliyah so far in 2010s: 34,836

The 25th fastest growing first name for girls, Aaliyah, has a different meaning in different languages. For example, in Hebrew Aaliyah means to ascend or go up. In Arabic, the name means sublime, and in Swahili it means exalted. It’s possible parents choose Aaliyah as their baby girl’s name because of one of these meanings, or perhaps it’s an homage to the princess of R&B, singer Aaliyah Haughton, who died at the young age of 22 in 2001.

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24. Stella
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.26 ppt.
> Girls named Stella in 1990s: 2,725
> Girls named Stella so far in 2010s: 28,923

Stella means star in Latin. It’s not difficult to understand why parents would want to name their precious newborn after the night’s sky bright and shiny stars. But really, who isn’t familiar with Marlon Brando’s scream, “Stella!” in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the film adaptation of the Tennessee Williams play.

23. Riley
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.30 ppt.
> Girls named Riley in 1990s: 10,230
> Girls named Riley so far in 2010s: 37,934

Riley was one of the most popular boy names in the 1990s. Over the six years of this decade, however, the name had become the 25th most common girl name. The name Riley can be traced to the Irish names Ó Raghallaigh and O’Reilly common in the 13th and 14th centuries.

22. Zoe
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.30 ppt.
> Girls named Zoe in 1990s: 16,789
> Girls named Zoe so far in 2010s: 42,587

This trendy girl name has a Greek origin derived from the root word gwei — which means to live. All the Zoes you know may be pleasantly surprised to learn their name quite literally means life.

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21. Camila
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.33 ppt.
> Girls named Camila in 1990s: 2,803
> Girls named Camila so far in 2010s: 35,725

According to Roman legend, Camila was a fast and swift huntress who would run over a field without so much as bending a single blade of grass. In more current times, you may be surprised to learn that the name Camila has occurred 10 times more so far this decade than it did in the 1990s.

20. Scarlett
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.34 ppt.
> Girls named Scarlett in 1990s: 2,423
> Girls named Scarlett so far in 2010s: 36,164

It’s possible that Scarlett Johansson may be the inspo for the rise of this fiery female name. The trend may have even began before Johansson’s time, with “Gone With the Wind” protagonist Katie Scarlett O’Hara.

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19. Brooklyn
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.39 ppt.
> Girls named Brooklyn in 1990s: 8,485
> Girls named Brooklyn so far in 2010s: 45,957

Whether the fascination with the name Brooklyn comes from the eclectic borough of New York City or is influenced by the word Brook, meaning small stream in Old English, Brooklyn has transformed into a popular girl name during this current decade. While the name Brooklyn is American, the city Brooklyn gets its name from the Dutch township of Breukelen.

18. Lillian
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.39 ppt.
> Girls named Lillian in 1990s: 11,224
> Girls named Lillian so far in 2010s: 47,918

Likely a derivative of the name Elizabeth, Lillian has been used in England ever since the 1500s. The number of baby girls named Lillian so far this decade, at 47,918, dwarfs the total of 11,224 for the entire 1990s.

17. Layla
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.41 ppt.
> Girls named Layla in 1990s: 2,650
> Girls named Layla so far in 2010s: 43,683

Layla’s origin is said to be Arabic. Layla means night, and the name made its debut in the 7th century story of “Qays and Layla,” which became a popular romance in medieval Arabia and Persia. Layla was not used as a name in English-speaking countries until the release of the song “Layla” written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon.

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16. Aubrey
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.42 ppt.
> Girls named Aubrey in 1990s: 10,903
> Girls named Aubrey so far in 2010s: 50,029

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the name Aubrey was widely used as a girl’s name in the United States, and it’s popularity has reached new highs in the current decade. Aubrey means ruler of elves from Old High German Alberich.

15. Zoey
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.43 ppt.
> Girls named Zoey in 1990s: 4,012
> Girls named Zoey so far in 2010s: 47,025

As for the etymology or origin of Zoey, it’s best to refer to those of Zoe mentioned above. The spelling, Zoey, seems to be popular with screenwriters as with such characters in “Nurse Jackie,” “Zoey 101” and “The West Wing.” Zoey is another girl name that’s given 10 times more frequently now than it was in the 1990s.

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14. Lily
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.43 ppt.
> Girls named Lily in 1990s: 9,764
> Girls named Lily so far in 2010s: 51,058

Naming a newborn baby girl after a beautiful flower is both bold and charming. The lily flower is often used to symbolize anything purity, devotion, and even prosperity. On another note, 28-year old British-American actress Lily Collins may have also inspired parents into naming their baby girl Lily. The actress has starred in big family-friendly films such as “The Blind Side” in 2009 and “Mirror Mirror” in 2012.

13. Evelyn
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.44 ppt.
> Girls named Evelyn in 1990s: 15,122
> Girls named Evelyn so far in 2010s: 55,224

Evelyn was most popular from 1910 to 1930 when it was in the top 20 most popular girl names. Perhaps derived from the biblical first woman Eve, or in Old High German Avelina from Avi, Evelyn’s popularity has made a comeback since the 1990s.

12. Amelia
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.46 ppt.
> Girls named Amelia in 1990s: 13,543
> Girls named Amelia so far in 2010s: 56,411

Perhaps the most famous Amelia in American history is Amelia Earhart. The female aviation pioneer of early last century has likely inspired parents to name their daughter Amelia. The name is Latin but has a Germanic origin that means “laborious.”

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11. Addison
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.51 ppt.
> Girls named Addison in 1990s: 4,998
> Girls named Addison so far in 2010s: 55,490

Allegedly, Addison or Addy was a pet name in Middle English of the biblical name Adam. Regardless of when this became a girl’s name, the name has been gaining popularity since the 2000s when it was ranked as the 50th most popular girl name. In 2010-2016, it was ranked as the 17th most popular girl name.

10. Sofia
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.52 ppt.
> Girls named Sofia in 1990s: 7,824
> Girls named Sofia so far in 2010s: 59,032

Sofia is merely a form of the more common spelling, Sophia, which is also on this list. Both names share the same meaning. The both hilarious and stunning American-Colombian actress Sofía Vergara may have something to do with the name’s current spike in popularity in the U.S. Read on to find out what the name symbolizes!

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9. Avery
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.53 ppt.
> Girls named Avery in 1990s: 6,695
> Girls named Avery so far in 2010s: 59,114

The meaning behind the name Avery seems to be unclear with one definition suggesting “ruling with elf wisdom.” Whatever the reason behind the name’s soaring popularity, Avery went from being ranked as low as 362nd in the 1990s, to the 78th most popular girl name in the 2000s, to 14th so far this decade.

8. Charlotte
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.55 ppt.
> Girls named Charlotte in 1990s: 9,680
> Girls named Charlotte so far in 2010s: 63,059

Charlotte has a rather delicious background. The French word supposedly means apple marmalade covered with breadcrumbs. How do you like them apples?

7. Ella
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.57 ppt.
> Girls named Ella in 1990s: 3,864
> Girls named Ella so far in 2010s: 61,368

This vintage yet fairy-like name has seen incredible jumps in popularity with a difference of over 55,000 more baby girls being given the name so far this decade compared to the 1990s. It’s possible that Ella could derive from Eleanor, but when it’s not, its origin is from Old High German Alia. And how about Ella Fitzgerald? The talented American Jazz singer dubbed as “The First Lady of Song,” who passed away in 1996, a time period in which young parents of today were in their late teen years.

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6. Olivia
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.74 ppt.
> Girls named Olivia in 1990s: 75,881
> Girls named Olivia so far in 2010s: 128,710

Much like it sounds, this Italian name comes from the Latin word for olive. Perhaps 33-year old Olivia Wilde or 37-year old Olivia Munn were inspirations for the name’s rise in popularity, too.

5. Mia
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.78 ppt.
> Girls named Mia in 1990s: 14,619
> Girls named Mia so far in 2010s: 90,046

Believe it or not, Mia is actually a short version of the name Maria. It was made fashionable by longtime actress Mia Farrow. Perhaps the name was also popularized by former professional soccer player, Mia Hamm.

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4. Emma
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 0.95 ppt.
> Girls named Emma in 1990s: 58,153
> Girls named Emma so far in 2010s: 137,417

There are so many well-liked actresses named Emma such as Emma Watson, Emma Stone, and Emma Roberts. In addition to being the fourth fastest growing girl name, the German name is currently the most popular name for girls in the United States.

3. Ava
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 1.05 ppt.
> Girls named Ava in 1990s: 4,199
> Girls named Ava so far in 2010s: 109,931

This German name is a variation of the name Eve. It may also be from the Latin word avis, which means bird, or could even be the shortened version of the Hebrew form of Eve, Chava, meaning life or living one. The name Ava appears 10 times more than it did in the 1990s.

2. Isabella
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 1.11 ppt.
> Girls named Isabella in 1990s: 18,749
> Girls named Isabella so far in 2010s: 126,845

This Spanish name can be shortened and makes for many cute yet classy nicknames like Izzy, Bella, and Bell, for example. Isabelle and Isabel are also other common takes on the name.

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1. Sophia
> Chg. in share of all baby girls in 1990s-2010s: 1.15 ppt.
> Girls named Sophia in 1990s: 24,491
> Girls named Sophia so far in 2010s: 134,976

Finally the most popular girl name, Sophia, has Greek origins… Remember the movie “Mama Mia”? The protagonist Sophia lived on a Greek island — pretty fitting. Sophia means anything from skill, knowledge of, acquaintance with, sound judgement, and practical wisdom to cunning, and shrewdness.

Fastest Growing Boy Names

25. Ayden
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.34 ppt.
> Boys named Ayden in 1990s: 1,490
> Boys named Ayden so far in 2010s: 38,493

The 25th fastest growing boy name is Ayden, which is one of three spelling variations of the same name — Ayden, Aidan, and Aiden — which is a derivation from a Gaelic word meaning “little fire.” In 1999, the name made its debut in the 1,000 most popular boy names at the 996th place — only 149 boys born that year were given the name. Since 2010, there have been over 38,000 baby boys that were named Ayden.

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24. Grayson
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.34 ppt.
> Boys named Grayson in 1990s: 4,730
> Boys named Grayson so far in 2010s: 40,624

It’s evident that within the past near four decades, the name Grayson has gained some popularity. Some parents opt for the other spelling, Greyson, which isn’t as popular with less than 20,000 baby boys being given the name in the past seven years.

23. Levi
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.35 ppt.
> Boys named Levi in 1990s: 20,333
> Boys named Levi so far in 2010s: 51,582

Levi has Hebrew origins being the biblical son of Jacob. In Hebrew the name means joining, pledging, attached. Maybe parents are drawn to Levi’s origins, or maybe they just like to buy Levi’s jeans? Who knows.

​​22. Luke
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.35 ppt.
> Boys named Luke in 1990s: 44,417
> Boys named Luke so far in 2010s: 66,782

Luke comes from the Latin name Lucas, which stems back even further from the Greek word Lucanus, which means “of Lucania,” a district in present-day Italy. Got all that? Historically, the name was often used to honor the Evangelist St. Luke. Today, parents may be more inspired by the one and only Luke Skywalker.

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21. Isaac
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.39 ppt.
> Boys named Isaac in 1990s: 40,247
> Boys named Isaac so far in 2010s: 68,649

Isaac, the son of Abraham in the Old Testament, is one of the three biblical patriarchs. Isaac derives from the Hebrew Yitzhaq, which means “he laughs.” Does your little Isaac giggle a lot?

20. Jaxon
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.40 ppt.
> Boys named Jaxon in 1990s: 2,597
> Boys named Jaxon so far in 2010s: 46,188

Evidently, this peculiar name that was once unheard of is now climbing dramatically in popularity. In the 1990s, just 2,597 babies were given the name. The total count dipped in the next decade, but over the seven years through 2016 close to 50,000 baby boys were named Jaxon. It seems like hipsters are taking the reigns by challenging old commonplace names like Jackson and transforming them into something more modern like Jaxon.

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19. Henry
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.40 ppt.
> Boys named Henry in 1990s: 25,207
> Boys named Henry so far in 2010s: 60,452

Henry has an extensive etymology. deriving most recently from the French name Henri. Tracking the name’s origin further back gets you an Old High German word, Heimerich, which translates to “the ruler of the house.” Beware of little Henry feeling entitled to rule your house.

18. Gabriel
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.41 ppt.
> Boys named Gabriel in 1990s: 54,797
> Boys named Gabriel so far in 2010s: 79,837

Gabriel was the name for an archangel in the Old Testament. The name originally comes from the Hebrew name Gebher El, which translates to “man of God.” In the New Testament, Gabriel is the angel sent to Mary to tell her she will soon be pregnant and give birth to Jesus.

17. Eli
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.41 ppt.
> Boys named Eli in 1990s: 8,498
> Boys named Eli so far in 2010s: 51,390

Another name with Hebrew and Old Testament origins, Eli in Hebrew means high or ascended, or “my God.” Eli is referenced in the Old Testament as a high priest of Israel.

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16. Sebastian
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.42 ppt.
> Boys named Sebastian in 1990s: 14,585
> Boys named Sebastian so far in 2010s: 56,318

Sebastian derives from the Greek name Sebastianos, meaning man of Sebastia — a former city in the ancient city of Pontus. There are plenty of Sebastians out there that may have inspired parents, On a more current note, well-known Swedish DJ Sebastian Ingrosso may have intrigued some parents with not only his upbeat renditions of so-called modern hits, but with his name as well.

15. Wyatt
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.44 ppt.
> Boys named Wyatt in 1990s: 17,931
> Boys named Wyatt so far in 2010s: 59,813

This Wild West-themed name actually has Old English origins. Wyatt may be based on the Medieval word “wido” — wood or wide perhaps. The name Wyatt was given to 17,931 baby boys in the 1990s. In the next decade, the name’s popularity dropped to just 5,133. Over the course of just seven years this decade, that number has increased to nearly 60,000 baby boys. What happened?

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14. Brayden
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.44 ppt.
> Boys named Brayden in 1990s: 5,768
> Boys named Brayden so far in 2010s: 52,522

Brayden has Irish origins and later became a common English last name. As an English last name, Brayden meant someone from Bradden or someone who lives near a broad valley. The name may also mean broad, brave, or wise. Brayden is now one of the fastest growing first names. It occurs 10 times more frequently today than it did in the 1990s.

13. Logan
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.44 ppt.
> Boys named Logan in 1990s: 63,558
> Boys named Logan so far in 2010s: 89,522

Logan is an Irish surname, which stems from the Gaelic word lagán, meaning little hollow or dweller at a little hollow. Parents likely got the inspiration for the name after a modern actor like Logan Lerman, who starred in “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” in 2010, or more notably the “Perks of Being a Wallflower” in 2012. Logan from the X-Men series could have encouraged the name’s consideration for some young parents.

12. Oliver
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.48 ppt.
> Boys named Oliver in 1990s: 6,562
> Boys named Oliver so far in 2010s: 57,276

Similar to Olivia from the girl names’ list, Oliver’s etymology also indicates it is a reference to olive. Oliver originally stemmed from the Old French name Olivier, meaning olive tree.

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11. Landon
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.48 ppt.
> Boys named Landon in 1990s: 12,506
> Boys named Landon so far in 2010s: 61,410

The classic Nicholas Sparks novel, “A Walk to Remember,” which became a movie in 2002, may have had something to do with the name’s spike in popularity. In this romantic drama, the lead protagonist Landon Carter (Shane West) devotes his free time to caring for his sick girlfriend. The name has Old English origins meaning long hill.

10. Lucas
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.50 ppt.
> Boys named Lucas in 1990s: 38,154
> Boys named Lucas so far in 2010s: 80,266

As seen in the etymology of Luke, Lucas is a Latin name. Lucas means light-giving or illumination in Ancient Greek. The number of baby boys named Lucas, over 80,000 so far this decade, is already more than double the total in the 1990s. Compared to the 2000s, however, when just over 7,000 boys were named Lucas, the popularity growth is truly massive.

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9. Owen
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.51 ppt.
> Boys named Owen in 1990s: 9,646
> Boys named Owen so far in 2010s: 62,913

This name with a Celtic origin stems from the Greek word eugenes, meaning well-born. But how about Owen Wilson? The actor has been in a myriad of films that attract a wide variety of movie watchers: From a comedy like “The Wedding Crashers,” to a crime and drama-oriented film like “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and even to a fantasy and romance genre as seen in “Midnight in Paris.”

8. Carter
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.55 ppt.
> Boys named Carter in 1990s: 9,722
> Boys named Carter so far in 2010s: 67,119

Just as it sounds, Carter is an English name the once referred to the occupation of carting — a transporter of goods. Most celebrities — and even one president — have Carter as a last name, including singers Aaron Carter and Nick Carter and former President Jimmy Carter. Cue in the hipsters of society shaking things up and making the formerly common last name a first name.

7. Jackson
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.63 ppt.
> Boys named Jackson in 1990s: 23,583
> Boys named Jackson so far in 2010s: 84,910

Jackson’s origin is English, Scottish, and northern Irish. The Scottish version of the name means “God has been gracious” or “has shown favor.” But in English, it means son of Jack. Another variation includes Jaxon, which is 21st on this list.

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6. Elijah
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.67 ppt.
> Boys named Elijah in 1990s: 34,633
> Boys named Elijah so far in 2010s: 96,601

Elijah is the name of the great Old Testament prophet who rose to heaven, fashionably, in a chariot of fire. Elijah comes from the Hebrew word Elijjah, which translates to “Lord is God.” The Greek version of the name is Elias. Elijah Wood comes to mind who became super famous for his role as Frodo in “Lord of the Rings.”

5. Noah
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.82 ppt.
> Boys named Noah in 1990s: 56,217
> Boys named Noah so far in 2010s: 126,722

Starting off the top five is Noah, a Hebrew name that means rest. But Noah is perhaps most famously known — religiously, that is — for Noah’s Ark, the large vessel Noah built to save his family and all the animals from the flood.

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4. Jayden
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.87 ppt.
> Boys named Jayden in 1990s: 4,885
> Boys named Jayden so far in 2010s: 99,525

The name Jayden has its roots in the Hebrew — and biblical name — Jadon, as well as the English name Jaden. The meanings of Jayden include God is heard. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s son, 19-year-old Jaden Smith, may have been inspo for many parents naming their children Jayden.

3. Aiden
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.87 ppt.
> Boys named Aiden in 1990s: 2,848
> Boys named Aiden so far in 2010s: 98,476

Clocking in at lucky number three is Aiden, which means fiery and also happens to be the name of the Celtic sun god. So if you’re looking for a fierce boy name, Aiden may just be your go-to. In the 1990s, Aiden occurred 10 times less frequently than it has thus far in this current decade.

2. Mason
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.87 ppt.
> Boys named Mason in 1990s: 32,870
> Boys named Mason so far in 2010s: 117,810

As you may have imagined, Mason’s meaning references the occupation of stoneworking. Mason is an Old French word with a Germanic origin that’s related to the Old English word macian, which means “to make.” With several celebrities choosing Mason for their baby girls, it seems the name is on the rise as a gender neutral name option.

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1. Liam
> Chg. in share of all baby boys in 1990s-2010s: 0.96 ppt.
> Boys named Liam in 1990s: 11,891
> Boys named Liam so far in 2010s: 114,177

The boy name that has achieved the greatest leaps and bounds is Liam, which one source says stands for a strong-willed warrior and protector. The name is a shortened version of the Irish name William. As amazing as the meaning behind the name is, it’s also possible that parents chose to name their baby boy Liam because of long-time actor Liam Neeson.

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