Oftentimes, expecting parents start thinking of a name for their new bundle of joy as soon as they find out a baby is coming. Some people are lucky and can decide on a name right away, while others need more time to decide.
Some parents name their children after well-known fictional characters, others after celebrities. There are also those who pick a name after a close relative or they pick a name just because they like how it sounds. In the end, some names become more popular at certain times, and the group of most popular names is a very diverse one.
24/7 Tempo identified the most popular boys and girls names in 2020 using data from the Social Security Administration, which recently released its annual list of top baby names in the U.S.
The top three most popular female and male names in 2020 remained the same as in 2019. But there are a few new entries in the top 10. Henry joined the top 10 list of boy names at the No. 9 spot for the first time in over a century. The name has been steadily rising in popularity since the 2000s.
Popular baby names are often a mirror of the times. For example, Kobe, the name of one of the greatest basketball players in history, is not among the most popular names of last year. But it certainly is among the names that have grown the most in popularity. The number of baby boys named Kobe more than doubled in 2020 – going from being the 556th most popular in 2019 to 239th last year. Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
The top 10 boy and girl names of 2020 did not change much from the year before, but some names moved up or down. The most popular baby names, however, have changed significantly since the Social Security Administration started keeping records about a century and a half ago — these are the most popular names in American since 1880.
Click here to see America’s 40 most popular names in 2020
Most Popular Boy Names in 2020
20. Mateo
> Pct. of boys named Mateo in 2020: 0.52%
> Boys named Mateo in 2020: 8,900 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Mateo was most popular in: 2020 with 8,900 — or 0.52% — of all newborn boys, named Mateo
> Meaning and origin: The name’s origin in Hebrew — Matityah — comes from “mattithyah,” which means a gift of God.
> Pictured: Soccer player Mateo Silic
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19. Sebastian
> Pct. of boys named Sebastian in 2020: 0.52%
> Boys named Sebastian in 2020: 8,927 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Sebastian was most popular in: 2018 with 10,115 — or 0.56% — of all newborn boys, named Sebastian
> Meaning and origin: Sebastian derives from the Greek name Sebastianos, meaning man of Sebastia in the ancient city of Pontus.
> Pictured: Standup comedian Sebastian Maniscalco
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18. Levi
> Pct. of boys named Levi in 2020: 0.53%
> Boys named Levi in 2020: 9,005 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Levi was most popular in: 2020 with 9,005 — or 0.53% — of all newborn boys, named Levi
> Meaning and origin: Levi has Hebrew origins being the biblical son of Jacob. In Hebrew, the name means joining, pledging, attached.
> Pictured: Singer Levi Stubbs
17. Jackson
> Pct. of boys named Jackson in 2020: 0.53%
> Boys named Jackson in 2020: 9,051 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Jackson was most popular in: 2013 with 12,600 — or 0.67% — of all newborn boys, named Jackson
> Meaning and origin: 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.”
> Pictured: Musician Jackson Browne
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16. Logan
> Pct. of boys named Logan in 2020: 0.53%
> Boys named Logan in 2020: 9,086 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Logan was most popular in: 2017 with 14,033 — or 0.76% — of all newborn boys, named Logan
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Scottish surname Logan, meaning “little hollow” in Scottish Gaelic.
> Pictured: Actor Logan Lerman
15. Jacob
> Pct. of boys named Jacob in 2020: 0.54%
> Boys named Jacob in 2020: 9,196 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Jacob was most popular in: 2000 with 34,483 — or 1.76% — of all newborn boys, named Jacob
> Meaning and origin: The name is derived from the Latin name Iacobus and is of Hebrew origin, meaning “supplanter.”
> Pictured: Actor Jake Gyllenhaal, born Jacob Benjamin Gyllenhaal
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14. Daniel
> Pct. of boys named Daniel in 2020: 0.55%
> Boys named Daniel in 2020: 9,419 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Daniel was most popular in: 2000 with 22,326 — or 1.14% — of all newborn boys, named Daniel
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Daniyyel, which means “God is my judge.”
> Pictured: Actor Daniel Kaluuya
13. Ethan
> Pct. of boys named Ethan in 2020: 0.55%
> Boys named Ethan in 2020: 9,464 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Ethan was most popular in: 2002 with 22,112 — or 1.14% — of all newborn boys, named Ethan
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Hebrew origin and means “solid, enduring, firm.”
> Pictured: Film director Ethan Coen
12. Michael
> Pct. of boys named Michael in 2020: 0.57%
> Boys named Michael in 2020: 9,717 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Michael was most popular in: 2000 with 32,039 — or 1.63% — of all newborn boys, named Michael
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Hebrew origin, derived from Mikha’el, meaning “who is like God?”
> Pictured: Former basketball player Michael Jordan
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11. Mason
> Pct. of boys named Mason in 2020: 0.59%
> Boys named Mason in 2020: 10,029 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Mason was most popular in: 2011 with 19,518 — or 1.03% — of all newborn boys, named Mason
> Meaning and origin: The name has Scottish and English origin and was the occupational name for a stonemason.
> Pictured: Musician Mason Williams
10. Alexander
> Pct. of boys named Alexander in 2020: 0.59%
> Boys named Alexander in 2020: 10,151 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Alexander was most popular in: 2009 with 18,239 — or 0.92% — of all newborn boys, named Alexander
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning “defending men.”
> Pictured: American statesman Alexander Hamilton
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9. Henry
> Pct. of boys named Henry in 2020: 0.63%
> Boys named Henry in 2020: 10,705 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Henry was most popular in: 2020 with 10,705 — or 0.63% — of all newborn boys, named Henry
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic name Heimirich, meaning home ruler. It’s a mix of “heim,” which means home, and “ric,” which means power or rule.
> Pictured: Founder of Ford Motor Company Henry Ford
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8. Lucas
> Pct. of boys named Lucas in 2020: 0.66%
> Boys named Lucas in 2020: 11,281 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Lucas was most popular in: 2017 with 13,013 — or 0.70% — of all newborn boys, named Lucas
> Meaning and origin: Lucas is another version of the name Luke or Lucius, which means light-living or illumination. The name may also have originated from the Ecclesiastic Greek Loukas, which is a shorter version of Loukanos, meaning man from Lucania.
> Pictured: Racing driver Lucas di Grassi
7. Benjamin
> Pct. of boys named Benjamin in 2020: 0.71%
> Boys named Benjamin in 2020: 12,136 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Benjamin was most popular in: 2016 with 14,661 — or 0.77% — of all newborn boys, named Benjamin
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Binyamin, meaning “son of the south” or “son of the right hand.”
> Pictured: One of the Founding Fathers of the United States Benjamin Franklin
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6. James
> Pct. of boys named James in 2020: 0.72%
> Boys named James in 2020: 12,250 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, James was most popular in: 2000 with 17,989 — or 0.92% — of all newborn boys, named James
> Meaning and origin: Derived from a version of the Biblical Latin form Iacobus, from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov (Jacob).
> Pictured: Actor James Earl Jones
5. William
> Pct. of boys named William in 2020: 0.73%
> Boys named William in 2020: 12,541 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, William was most popular in: 2000 with 20,665 — or 1.05% — of all newborn boys, named William
> Meaning and origin: The name is of German origin. It’s derived from the name Willahelm, meaning “will helmet.”
> Pictured: Playwright William Shakespeare
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4. Elijah
> Pct. of boys named Elijah in 2020: 0.76%
> Boys named Elijah in 2020: 13,034 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Elijah was most popular in: 2020 with 13,034 — or 0.76% — of all newborn boys, named Elijah
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Hebrew origin, meaning “My God Is Yahweh.”
> Pictured: Congressman Elijah Cummings
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3. Oliver
> Pct. of boys named Oliver in 2020: 0.83%
> Boys named Oliver in 2020: 14,147 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Oliver was most popular in: 2020 with 14,147 — or 0.83% — of all newborn boys, named Oliver
> Meaning and origin: Oliver comes from Olivier, which is a Norman French version of the Germanic name Alfher or Aleifr.
> Pictured: Director Oliver Stone
2. Noah
> Pct. of boys named Noah in 2020: 1.07%
> Boys named Noah in 2020: 18,252 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Noah was most popular in: 2020 with 18,252 — or 1.07% — of all newborn boys, named Noah
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Noach, meaning “rest, repose.”
> Pictured: Actor Noah Wyle
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1. Liam
> Pct. of boys named Liam in 2020: 1.15%
> Boys named Liam in 2020: 19,659 out of 1.7 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Liam was most popular in: 2020 with 19,659 — or 1.15% — of all newborn boys, named Liam
> Meaning and origin: Liam means a strong-willed warrior and protector. The name is a contraction of the Irish name Uilliam, which is derived from the Frankish name Willahelm, which means helmet of will.
> Pictured: Actor Liam Neeson
Most Popular Girl Names
20. Mila
> Pct. of girls named Mila in 2020: 0.41%
> Girls named Mila in 2020: 6,602 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Mila was most popular in: 2018 with 8,154 — or 0.48% of all newborn girls, named Mila
> Meaning and origin: The Slavic name Mila comes from a derivation of the word milu, meaning dear.
> Pictured: Actress Mila Kunis
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19. Avery
> Pct. of girls named Avery in 2020: 0.42%
> Girls named Avery in 2020: 6,698 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Avery was most popular in: 2014 with 9,574 — or 0.54% of all newborn girls, named Avery
> Meaning and origin: The meaning behind the name Avery seems to be unclear with one definition suggesting “ruling with elf wisdom.”
> Pictured: Canadian journalist Avery Haines
18. Emily
> Pct. of girls named Emily in 2020: 0.43%
> Girls named Emily in 2020: 6,856 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Emily was most popular in: 2000 with 25,957 — or 1.43% of all newborn girls, named Emily
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Latin name Aemilia, meaning “striving” or “eager.”
> Pictured: Writer Emily Brontë
17. Sofia
> Pct. of girls named Sofia in 2020: 0.43%
> Girls named Sofia in 2020: 6,926 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Sofia was most popular in: 2015 with 9,694 — or 0.54% of all newborn girls, named Sofia
> Meaning and origin: Sofia is merely a form of the more common spelling, Sophia, which is also on this list.
> Pictured: Actress Sofia Vergara
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16. Elizabeth
> Pct. of girls named Elizabeth in 2020: 0.45%
> Girls named Elizabeth in 2020: 7,216 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Elizabeth was most popular in: 2000 with 15,108 — or 0.83% of all newborn girls, named Elizabeth
> Meaning and origin: Derived from a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning “My God is an oath.”
> Pictured: Queen Elizabeth
15. Ella
> Pct. of girls named Ella in 2020: 0.46%
> Girls named Ella in 2020: 7,303 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Ella was most popular in: 2010 with 9,879 — or 0.56% of all newborn girls, named Ella
> Meaning and origin: The name has a German and English origin meaning “all, completely; fairy maiden.”
> Pictured: Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald
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14. Luna
> Pct. of girls named Luna in 2020: 0.49%
> Girls named Luna in 2020: 7,770 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Luna was most popular in: 2020 with 7,770 — or 0.49% of all newborn girls, named Luna
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Italian origin, meaning “moon.”
> Pictured: Luna Lovegood from the “Harry Potter” series
13. Abigail
> Pct. of girls named Abigail in 2020: 0.49%
> Girls named Abigail in 2020: 7,817 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Abigail was most popular in: 2003 with 15,931 — or 0.87% of all newborn girls, named Abigail
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Avigail, meaning “my father’s joy.”
> Pictured: Former First Lady Abigail Adams
12. Gianna
> Pct. of girls named Gianna in 2020: 0.49%
> Girls named Gianna in 2020: 7,826 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Gianna was most popular in: 2020 with 7,826 — or 0.49% of all newborn girls, named Gianna
> Meaning and origin: The name Gianna — a diminutive for Giovanna, which is a Latin feminization of John — is of Italian origin, meaning “the Lord is gracious.”
> Pictured: Opera singer Gianna D’Angelo
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11. Camila
> Pct. of girls named Camila in 2020: 0.51%
> Girls named Camila in 2020: 8,096 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Camila was most popular in: 2020 with 8,096 — or 0.51% of all newborn girls, named Camila
> Meaning and origin: 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.
> Pictured: Pop singer Camila Cabello
10. Harper
> Pct. of girls named Harper in 2020: 0.55%
> Girls named Harper in 2020: 8,778 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Harper was most popular in: 2018 with 10,624 — or 0.63% of all newborn girls, named Harper
> Meaning and origin: The name has English, Scottish, and Irish origins. It used to be the last name of a person who played the harp.
> Pictured: Novelist Harper Lee
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9. Evelyn
> Pct. of girls named Evelyn in 2020: 0.59%
> Girls named Evelyn in 2020: 9,445 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Evelyn was most popular in: 2019 with 10,412 — or 0.62% of all newborn girls, named Evelyn
> Meaning and origin: The name may have originated as a mixture of Eve, which means life or living in Hebrew, and Lynn. It may also be the English version of Aveline, which is the French variant of the Germanic Avila.
> Pictured: Model and actress Evelyn Nesbit
8. Mia
> Pct. of girls named Mia in 2020: 0.70%
> Girls named Mia in 2020: 11,157 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Mia was most popular in: 2015 with 14,914 — or 0.84% of all newborn girls, named Mia
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Italian and Scandinavian origin meaning “mine or bitter.”
> Pictured: Former soccer player Mia Hamm
7. Isabella
> Pct. of girls named Isabella in 2020: 0.75%
> Girls named Isabella in 2020: 12,066 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Isabella was most popular in: 2010 with 22,924 — or 1.29% of all newborn girls, named Isabella
> Meaning and origin: A form of Elizabeth, Isabella is also derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba.
> Pictured: Isabella I, Queen of Castile
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6. Amelia
> Pct. of girls named Amelia in 2020: 0.79%
> Girls named Amelia in 2020: 12,704 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Amelia was most popular in: 2020 with 12,704 — or 0.79% of all newborn girls, named Amelia
> Meaning and origin: The name is Latin but has a Germanic origin that means “laborious.”
> Pictured: Pilot Amelia Earhart
5. Sophia
> Pct. of girls named Sophia in 2020: 0.81%
> Girls named Sophia in 2020: 12,976 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Sophia was most popular in: 2012 with 22,320 – or 1.27% of all newborn girls, named Sophia
> Meaning and origin: Also spelled Sofia, the name is derived from the Greek word Sophia, meaning “wisdom.”
> Pictured: Actress Sophia Loren
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4. Charlotte
> Pct. of girls named Charlotte in 2020: 0.81%
> Girls named Charlotte in 2020: 13,003 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Charlotte was most popular in: 2020 with 13,003 — or 0.81% of all newborn girls, named Charlotte
> Meaning and origin: French in origin, the name is often the feminine diminutive for Charles.
> Pictured: Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
3. Ava
> Pct. of girls named Ava in 2020: 0.82%
> Girls named Ava in 2020: 13,084 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Ava was most popular in: 2007 with 18,052 — or 0.94% of all newborn girls, named Ava
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Latin origin, meaning “life; bird; water, island.”
> Pictured: Film director Ava Marie DuVernay
2. Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma in 2020: 0.97%
> Girls named Emma in 2020: 15,581 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Emma was most popular in: 2003 with 22,709 — or 1.24% of all newborn girls, named Emma
> Meaning and origin: The name is derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
> Pictured: Actress Emma Thompson
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1. Olivia
> Pct. of girls named Olivia in 2020: 1.10%
> Girls named Olivia in 2020: 17,535 out of 1.6 million
> Between 2000 – 2020, Olivia was most popular in: 2014 with 19,823 — or 1.11% of all newborn girls, named Olivia
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Latin origin, derived from the word “oliva,” meaning “olive tree.”
> Pictured: Actress Olivia Colman
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