In 2024, the names Liam and Olivia continue to be the most popular choices for baby names in the United States, maintaining their positions for a sixth consecutive year. According to the Social Security Administration, Liam has been the top name for boys for eight years, while Olivia has been leading the girls' list for six years. This data was released by the agency just in time for Mother's Day and tracks names given to newborns since 1880.

Following Liam, the second most common name for boys is Noah, with the rest of the top ten comprising Oliver, Theodore, James, Henry, Mateo, Elijah, Lucas, and William. For girls, the names following Olivia are Emma in second place, followed by Amelia, Charlotte, Mia, Sophia, Isabella, Evelyn, Ava, and Sofia, which has entered the top ten for the first time, replacing Luna that has slipped out of the rankings.

Sophie Kihm, the editor-in-chief of nameberry, a popular baby naming website, noted that current trends indicate American parents are increasingly opting for names with cross-cultural charm and appeal. This shift in naming preferences reflects the growing diversity among American families which often come from mixed cultural backgrounds. Kihm suggests that many parents desire names that are easy to pronounce and understand universally, wanting their children to have a name that travels well.

The Social Security Administration's current data highlights that approximately 3.61 million babies were born in the U.S. in 2024, marking a slight increase from last year's figure of 3.59 million. This increase signifies a positive trend in the American birth rate.

Social media influencers and popular television series are playing a notable role in the changing landscape of baby names. Some names are experiencing a surge in popularity. For instance, Ailany, a name of Hawaiian origin meaning "chief," is currently among the most rapidly rising names for girls. On the other hand, the boys' name Truce, an Old English name meaning "peace," has shown a remarkable rise, jumping 11,118 positions to rank 991 this year.

The complete, searchable list of baby names is available on the Social Security Administration's website, letting expectant parents explore trending names and find the perfect one for their newborns.