The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has released its annual list of the most popular baby names in America.
The data, compiled from Social Security card applications, reveals that Olivia and Liam are once again the top choices for girls and boys, respectively.
The announcement coincides with Mother’s Day and highlights both naming consistency and emerging trends.
Consistency in the Top Ranks
For the sixth year in a row, Olivia and Liam have led the national baby name rankings. These names, both classic and contemporary in appeal, have become cultural mainstays among American families.
Other long-time favorites such as Emma, Noah, Amelia, and Oliver continue to dominate the top five.
Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano emphasized the broader meaning of the occasion:
“As Mother’s Day nears, we remember the incredible impact that mothers have on our lives.”
The 2024 Name Leaders
Below are the top 10 baby names for girls and boys this year.
Top 10 Boys’ and Girls’ Names – 2024
| Rank | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liam | Olivia |
| 2 | Noah | Emma |
| 3 | Oliver | Amelia |
| 4 | Theodore | Charlotte |
| 5 | James | Mia |
| 6 | Henry | Sophia |
| 7 | Mateo | Isabella |
| 8 | Elijah | Evelyn |
| 9 | Lucas | Ava |
| 10 | William | Sofia |
Notably, Sofia re-enters the girls’ top 10 this year, displacing Luna, which had been a steady presence in previous lists.
Fastest Rising Names in 2024
Beyond the familiar, 2024 also brought remarkable changes. The SSA tracks which names rose fastest in popularity, based on how far they jumped in ranking year-over-year.
Names Rising Fastest in Popularity – 2024
| Rank | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Truce | Ailany |
| 2 | Colsen | Aylani |
| 3 | Bryer | Marjorie |
| 4 | Halo | Scottie |
| 5 | Azaiah | Analeia |
-
Truce, which means “peace,” surged more than 11,000 positions to enter the top 1,000.
-
Ailany, a name meaning “chief,” now ranks among the fastest-growing choices for girls.
These names reflect a broader shift toward uniqueness, cultural meaning, and aspirational values in naming trends.
How Names Are Tracked
The SSA has tracked baby name trends since 1997, with data going back to 1880. Names are drawn from Social Security applications, submitted by parents typically at the time of birth, most often while still in the hospital.
Having a Social Security number is essential for children to receive benefits, open financial accounts, or be claimed as dependents on tax returns.
The agency’s yearly release provides insight into how naming practices evolve with cultural and generational shifts.
What This Means for Parents
Choosing a baby name is one of the earliest and most meaningful decisions new parents make. The SSA’s annual list offers a national snapshot that can guide, inspire, or affirm those choices.
When naming a child, parents today are weighing tradition alongside personal significance and uniqueness.
While Olivia and Liam remain safe and popular, names like Truce, Ailany, and Halo signal a growing trend toward creative and meaningful expression.
In Summary
The 2024 baby name rankings reflect both enduring preferences and bold new choices. As families celebrate new beginnings, these names offer a glimpse into the evolving identity of a new generation.
For the full list of top baby names or to explore where your own name ranks, visit ssa.gov/oact/babynames.
Sources: Social Security Administration.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
