Buzz
Many take pride in their home state, celebrating its unique landmarks, iconic eateries, and even the charm of its official state symbols.
However, when it comes to popular baby names, there’s a striking uniformity nationwide. The Social Security Administration carefully tracks newborn names through Social Security Card applications, releasing annual rankings and state-specific lists.
In 2021, Olivia dominated as the top choice for baby girls from Georgia to Washington, claiming the number one spot in 34 states. Its male counterpart, Oliver, was equally popular, leading in 13 states. In eight states—Idaho, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Utah, and Wyoming—Olivia and Oliver both took the top spots.
Nationally, Liam outperformed Oliver, securing the top spot in 20 states. Noah claimed first place in 10 states, as did Charlotte for girls. Only three states stood out: Mississippi favored Ava, New Mexico chose Mia, and Kentucky uniquely picked Emma. Surprisingly, Emma didn’t rank first more often, despite being Olivia’s closest competitor in the national rankings.
While the overall lists show consistency, the top five names in each state reveal slight variations. For instance, Waylon is the second most popular boys’ name in West Virginia, and Eleanor only appears in Nebraska’s top five. Explore the complete state-by-state breakdown here.
- Alabama // Olivia, William
- Alaska // Amelia, Noah
- Arizona // Olivia, Liam
- Arkansas // Olivia, Liam
- California // Olivia, Noah
- Colorado // Olivia, Liam
- Connecticut // Olivia, Noah
- Delaware // Charlotte, Liam
- Florida // Olivia, Liam
- Georgia // Olivia, Noah
- Hawaii // Olivia, Noah
- Idaho // Olivia, Oliver
- Illinois // Olivia, Noah
- Indiana // Charlotte, Liam
- Iowa // Charlotte, Oliver
- Kansas // Olivia, Liam
- Kentucky // Emma, Liam
- Louisiana // Olivia, Liam
- Maine // Charlotte, Oliver
- Maryland // Olivia, Liam
- Massachusetts // Olivia, Noah
- Michigan // Charlotte, Noah
- Minnesota // Charlotte, Oliver
- Mississippi // Ava, William
- Missouri // Olivia, Oliver
- Montana // Olivia, Oliver
- Nebraska // Olivia, Henry
- Nevada // Olivia, Liam
- New Hampshire // Olivia, Oliver
- New Jersey // Olivia, Liam
- New Mexico // Mia, Noah
- New York // Olivia, Liam
- North Carolina // Olivia, Liam
- North Dakota // Olivia, Oliver
- Ohio // Olivia, Oliver
- Oklahoma // Olivia, Liam
- Oregon // Evelyn, Oliver
- Pennsylvania // Olivia, Noah
- Rhode Island // Olivia, Liam
- South Carolina // Olivia, William
- South Dakota // Evelyn, Henry
- Tennessee // Olivia, William
- Texas // Olivia, Liam
- Utah // Olivia, Oliver
- Vermont // Charlotte, Henry
- Virginia // Charlotte, Liam
- Washington // Olivia, Liam
- West Virginia // Amelia, Liam
- Wisconsin // Charlotte, Oliver
- Wyoming // Olivia, Oliver
- Washington, D.C. // Charlotte, Henry
