Find the True Meaning &
Historical Popularity of Every Name
A verified baby names dictionary. Every meaning sourced from historical lexicons, pronunciations attested in phonetic archives, and popularity calculated from 100% of US Social Security records.
US Top 100 Popular Names
Explore the definitive national rankings based on the latest 2025 Social Security Administration census data with year-over-year rank changes.
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Top US Names of 2025
The nation's most registered given names according to official Social Security records.
Liam
LEE-umResolute protector; traditional Irish short form of Uilliam / William
Olivia
oh-LIV-ee-uhOlive; symbol of peace, fruitfulness, and tranquility; popularized by Shakespeare in Twelfth Night
Noah
NOH-uhRest, comfort, peace, or tranquility (from Hebrew Noach)
Charlotte
SHAR-luhtFree human; French feminine diminutive of Charles
Oliver
OL-ih-vurOlive tree; ancient emblem of peace, fruitfulness, and dignity; also connected to Old Norse Olaf (ancestor descendant)
Emma
EM-uhWhole, universal, all-embracing (from Germanic ermen / irmin)
Theodore
THEE-uh-dorGift of God, derived from theos (god) and doron (gift)
Amelia
uh-MEE-lee-uhIndustrious, striving, eager to excel (from Germanic amal)
Celtic, Irish & Gaelic Treasures
Timeless names rooted in the mythology, poetry, and landscapes of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands.
Liam
LEE-umResolute protector; traditional Irish short form of Uilliam / William
Nora
NOR-uhHonor, noble dignity (from Honora) or light (from Eleonora)
Isla
EYE-luhIsland; named after Islay, a scenic Scottish island, or Spanish for island
Owen
OH-uhnNoble youth or well-born (related to Eugene and Welsh Owain)
Riley
RY-leeCourageous, valiant; also rye clearing in Old English
Logan
LOH-guhnLittle hollow or peaceful meadow
Nolan
NOH-luhnNoble, renowned, famous (from O Nuallain)
Paisley
PAYZ-leeChurch or place of worship (from Scottish Gaelic baslec); also iconic textile motif
Why Parents & Researchers Trust Our Dictionary
Every statistic, peak year, and rank is computed directly from 146 annual national files from the US Social Security Administration.
Unlike sites using AI to invent romanticized folklore, all etymologies derive from peer-reviewed linguistic lexicons and open dictionaries.
Phonetic transcriptions map to the Carnegie Mellon Pronouncing Dictionary with standard IPA and readable English respellings.
Timeless Biblical & Hebrew Roots
Classic names whose meanings reflect devotion, grace, and spiritual heritage.
Noah
NOH-uhRest, comfort, peace, or tranquility (from Hebrew Noach)
James
JAYMZSupplanter or follower; English derivative of Jacob via Late Latin Jacobus
Mia
MEE-uhBeloved (short form of Maria) or Italian for mine; darling
Elijah
ih-LY-juhMy God is Yahweh; steadfast devotion
Isabella
iz-uh-BEL-uhPledged to God; Romance variation of Elizabeth
Mateo
mah-TAY-ohGift of God; Spanish form of the biblical name Matthew (Mattityahu)
Benjamin
BEN-juh-minSon of the right hand; son of the south or son of strength
Levi
LEE-vyJoined, attached, or united in harmony
Modern Unisex & Crossover Favorites
Popular names with balanced usage across boys and girls in historical records.
Avery
AY-vuh-reeRuler of the elves; wise spiritual counsel (from Alberich)
Riley
RY-leeCourageous, valiant; also rye clearing in Old English
Rowan
ROH-uhnLittle red one; also the sacred rowan tree with red berries
Angel
AYN-juhlMessenger of God; angel
Quinn
KWINCounsel, intelligence, wisdom; descendant of Conn
Parker
PAR-kurKeeper of the park or forest warden
River
RIV-urFlowing body of water; representing freedom, continuous movement, and life
Emerson
EM-er-suhnSon of Emery (brave, powerful ruler)