The Social Security Administration tracks and releases baby naming data and has since 1865. Every year, we wait eagerly for the latest trends in naming. The SSA has finally released its findings for 2019! And, we can report that we have a brand-new Number 1 girl name! Olivia seizes Emma for the title of the most popular name for girls. Emma and Isabella each dropped a position, ranking at Number 2 and Number 5, respectively, while Ava held on to the Number 3 slot, and Sophia rose to Number 4.
So, there’s a little bit of shakeup with these baby names for girls, but there were no huge surprises or shocking upsets. We realize we’re writing about this like a horserace or play-by-play. Please forgive! It’s just like the Superbowl for any outlet who analyzes baby names and trends. So, let’s take a look at the most popular names for girls in the US from 2019 to get a better sense of how parents are moving and shaking. Here are the official top 25 baby girl names of 2019.
25. Victoria
Victoria is a classy name with Latin origins that means “victory.” It is the name of the ancient Roman goddess of victory. While the name might not be “hot” it’s certainly a classic that will always sound fir for a queen.
24. Chloe
Chloe is a short and sweet name with Greek origins that means “young, green shoot.” Chloe appeared in Greek mythology as an alternative name for the goddess of agriculture and fertility, Demeter. While Chloe peaked at number 9 in 2009, parents are still choosing this goddess name.
23. Layla
Layla is derived from the Semitic element layl, meaning “night.” It has roots in the Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian languages. This lyrical-sounding name has surged in recent years, in part, as an exotic alternative to Kayla. This gorgeous name is not only popular in the US, but it also tops the charts in the UK and Australia.
22. Penelope
Penelope is an unlikely favorite with Greek origins that means “weaver.” Mythological Penelope was cared for by a duck (yes, a duck) as an infant and later was known for ignoring her suiters by pretending to weave a garment while her husband was at sea. It is one of the fastest rising names for girls and only reached the top 100 in 2013.
21. Scarlett
Scarlett is a colorful name with English origins that means “red.” The word is thought to derive from the Arabic siklāt, referring to silks dyed with kermes. A favorite color was scarlet red. The name entered the top 1000 for the first time in 1940 shortly after the controversial film, Gone with the Wind was released.
20. Aria
Aria is a name with both Hebrew and Italian origins and means “air” or “song” or “melody.” Aria entered the top 1000 in 2000 and has risen since then to the top 25 each year since. This beautiful name would be excellent for parents who love music and want to impart a melodious moniker.
19. Mila
Mila has Slavic and Russian origins and means “gracious” or “dear.” Mila is quickly rising in popularity, jumping up the list in the past few years, even though it wasn’t even in the top 1000 between 1881 and 2005. Mila is now among the trendiest names for baby girls. We think we have Mila Kunis to thank for help popularizing this beauty.
18. Avery
Avery is a popular gender-neutral choice that’s currently trending for baby girls by a margin of about four to one. The name has English and German origins and has a funny meaning: “ruler of the elves.” The female Avery has had a meteoric rise, moving up from number 802 in 1990 to just outside the top 10 in recent years.
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17. Sofia
Sofia is a variation of the Greek name Sophia (which we’ll discuss later), which was derived directly from sophia, the Greek word for “wisdom.” Sofia is the number one girls’ name in Italy and in the top ten in Chile, Denmark, and Spain. While those countries prefer the name spelled with an “F,” Americans like the other version a touch more.
16. Luna
The name of the Roman goddess of the moon, Luna is derived straight from the Latin word for moon, luna. This beloved Italian name is popular among celebrities with Chrissy Teigen and Penelope Cruz both recently choosing it for their daughters. It’s easy to see why this romantic name is such a popular choice.
15. Camila
Camila is the Spanish form of the Latin name that means “young ceremonial attendant.” In Roman myth, Camilla was a swift-footed huntress who could run over a field without bending a blade of grass. The English form of the name is spelled, Camilla, but is not as popular as the casual and cool Camila.
14. Elizabeth
The time-tested classic, Elizabeth will never go out of style. This English name with Hebrew origins means “pledged to God.” It was in the top 10 for decades before it was replaced by the ever-popular Charlotte. But, Elizabeth is still in the game and any baby girl would be lucky to carry the name.
13. Ella
Ella is a name with origins that can be traced to English, Hebrew, and Germanic naming traditions. Therefore, it has a variety of meanings including “completely,” “fairy maiden,” and “goddess.” Ella rose from number 265 in 2000 to a high of number 15 in 2013 and has stayed just outside the US Top 10 ever since, making it one of the most popular names that start with “E.”
12. Emily
Emily was derived from the Roman name Aemilia, which evolved from the Latin word aemulus, meaning “hardworking” or “rival.” Emily Dickinson and Emily Brontë give this name some literary heft. This classic name would serve any girl well.
11. Abigail
Abigail is an antique name with timeless appeal. The name has Hebrew origins and means “my father is joyful.” The name was extremely popular until the early nineteenth century when it was widely used as a term for a maid. That’s clearly changed. Raise your hand if you’ve ever known a wonderful Abby. They’re always the best.
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10. Evelyn
The roots of the name Evelyn run deep with origins in English, French, and German. It, therefore, has a couple of possible meanings. Evelyn is a form of the French name Aveline which comes from an obscure German name that means “wished for” or “desired” or “water” or “island.” The name fell out of favor beginning in the 1940s and didn’t return to the top fifty until 2010. It reached the top 10 for the first time in 2017. The name is more popular now than it has ever been.
9. Harper
Harper is an Old English occupational name that means “harp player.” It’s a fabulous unisex option, however, it has been trending for girls over the last several years. The name cracked the top 10 in 2015 and has remained in it since. Before 2000, the name was rarely ever heard. We’re glad that’s changed because this is a fine name.
8. Mia
Mia is an Italian or Scandinavian name, depending on who you ask. It can mean “bitter” or “mine.” Mia has long been a popular nickname for Amelia, Emilia, and Miriam, but contemporary parents are loving the way it stands on its own. We have actor Mia Farrow to thank for popularizing the name in the states and it hit the top 1000 for the first time in 1964.
7. Amelia
Amelia has catapulted to the top over the past two decades. Its rise was first noticed in the UK when it emerged as a top contender in 2011. It now holds the number one spot there. The US followed and now, Amelia is in our top 10. The name has German origins and means “work.” It’s one of the very best.
6. Charlotte
Charlotte arrived by way of the French name Charlot which was a feminine form of Charles. Charlotte means “free man.” This sophisticated and royal name has belonged to a number of queens and princesses of the English monarchy. You can’t go wrong with this name. It’s the perfect balance between beauty and strength.
5. Isabella
Elizabeth isn’t the only form of this name to make the list. Isabella is the preferred form in Spain and Italy of the Hebrew name that means “pledged to God.” This name has made major gains in the US over the past three decades. It didn’t even appear in the top 1000 in the 1980s. The name offers a bit more romance than contemporaries, Elizabeth and Isabel.
4. Sophia
Ah, the other Sophia! This spelling is the most popular form for parents in the US. This Greek name, of course, means “wisdom.” It was the number one name for girls in the US from 2011-2013, but she’s still going strong at number four.
3. Ava
Reese Witherspoon and Hugh Jackman both have a daughter named Ava. Clearly, the moniker isn’t only popular with celebs. This name has Latin, German, Hebrew, and Persian origins. Depending on how you think about this name can mean “life” or “work” or “island” or “bird” or “voice.” Pick a meaning, any meaning! Of course, one of the most prolific directors working today, Ava DuVernay brings this name strength and compassion. We love it!
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2. Emma
Emma got kicked from the top spot in 2019. Amelia, Emily, and Emma all come from the same German root, but this one has a different meaning: “universal.” The name feels both timeless and contemporary which is probably what attracts so many parents to it. The name always brings the Jane Austen protagonist to mind and for that, we love parents for choosing this moniker.
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1. Olivia
The new champ in the US is Olivia. Records of the name Olivia exist from as far back as thirteenth-century England, but the name was popularized after Shakespeare used it for the name of the countess in Twelfth Night. Olivia is based on the Latin word oliva, meaning “olive.” It’s a classic that’s fun to say and has a sophisticated playfulness to it. It’s no surprise that Olivia and Emma are the most popular choices in the US, Australis, and Europe. They’ve been with us for some time, but both feel youthful and fresh.
There you go! The top 25 baby names for girls of 2019. It took some time for the SSA to release the data, but we’re so glad we could finally share it with you. We hope you’re inspired by these names and will consider one of these solid choices for your daughter.
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