Unpacking the Hottest Baby Names by State in 2024

 We all know the reigning champions: Olivia and Liam continue to hold their national titles as the most popular names in the United States. But step outside the national spotlight, and you'll find a fascinating landscape of regional favorites. The Nameberry's latest analysis of top names by state in 2024 reveals that while some states align with the national trends, many are forging their own unique paths, hinting at shifts that could redefine the most popular names in the years to come.

Girls' Names: Charlotte's Reign Continues, Olivia's Dominance Shifts

While Olivia might still be the queen of the national charts, her grip on individual states is loosening. In 2024, Olivia topped the charts in 17 states, a slight dip from 18 in 2023, showing strong popularity on the West Coast and in the Southwest.

However, the real story for girls' names nationwide is Charlotte. Despite a slight drop from Number 3 to Number 4 nationally, Charlotte swept the country, ranking Number 1 in a remarkable 19 states. This is down slightly from 21 in 2023, but still a clear indicator of its widespread appeal.

Other notable trends on the girls' map include:

• Mia makes a triumphant return, topping the charts in states with significant Spanish-speaking populations like California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York.
• Lainey is a brand-new entrant, seizing the top spot in Montana, likely fueled by country music star Lainey Wilson's popularity, offering a "cowgirl-cool" vibe.
• Amelia gained ground, becoming the top choice in Alaska, Missouri, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and West Virginia.
• Former national favorite Emma is nearly off the map, clinging on only in Wyoming.
• Evelyn leads in North Dakota, Ava in Mississippi, and Valentina continues its reign in Puerto Rico.

Boys' Names: Liam Holds Strong, Oliver on the Rise

Liam further solidified its national dominance in 2024, claiming the top spot in 23 states – one more than the previous year. This reflects its significant national growth, with over 1200 more Liams born in 2024 across the US.

But keep an eye on Oliver. Despite being the third-most-popular name nationally, Oliver was the top name in an impressive 18 states, up from 13 in 2023. Compare this to Noah, the second-most-popular name nationally, which topped just seven states (albeit populous ones like Pennsylvania and Michigan). Could Oliver be poised to claim the national Number 2 spot in 2025?

Other shifts for boys include:

• James made a comeback on the map, becoming the top name in Washington, D.C.
• Elijah, Henry, John, and Thiago notably dropped off the map.
• Theodore is barely holding on, ranking first only in New Hampshire.

Beyond the Top Spot: Diversity in the Top 5

While national trends often dominate, the Top 5 baby names by state reveal a rich tapestry of local preferences. Most states feature permutations of national Top 10 names, but some show delightful diversity. A total of 26 girl names and 26 boy names earned a spot in at least one state's Top 5.

States with large Latin American and Hispanic populations, such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, naturally saw cross-cultural names like Camila, Mia, and Isabella ranking high for girls, and Mateo, Sebastian, and Santiago for boys.

Interestingly, West Virginia led the pack as the state with the "most creative" Top 5, followed by Kentucky, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. These states had the highest proportions of Top 5 names that ranked outside the national Top 10, showcasing unique local tastes.

Some names appeared in only a single state's Top 5, highlighting truly regional favorites:

• Girls: Amira (Puerto Rico), Elizabeth (Alabama), Ivy (Ohio), Kaia (Hawaii), Lily (Hawaii), Lucy (Vermont), Mary (Mississippi), Valentina (Puerto Rico), Zoe (Washington, DC).
• Boys: Brooks (North Dakota), Ethan (New York), Ezekiel (New Mexico), Ezra (Hawaii), Maverick (West Virginia), Michael (New Jersey), Thiago (Puerto Rico).

The baby naming landscape is clearly dynamic, influenced by everything from cultural demographics to pop culture and local tastes. While Olivia and Liam continue their national reign, the state-by-state breakdown reveals a vibrant and diverse picture of what's truly popular across America. What will 2025 bring? Only time, and birth certificates, will tell!