The Social Security Administration released their Top 1000 names today. Here are a few quick observations from the data:
- -lynn is catching on quickly, with both Gracelynn and Braelynn debuting in the Top 1000. (Their -lyn versions already ranked.) Raelynn, Adalynn, Adelynn and Evelynn all climbed.
- Speaking of Addie, she’s the big winner for 2010. Addilyn, Adele, and Adelina were all new to the rankings.
- No, Isabella is not about Twilight. But the rise of Rosalie and the debut of Esme owe something to Stephenie Meyer’s paranormal romances.
- Ashley continues to fall, but Tenley was the highest debut for girls. Mckinley and Kinley also rose more than 200 places. Hadley and Kenley weren’t far behind.
- It’s good to be a Disney princess (Tiana), a Teen Mom (Maci), a reality show star (Giuliana), or a singing cheerleader (Quinn). All four names were among the fastest rising in 2010. A wronged wife (Elin) and a departed actress (Farrah) also inspired parents.
- A surprise French revival: Aimee, possibly thanks to the continuing interest in French names sparked by the birth of Vivienne Jolie-Pitt.
- Mini names like Kai, Mae, Ali and Gia fared well.
- Eloise is a hit! She soared to #530.
- Keep an eye on Sloane, too. She rose to #593.
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The “Maci” phenomenon baffles me. I’ve never seen the show, though… is she particularly likeable?
Yes, Maci is actually a favorite of the moms among Teen Mom viewers. She is very mature, level headed, and on the show seems to really put her child (Bentley) before herself. She deals with a lot of bs from the baby daddy and still always handles herself gracefully. I can see her being an inspiration to young women.
I would guess Farrah being in the top 1000 is due to the “Teen Mom” phenomenon more than the dead actress.
Kind of like Hadley, I’m ashamed to admit.
I like it too, Quilty!
I had a prof in college named Hadley ( she insisted being called by her first name rather than Dr. **) and she was older but poised and beautiful, a helen mirren type .. so it always gave me positive and wonderful associations.. so I too like it =)
Hadley has more of a history than something like Kenley, no?
Nooooo! I love Eloise and I don’t want her to become extremely popular! Maci, Tenley, Addilynn — ick!
I knew two Gia’s growing up, so I have a soft spot for the name, mini or not.
It’s name nerd day — I love it. Charlotte V, I wouldn’t worry too much because at #530 only 917 babies were named Eloise. Compare that to the 22,731 Isabellas born in the US last year!
I admit I am writing this in part because both of my girls names keep going up, and it does worry me slightly
PS I love the name Vera, it came in at 675 — up more than 200 spots!
http://www.babynamewizard.com/the-top-1000-baby-names-of-2010-united-states-of-america
Josephine now is in the top 200! She stands at 186. Penelope is now sitting at 200. Rex rose a little too, but nothing I love jumped enough to worry me. I’ll be poring through the list all day today too (as if I wasn’t there almost all day ysterday) ! Name nerd heaven indeed!
My male friend is not going to be pleased with Kenley rising for girls, lol.
I think a trend you missed is ultra feminine old fashioned girl names are also climbing a lot. Italian-inspired names like Gia, Vera, Giuliana amongst several others made a big impression too
Not to stir any controversy because she seems to inspire a lot of it, but you were totally right Abby in calling out Lorelei as a hot name to watch. She jumped 66 spots to land at #531 this year! Lorelei has climbed 431 spots since her Top 1000 debut only 6 years ago; certainly not as fast as Ava, but still kinda wowza
I also agree with Stephanie that Farrah’s rise has more to do with Teen Mom than Ms. Fawcett.
The trending of Biblical names is interesting. Sarah and Rachel fall while Leah rises and Hannah drops only one spot; I am glad to see Hannah staying out of the Top 20. Prediction: Rachel will be out of the Top 100 next year. Thank goodness because then she can go back on the list
Julius goes to daycare with a Lorelei Catherine (nicknamed Lulu), who was born in 2010.
And on the topic of Addie names, the lovely Adelaide gained 134 spots. Not sure if I’m excited or disappointed. Probably excited, as it’s nice too see more people discovering beautiful old-fashioned names. But now all of us name enthusiasts will have to find some more as-yet-undiscovered gems to love. Beulah, anyone?
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