The US Social Security Administration will release the new US popularity data on May 10, 2024. The new Top Ten gets all the attention, but it’s worth paying attention to the new Top 100 names, too.
Why the Top 100 Names Matter
Publications often print the Top 100 most popular names. (Okay, normally they print the Top Ten. But if they go any farther, it’s often to 100.) Parents respond accordingly. We say we’re ruling out “anything in the Top 100.” Even the personalized key chains and mugs sold in novelty stores seem to reflect this list.
That means two things: we’re actually hearing more of these names. (They do rank in the 100 most popular list, after all.) But we’ll also talk about them even more now, because it’s the list that gets repeated and recycled whenever we look for the most common names.
FUTURE TOP 100 GIRL NAMES
The new list will reflect births between January 1st and December 31st of 2023. Here are my ten guesses for future Top 100 names.
EDEN (#117)
This Biblical paradise with a modern sound has been gaining steadily since the 1980s. It’s increasingly unisex, but remains powerfully popular for our daughters – and due for a tip into the very top of the list.
FREYA (#129)
Big in the UK for years, Freya is quickly catching on the US now. This Norse goddess name feels distinctive, different, and strong.
JOSIE (#119)
Classic, spirited Josephine already ranks in the US Top 100, and Joseph is among the most evergreen of names for boys. Sparky nickname Josie seems destined to join them both.
JUNIPER (#114)
A nature name that brings to mind 1970s chart topper Jennifer, Juniper has gone from out-there hippie pick to mainstream favorite.
LUCIA (#126)
We love girls’ names ending with IA. There are three in the current Top Ten: Olivia, Sophia, and Amelia, and more already ranking in the Top 100. Romance language Lucia feels like the hottest IA name of our moment.
MAEVE (#104)
Sharp, spirited, and sitting just outside of the current Top 100, Maeve’s moment has arrived.
MILLIE (#127)
For parents who love Molly, Lily, and Ellie, but want something they haven’t heard a dozen times already, Millie is the answer. At least it has been, because Millie seems poised to join those favorites near the top of the list.
REMI (#118)
Not so long ago, Remy was the animated rat starring in Ratatouille. Lately, though, it’s a stylish unisex name. This spelling is climbing the charts for girls – and fast.
SAGE (#144)
This name combines all the trends: it’s a color name, a nature name, a virtue choice, and a unisex pick, too. While it’s rising for boys, too, it’s far closer to the Top 100 for girls right now.
SIENNA (#135)
Sienna is the new Scarlett. It’s a color name, originally boosted by a celebrity – in this case, actress Sienna Miller. But like Scarlett, the name’s appeal is broader now, fueled by a romantic, flowing sound.
FUTURE TOP 100 BOY NAMES
For years, J has consistently been the most popular first initial for boys born in the US. Just ask countless men named John, James, and Joseph, as well as generational style stars, like Joshua, Jason, Jayden, and Jackson. But lately? A is gaining – and fast. A wave of A names is poised to potentially enter the US Top 100.
ADRIEL (#138)
An Old Testament rarity with a modern sound, blending current Top 100 favorites Adrian and Gabriel.
ARCHER (#126)
A surname name that suggests clear aim, and benefits from built-in nickname Archie. Even though Archer wasn’t on our radar until 2009, it has a history of use that makes it feel more traditional than novel.
ARTHUR (#140)
There’s always a classic boy name on the comeback trail. Arthur is Archer’s buttoned-up cousin, the name parents choose when they realize Theodore is taken.
ATLAS (#129)
Oh, how times change. Once a wild, out-there celebrity choice, mighty Atlas is now a go-to name for mere mortals, too.
AUGUST (#109)
On meaning and history, August reads strong and resolute. But on sound? August is peak summer, easy and warm. It’s a winning combination.
GAEL (#104)
Big in Spanish speaking countries and made familiar by actor and filmmaker Gael García Bernal, Gael is a global name that also benefits from characters like The Hunger Games’ Gale.
GIOVANNI (#122)
It’s the Italian form of John, but while John is straightforward and familiar, Giovanni reads dramatic, extravagant, cool.
ENZO (#121)
A little bit Ezra, a little bit Leo.
MILO (#120)
Miles meets Arlo for this name that’s the best of both.
RIVER (#105)
Yet another fast-rising nature name, again with unisex potential. While River is gaining in use for our daughters and sons, it’s poised to enter the boys’ Top 100 this year, a word name that feels perfect for a son born now.
We would have added another Ryker last year but Jayla Ione was born.
Maybe next year!
I think Athena will definitely continue rising mainly because it’s the name of a main character on the show 9-1-1. She’s strong, smart, and no-nonsense (portrayed by the equally wonderful Angela Bassett)- I think I remember an episode where her mother mentions she named her after the Greek goddess of wisdom.
I work part-time at an elementary school so I come across a lot of names. I know one boy named Luca, who definitely comes from an Italian background, and there are two girls named Aria (with this spelling). I haven’t met any Amaya’s yet either but I do know an Anaiya who’s a very sweet girl.
Oops! I forgot Josephine! I know two Josephine’s as well but only one goes by the nickname Josie- the other just goes by her full name. And I know there’s an Everett in one of the younger classes but I usually work with the older kids so I’m not sure.