Time to talk Connecticut baby names!
Part of New England, Connecticut’s history begins with the Algonquian peoples who called the region home. European settlers first arrived in 1633. It became the fifth state of the original thirteen in in 1788.
It’s a tiny state – only Delaware and Rhode Island are smaller. But it ranks 29th in terms of population, including cities like Bridgeport, Stamford, and Hartford.
Much of Connecticut is defined by affluent New York City suburbs. Places like Greenwich and Darien are a 45-minute train ride away. It’s home to Yale University and the United States Coast Guard Academy. The state boasts its own history of industry, and remains a major center for insurance.
DEMOGRAPHICS
In terms of demographics, the population is over 60% white, with around 20% Hispanic, followed by around 10% black, as well as small Asian and Native American populations.
The top baby names reflect a slightly less diverse community, and perhaps some of that traditional, polished New England style as well.
One other factor? About 15% of the population traces their history to Italy. Well over 500,000 residents identify as Italian-American, making it the US state with the highest percentage of residents with Italian ancestry. That history is also reflected in the most popular names.
TRADITIONAL FAVORITES
Maybe it’s the state’s ties to Colonial history. Or maybe it’s the affluent population. But the most popular girls and boys names tend to be slightly more conservative than the national average. Way back in 1994, Emily and Sarah topped the girls’ list, while Jessica and Ashley ranked at the top of the national list.
Data from the US Social Security Administration (SSA) proves that this isn’t a fluke, either. In 2004, Madison was one of the hottest names in the US, coming in #3 nationally, but it failed to crack the Top Five in Connecticut. Overall, the state is ever-so-slightly trend resistant.
Let’s take a look at Connecticut’s list of the most popular names now. But first …
CONNECTICUT AS A BABY NAME
California, yes. Georgia, of course! Even Alaska and Tennessee have appeared on birth certificates now and again.
But Connecticut? It’s mostly unused as a given name. It does not appear in the US Social Security Administration extended data, which means it has has never been given to five girls or five boys in a single year of birth.
The state’s name comes from a Mohegan-Pequot word. It means something like “long tidal river” and refers to the Connecticut River. The state later took its name from the body of water.
Plenty of Con- names have had their moment, from Constance to Conrad, Connie and Connor, and more. But we know that few of these have been particularly popular over the past decade – or at least not any more common in the state than they are elsewhere in the United States.
TOP TEN BOY NAMES IN CONNECTICUT
10. JOSEPH (#32 in the US)
Hartford is home to the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, but that may or may not explain why this traditional choice outperforms the national data in Connecticut.
9. CAMERON (#66 in the US)
After rising for several straight years in Connecticut, Cameron entered the state’s Top Ten – even as the name falls elsewhere. The persistence of polished, well-established surname names isn’t limited to Cameron. Mackenzie ranks in the girls’ Top 100, as does Sloane. On the boys’ side, names like Emmett and Landon out-perform their national rankings, too.
8. LUCAS (#9 in the US)
An enduring choice, popular everywhere.
7. LUCA (#23 in the US)
A number of Italian names, especially for boys, enjoy more popularity in Connecticut than elsewhere. Just look at Matteo, Giovanni, and Lorenzo, all ranking in the Top 100 most popular baby names in the staste. But Luca is the most common of them all.
6. HENRY (#6 in the US)
A classic Top Ten pick big across the US.
5. THEODORE (#4 in the US)
Another favorite, in Connecticut and across the US.
4. JAMES (#5 in the US)
Classic and still going strong.
3. OLIVER (#3 in the US)
A traditional choice having a moment.
2. NOAH (#2 in the US)
Second place in the US, and second place in the state, too.
1. LIAM (#1 in the US)
It’s no surprise that the #1 name in the US also holds the top spot on this list. Worth noting: while we tend to think of Boston, Massachussetts as the heart of Irish American culture in the US, all of New England has a relatively high percentage of Irish Americans, including Connecticut. While Liam is also a favorite with Spanish-speaking families, there’s more than one factor putting this upbeat William nickname on top.
TOP 100 CONNECTICUT BOY NAMES
- Liam
- Noah
- Oliver
- James
- Theodore
- Henry
- Luca
- Lucas
- Cameron
- Joseph
- Jack
- Benjamin
- Leo
- Michael
- William
- Ethan
- Owen
- Logan
- John
- Mateo
- Anthony
- Thomas
- Alexander
- Matthew
- Jackson
- Caleb
- Elijah
- Mason
- Dylan
- Daniel
- Elias
- Charles
- Luke
- Aiden
- Julian
- Carter
- Miles
- Sebastian
- Samuel
- Josiah
- Levi
- Roman
- Gabriel
- Jacob
- Nathan
- Ryan
- Wyatt
- Theo
- Christopher
- Jayden
- Enzo
- Ezra
- Wesley
- Hudson
- Austin*
- Asher
- Rowan
- Thiago
- Andrew
- Bennett
- Cole
- Joshua
- Ian
- Dominic
- Chase
- Christian
- Colton
- Connor*
- Nicholas*
- Isaac
- Robert
- Amir
- Giovanni*
- Grayson
- Matteo*
- Myles
- Nolan
- Cooper
- Jeremiah
- Landon*
- Brooks
- Lorenzo*
- Vincent*
- George*
- Maverick
- David
- Aaron
- Leonardo
- Nathaniel*
- Parker
- Jaxon
- Kayden*
- Angel
- Greyson*
- Luka
- Adrian
- Jonathan
- Kai
- Axel
- Emmett*
* indicates the name does not rank in the current US Top 100
TOP TEN GIRL NAMES IN CONNECTICUT
10. ELLA (#30 in the US)
Just like Joseph and James, Ella is a traditional favorite faring better in Connecticut than other parts of the US.
9. CHLOE (#20 in the US)
The second name on the state’s most popular list that outranks national data.
8. AVA (#9 in the US)
Compact and glam, Ava is a Top Ten pick nearly everywhere.
7. SOPHIA (#6 in the US)
Given the state’s relatively small Spanish-speaking population, it’s not surprising that Sophia makes the Top Ten, while Sofia falls short.
6. ISABELLA (#7 in the US)
A long-time chart-topper.
5. AMELIA (#3 in the US)
The country’s third place name ranks a healthy #5 on this list.
4. EMMA (#2 in the US)
Slightly less common in the state than elsewhere in the country.
3. CHARLOTTE (#4 in the US)
Buttoned-up Charlotte is a sister for Oliver, a long-time favorite.
2. OLIVIA (#1 in the US)
Long Connecticut’s top girl name, Olivia fell one spot in 2024 to make room for a new top pick.
1. MIA (#5 in the US)
Like Liam on the boys’ side, first place name Mia often owes its appeal to Spanish-speaking families. But in this case, Mia might also owe a higher-than-national rank to families of Italian heritage. This is the first year Mia has bested Olivia for the #1 spot in the state.
TOP 100 CONNECTICUT GIRL NAMES
- Mia
- Olivia
- Charlotte
- Emma
- Amelia
- Isabella
- Sophia
- Ava
- Chloe
- Ella
- Sofia
- Lucy
- Gianna
- Harper
- Luna
- Isla
- Nora
- Madison
- Emilia
- Riley
- Grace
- Maya
- Aria
- Stella
- Zoe
- Mila
- Elizabeth
- Evelyn
- Layla
- Lily
- Aurora
- Avery
- Abigail
- Eliana
- Violet
- Scarlett
- Sophie
- Valentina
- Camila
- Madeline
- Ellie
- Penelope
- Eleanor
- Maeve
- Victoria
- Hailey
- Hazel
- Emily
- Eloise
- Leah
- Clara
- Madelyn
- Hannah
- Sienna*
- Cora
- Mackenzie*
- Josephine
- Alice
- Ayla
- Liliana
- Savannah*
- Zoey
- Elena
- Alaia*
- Quinn
- Peyton*
- Leilani
- Lyla
- Maria
- Ruby
- Cecilia*
- Sloane*
- Gabriella
- Nova
- Bella
- Lillian
- Addison
- Autumn
- Caroline
- Eliza*
- Lila*
- Lucia
- Claire
- Genesis
- Ivy
- Sadie
- Alexandra*
- Alina*
- Ariella*
- Brooke*
- Daisy
- Jade
- Margot*
- Delilah
- Francesca*
- Gemma*
- Naomi
- Adeline
- Alana*
- Amira*
* indicates the name does not rank in the current US Top 100
DISTINCTIVE CONNECTICUT PLACE NAMES
AVERY
Inspired by the Avery Point Lighthouse, now owned by the University of Connecticut.
BRISTOL
Suburban Bristol is midway between New York City and Boston. It’s also the home of ESPN.
DARIEN
One of several US cities by the name, Darien was likely inspired by the Isthmus of Panama, the narrow strip of land that links North and South America. It was previously known as the Isthmus of Darien. Revolutionary War veteran Thaddeus Bell suggested the name; as a sailor, he’d traveled in the area.
HAVEN
As in New Haven. Or North Haven or East Haven, though New is the most famous. That’s because it’s home to Yale University.
GILMORE GIRLS
The fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut serves as the backdrop for long-running television series Gilmore Girls. It’s very, expressly New England and quite focused on the state. Lorelai’s dad works in the insurance industry. Rory eventually attends Yale. The town’s history and seasons are celebrated, from the first snowfall to an annual Revolutionary War re-enactment. Amy Sherman-Palladino is a fantastic namer; just a few of the characters from the original 2000 to 2007 run are included below; find more here.
DEAN
Daughter Rory’s first boyfriend.
JESS
Another love interest for Rory.
LANE
Rory’s BFF from day one of kindergarten in Stars Hollow.
LOGAN
Rory’s privileged, wealthy boyfriend in college.
LORELAI
Rory’s mom, Lorelai, was named her grandmother. As a young mother, she gives the same name to her daughter, but chooses the nickname Rory so she’ll have a name all her own.
LUKE
Lorelai’s love interest, and a bedrock member of the Stars Hollow business community as owner of Luke’s Diner.
PARIS
Rory’s rival at her elite boarding school – and beyond.
RORY
The daughter at the heart of the series.
SOOKIE
Lorelai’s BFF and eventual business partner, and a talented chef, too.
Find more name from the series here.
NAMES FROM CONNECTICUT HISTORY AND SYMBOLS
GARNET
The state’s official mineral.
JONATHAN
The University of Connecticut mascot is Jonathan the Husky. He’s named after the first governor of the state, Jonathan Trumbull. UConn has two Jonathans: a costume character, as well as an actual canine. The latter is cared for my a campus service organization.
KAT, DAISY, JOJO
1988 movie Mystic Pizza is a coming-of-age tale set in the real seaside town of Mystic, Connecticut. The pizza parlor is real, too. The movie launched the careers of several cast members, including Julia Roberts. It was also Matt Damon’s film debut, as a character named Steamer.
LAUREL
The mountain laurel is the state’s official flower.
MICHAELA
Michaela Petit’s Four-O’Clocks was adopted at the state’s official children’s flower following a tragic murder in the state.
ROBIN
The American robin serves as the state’s bird.
ROSEBAY
The Rhododendron Sanctuary Trail runs through a state forest; the rosebay rhododendron is native to the state.
FAMOUS CONNECTICUTERS
AUSTIN
Farmington, Connecticut was home to Austin Williams and his wife, Jennet Cowles Williams. Abolitionists and activists, the Williams’ home was part of the Underground Railroad.
BENEDICT
American-born British military officer Benedict Arnold called Norwich home. After he betrayed the American Revolution, Arnold made his first name rare for generations in the US. Then came a new pope, Benedict Cumberbatch, and, most recently, Benedict Bridgerton. Now the name i
ELIHU
Boston-born Elihu Yale spent his adult years traveling across the British Empire. Because he had no heir of his own, he made a significant bequest to the fledgling college upon his death in 1721.
EVERETT, AUSTIN
Inspired by his travels in Italy, A. Everett Austin built a home in Hartford, where he served as director of the Wadsworth Athenaeum, the longest-operating art museum in the US. Following his death, his family eventually donated the A. Everett Austin house to the museum.
FLORENCE
Florence Griswold’s home became the center of the Old Lyme Art Colony, a focal point for the development of American Impressionism.
HALE
Soldier and spy Nathan Hale is officially designated the state’s hero.
HARRIET
A writer and abolitionist, Harriet Beecher Stowe remains famous for her 1852 novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
IDA
Famous 19th century journalist exposed corruption and scandal. She called a farmhouse in Easton, Connecticut home.
IVES
A native of Danbury, Charles Ives became a successful composer. He was named the official state composer in 1991.
KATHARINE
Celebrated actress Katharine Hepburn made her mark on Broadway and in Hollywood, but she was a Connecticut native.
MABEL
Writer and conservationist Mabel Osgood Wright established the Birdcraft Sanctuary in Fairfield. Wright was a pioneer in the Audubon movement to protect birds.
MARK, TWAIN
Legendary American author Mark Twain was born Samuel Clemens in Missouri. He lived with his family in a Hartford mansion as an adult. It is now open to the public as the Mark Twain House. The author wrote many of his best-known works in the home, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and – fittingly – A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
OLIVER
From Oliver Ellsworth, another Founding Father who later served as a US Senator and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Or possibly thanks to Oliver Wolcott Sr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He hosted figures like Washington and Lafayette at his home in Litchfield.
OTHNIEL
Othniel Marsh was a leading 19th century palentologist.
PRUDENCE
Inspired by Prudence Crandall. An educator, Crandall opened the Canterbury Female Boarding School in Canterbury, Connecticut in 1831. She admitted African-American girls, but quickly faced resistance from the community, as well as enrolled families. Rather than give it to pressure, Crandall transformed her school into an institution for young women of color. While it was forced out of operation within a few years, Crandall is now considered the Connecticut state heroine.
REEVE
American lawyer Tapping Reeve opened the first law school in the United States.
RUSSELL
The father of American biochemistry is Russell Chittenden.
SILAS, DEANE
As in Silas Deane, a Founding Father and first foreign diplomat from the US to France.
