Popular in New York Baby Names

Time to talk about New York baby names.

It’s almost two entirely separate lists.

There are New York City baby names. Lists of choices inspired by the metropolis.

But then there’s Binghamton and Albany and Buffalo, the rest of New York.

Those images don’t necessarily overlap.

New York makes us think Broadway and the Empire State Building. It’s the Big Apple, home to yellow taxi cabs, Central Park, and legendary neighborhoods.

Other parts of the state are mountains, the coast, and farmland. The Catskills of Washington Irving, the beaches of the Hamptons, Woodstock and Cooperstown, Lake Placid and Saratoga Springs.

But they’re all New York baby names.

Demographics matter. The state is staggeringly diverse. New York is home to the largest Jewish population in the US, accounting for about 8% of the population. Top 100 names like Chaim, Moshe, and Rivka reflect those cultural roots, but so do more subtle choices like Esther and Aaron.

The state’s 20% Latino population, a significant African American community, and nearly one-quarter foreign-born New Yorkers also impact the most popular baby names.

POPULARITY IN NEW YORK CITY
NYC-INSPIRED NAMES
TOP TEN BOY NAMES IN NEW YORK STATE
TOP 100 NEW YORK BOY NAMES
TOP TEN GIRL NAMES IN NEW YORK STATE
TOP 100 NEW YORK GIRL NAMES
DISTINCTIVE NEW YORK PLACE NAMES
NAMES FROM NEW YORK HISTORY & SYMBOLS
FAMOUS NEW YORKERS

POPULARITY IN NEW YORK CITY

According to the New York City health department, these were the most popular names for children born in the city during 2024:

NYC-INSPIRED NAMES

ASTOR, ASTORIA

Businessman John Jacob Astor inspired the name of a Queens neighborhood. The surname originally means “hawk.”

BROOKLYN

One of the city’s five boroughs, Brooklyn became a wildly popular name for girls in the late 1990s into 21st century. It wasn’t just about New York, either. The name Brooke had a good run, originally inspired by Brooke Astor, who married into the wealthy family in 1953.

BRONX

Another of the city’s five boroughs, the Bronx takes its name from Jonas Bronck. He purchased a tract of land in 1639 that included a river. The river took his name, and then so did the surrounding area. It’s generally accepted that Jonas Bronck was a Swedish immigrant to the Dutch colony of New Netherland.

BRYANT

Home to the New York Public Library, as well as a large park, Bryant Park was named for poet, journalist, and abolitionist William Cullen Bryant.

CARROLL

Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn was named for Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He’s also strongly associated with Maryland, as he was born in Annapolis and represented the state in the US Senate. A park and historic district in the area are also named for Carroll.

CHELSEA

There’s a Chelsea in London, too, but the New York City neighborhood is arguably more famous. Located on the west side of Manhattan – and named for the London neighorhood – Chelsea has long been a center for the arts. The Chelsea Hotel was home to Dylan Thomas and Bob Dylan. Leonard Cohen lived there and wrote the song “Chelsea Hotel” about it. Joni Mitchell’s “Chelsea Morning” was also inspired by the neighborhood.

DAKOTA

While this is the name of two states – North and South – the Dakota is a historic residence on the west side of Central Park, in upper Manhattan. It’s famous for lots of reasons, but perhaps mostly for the tragic murder of John Lennon.

DELANCEY

One of the major streets in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the area was immortalized in 1988 romantic comedy Crossing Delancey starring Amy Irving.

ELLIS

As in Ellis Island, once the main entry point for immigrants arriving in New York City. It’s now operated by the National Park Service as the National Museum of Immigration. The island’s name comes from Samuel Ellis, a former owner of the property.

FORDHAM

A neighborhood in the Bronx, Fordham gave its name to Fordham University. There are competing explanations for the place name, but its been in use since the 17th century.

GRACIE

As in Archibald Gracie Mansion, official residence of the mayor of New York City.

GRAMERCY

Gramercy Park is a rare private park, located in the Gramery neighborhood, which includes a historic district by the same name. It’s a bit cumbersome as a given name, but it has an appealing meaning: many thanks. It comes from the French phrase gran merci.

HALSEY

Singer Ashley Frangipane was born in New Jersey. She found fame in New York, after re-arranging the letters of her given name to reflect the Halsey Street station in Brooklyn.

HAMILTON

Inspired by Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father whose story has been revitalized by Lin-Manuel Miranda in the sensational Broadway hip hop history.

HARLEM

An upper Manhattan neighborhood, Harlem was founded by Dutch settlers and named for Haarlem, in the Netherlands. It became a center of African-American cultural expression during the 1920s and 30s during the Harlem Renaissance.

HOLDEN

As in fictional Holden Caulfield, of The Catcher in the Rye.

LEX

Borrowed from Lexington Avenue, often abbreviated to Lex.

MACY

One of several major department stores, Macy’s Herald Square flagship store has operated in that location since 1902.

LIBERTY

As in the Statue of Liberty, as well as the WNBA team that shares the name.

LINCOLN

Inspired by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. It may be named for President Abraham Lincoln, but the area it stands on today was formerly known as Lincoln Square.

MADISON

A major Manhattan avenue, the name is also synonymous with the advertising industry.

TILDEN

One of many Gilded Age mansions still standing in the city, 15 Gramercy Park South was built by former New York governor Samuel Tilden.

TOP TEN BOY NAMES IN NEW YORK STATE

10. JAMES (#5 in the US)

Classic James is a favorite everywhere.

9. JACOB (#41 in the US)

A former #1 name in the US, Jacob remains more popular in New York. One possible explanation: the name’s Hebrew roots keep it a favorite with Jewish families.

8. DAVID (#31 in the US)

Another classic overperforming in the Empire State.

7. OLIVER (#3 in the US)

A Top Ten nearly everywhere.

6. THEODORE (#4 in the US)

Classic Theodore is a favorite across the US.

5. JOSEPH (#32 in the US)

Like David, traditional favorite Joseph fares better in New York than elsewhere. One possible reason: the state’s high population of Americans of Italian descent. While Joseph is a favorite in nearly every European language, Joe is sligtly Italian coded. (Joe DiMaggio, Joe Pesci, Joe Montana, Joe Rogan … it’s a long list.)

4. ETHAN (#19 in the US)

Another former Top Ten favorite still going strong in New York.

3. LUCAS (#9 in the US)

Top Ten Lucas is even more popular here.

2. NOAH (#2 in the US)

The #2 name in the US matches the New York data.

1. LIAM (#1 in the US)

While New York has a sizable Irish population, it’s about 10% – the national average. Instead, Liam’s popularity with Spanish-speaking families probably explains the name’s hold on the top spots in New York, as well as California, Texas, and nationwide.

TOP 100 NEW YORK BOY NAMES

Liam
Noah
Lucas
Ethan
Joseph
Theodore
Oliver
David
Jacob
James
Luca
Michael
Benjamin
Jack
Daniel
Leo
Henry
Dylan
Matthew
Anthony
William
Alexander
Aiden
Levi
John
Samuel
Isaac
Logan
Asher
Mason
Owen
Thomas
Elijah
Mateo
Moshe*
Sebastian
Jayden
Thiago
Gabriel
Julian
Cameron
Elias
Hudson
Muhammad*
Ezra
Ryan
Joshua
Nathan
Jackson
Miles
Adam
Nicholas
Aaron
Ian
Enzo
Caleb
Carter
Christopher
Theo
Amir
Luke
Charles
Grayson
Abraham*
Roman
Josiah
Nolan
Robert
Wesley
Adrian
Wyatt
Dominic*
Andrew
Austin*
Eli
Cooper
Maverick
Lorenzo*
Gael
Chaim*
Christian
Kai
Leonardo
Axel
Kayden*
Yosef*
Angel
Jonathan
Luka
Santiago
Giovanni*
Isaiah
Landon*
Max
Jeremiah
Jordan*
Arthur*
Chase*
George*
Vincent*

* indicates the name does not appear in the US Top 100

TOP TEN GIRL NAMES IN NEW YORK STATE

10. AVA (#9 in the US)

A long-time Top Ten favorite everywhere.

9. LEAH (#53 in the US)

As with Jacob on the boy’s side, the higher popularity of Leah might reflect the name’s Hebrew roots.

8. SOFIA (#10 in the US)

A favorite in New York, as well as across the US.

7. AMELIA (#3 in the US)

Slightly less common here than in other parts of the country.

6. CHARLOTTE (#4 in the US)

Another classic choice.

5. ISABELLA (#7 in the US)

Several of the most popular names might be bigger in New York because of a large Spanish-speaking population, or possibly becuase the romance language vibes appeal to New Yorkers of Italian descent.

4. OLIVIA (#1 in the US)

Olivia isn’t on top in New York, though it’s still powerfully popular.

3. SOPHIA (#6 in the US)

Everything that’s true for Isabella might also apply here.

2. EMMA (#2 in the US)

A name that matches the national popularity stats.

1. MIA (#5 in the US)

Just like Liam, Mia’s place in the top spot could reflect Spanish-speaking families – though Mia is also conventionally Italian.

TOP 100 NEW YORK GIRL NAMES

Mia
Emma
Sophia
Olivia
Isabella
Charlotte
Amelia
Sofia
Leah
Ava
Chloe
Zoe
Luna
Esther*
Gianna
Aria
Sarah
Eliana
Mila
Aurora
Emily
Evelyn
Ella
Madison
Grace
Valentina
Lily
Nora
Harper
Violet
Layla
Penelope
Camila
Scarlett
Elizabeth
Rachel*
Maya
Abigail
Riley
Eleanor
Miriam*
Avery
Hannah
Emilia
Chaya*
Isla
Naomi
Hailey
Stella
Ellie
Lucy
Sara*
Victoria
Chana*
Alaia*
Nova
Elena
Hazel
Sophie
Maeve
Ayla
Gabriella*
Ivy
Josephine
Rose*
Rivka*
Genesis
Madeline
Bella*
Lucia
Madelyn
Juliette*
Eloise
Lillian
Natalie
Aaliyah
Claire
Zoey
Sienna*
Willow
Quinn
Alice
Liliana
Audrey
Delilah
Julia
Amira*
Jade
Leilani
Sadie
Ashley*
Eva*
Addison
Melody
Lainey
Ruby
Anna
Vivian
Autumn
Aisha*

* indicates the name does not appear in the US Top 100

Statue of Liberty against clouds and blue sky; New York baby names

DISTINCTIVE NEW YORK PLACE NAMES

GENEVA

A town in New York state, named for the city in Switzerland.

GEORGE

As in Lake George, a resort area, named for King George II.

HUDSON

The Hudson Valley connects Albany to New York City, as the Hudson River winds through the state.

PERRY

A tiny town in the state, said to be the home of the Silver Lake Sea Serpent.

ROCHELLE

Borrowed from New Rochelle, just a bit outside of New York City.

SHEA

Inspired by the long-time home of the New York Mets baseball team, Shea Stadium in Queens.

SULLIVAN

Tiny town named for an American Revolutionary War general.

TROY

One of many places named after the ancient city of Troy, the New York city on the Hudson was an early hub for canal traffic.

WAVERLY

There are at least three places in New York state named Waverly. The largest one took its name from the Sir Walter Scott novel Waverley, minus an E.

NAMES FROM NEW YORK HISTORY & SYMBOLS

GARNET

The state gemstone.

HONALEE, ONNALEE

Borrowed from Puff the Magic Dragon, made famous by folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary. Singer Peter Yarrow shared songwriting credit with a fellow classmate at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Honalee isn’t a real place, but it may be inspired by a Native American legend about a chief’s daughter named Onnolee.

LILAC

In 2006, the lilac became the official state bush.

MAPLE

The sugar maple is New York’s official tree.

ROSE

Since way back in 1955, the rose has been the state’s official flower.

FAMOUS NEW YORKERS

It’s almost impossible to capture all the famous New Yorkers – even if this list only covered the city. So this is random and often focuses more on appealing names that the very most famous of New Yorkers.

ALICIA

As in singer Alicia Keys. Not only is she a native, but her love song to the city is a classic. Now her Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen, is a coming-of-age story that includes that song, as well as many of Keys’ enduring favorites. Her collaboration with Jay-Z is just as legendary.

ANDERSON

New York City native Anderson Cooper’s roots run deep. He’s a member of the storied Vanderbilt family on his mother’s side. But the journalist is also known, is more recent years, for co-hosting a New Year’s Eve special for CNN from Times Square.

CLARA

A 1920s icon, silent film star and the original It Girl Clara Bow was also a New Yorker.

EDITH

Edith Wharton wasn’t just born into New York Gilded Age society; she immortalized it in her novels like The Age of Innocence.

ELEANOR

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt revolutionized not her role as the president’s partner. Following his death, she worked tirelessly as a delegate to the United Nations and a champion for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

FRANCIS, FRANK

Lots of cities have a theme song – official or otherwise. Few are as internationally famous as Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “New York, New York.”

FRANKLIN

As in Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the longest-serving US president who led the US through both the Great Depression and World War II.

FIORELLO

Former mayor Fiorello La Guardia gets credit for much of the city we know today. Born to an Italian immigrant family, he helped expand the definition of who could lead in city politics. LaGuardia airport is one of several places in the city named for him.

JORDAN

As in Brooklyn-born Michael Jordan, one of many legendary athletes associated with New York.

LUCILLE

Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, New York. Her legendary sitcom, I Love Lucy, was set in the city.

HUMPHREY

Legendary actor Humphrey Bogart was born in New York City, as was his famous co-star – and wife – Lauren Bacall.

MARIAH

Queen of Christmas and Long Island native Mariah Carey is strongly associated with the state.

ROCKY

To another generation, Rocky was all Philadelphia, a Pennsylvania baby name boosted by a fictional boxer. But New York City native A$AP Rocky is a famous rapper. Hip hop was born in the Bronx, and from Run-DMC to the Beastie Boys, innovation in this musical style is the rule.

ROSCOE

Roscoe Conkling represented New York in Senate and was a driving force behind the 14th Amendment. The Utica native is memorialized in the usual ways, like a park bearing his name. But slightly he’s more familiar now thanks to 2025 historical drama Death by Lightning. The Netflix movie about the assasination of James Garfield included Shea Whigham as Roscoe.

SCARLETT

As in actress Johansson, a native of the city.

SOJOURNER

Plenty of abolitionists’ names could make this list, but Sojourner Truth was born in small town in Ulster County, New York.

SPIKE

Shelton Lee’s childhood nickname stuck. He and his family moved from Atlanta to Brooklyn whne he was young, and many of Spike Lee’s movies are known for capturing the essence of the city.

WOLF

Born in Germany following World War II, journalist and CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer grew up in Kenmore, New York, in Erie County.

ZAZIE

Actress Zazie Beetz was born in Germany, but spent her teenage years in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York, before graduating from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. Zazie is her given name; she’s named for a famous character from a French novel-turned-movie. It’s sometimes short for Frances or Isabelle.

ZOHRAN

Ending this list with Zohran, as in newly-elected New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.

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