A Century of Baby Names: America’s No. 1 Choices From 1926 to 2025
A name is one of the first meaningful gifts a family gives a child. Some names honor parents and grandparents, while others are inspired by heritage, books, music, movies, or popular culture. Looking back over a full century reveals how certain names defined entire generations while others enjoyed a shorter moment at the top.
The following timeline is based on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s baby-name records, collected from Social Security card applications. The current 100-year report covers births from 1926 through 2025.
The No. 1 Girls’ Names
| Years at No. 1 | Most Popular Name |
|---|---|
| 1926–1946 | Mary |
| 1947–1952 | Linda |
| 1953–1961 | Mary |
| 1962–1969 | Lisa |
| 1970–1984 | Jennifer |
| 1985–1990 | Jessica |
| 1991–1992 | Ashley |
| 1993–1995 | Jessica |
| 1996–2007 | Emily |
| 2008 | Emma |
| 2009–2010 | Isabella |
| 2011–2013 | Sophia |
| 2014–2018 | Emma |
| 2019–2025 | Olivia |
The No. 1 Boys’ Names
| Years at No. 1 | Most Popular Name |
|---|---|
| 1926–1939 | Robert |
| 1940–1952 | James |
| 1953 | Robert |
| 1954–1959 | Michael |
| 1960 | David |
| 1961–1998 | Michael |
| 1999–2012 | Jacob |
| 2013–2016 | Noah |
| 2017–2025 | Liam |
Which Names Had the Most Staying Power?
Mary held the No. 1 position for girls 30 times during this 100-year period. Michael had an even longer reign, ranking first for boys 44 times.
The girls’ list changed more frequently as the century progressed. Mary and Linda eventually gave way to Lisa, Jennifer, Jessica, Emily, Emma, and Olivia. Boys’ names changed more slowly, with Michael remaining at the top for nearly four consecutive decades between 1961 and 1998.
These changes offer a fascinating glimpse into different generations. Names such as Mary, Robert, and James reflect long-standing family traditions, while later favorites show how culture, entertainment, and changing preferences can influence the names parents choose.
Today’s Most Popular Baby Names
For babies born in 2025, Olivia and Liam remained America’s most popular choices. They have now appeared together at the top of the national rankings for seven consecutive years.
| Rank | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olivia | Liam |
| 2 | Charlotte | Noah |
| 3 | Emma | Oliver |
| 4 | Amelia | Theodore |
| 5 | Sophia | Henry |
The complete 2025 rankings are available through the Social Security Administration’s Baby Names database.
A Little Name Deserves Something Special
Every name carries a story, whether it has been passed down through generations or chosen especially for a new beginning.
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Editorial credit: This topic was inspired by “The Most Popular Baby Name Every Year of the Last Century,” written by Kristina Wright for History Facts. This version was independently researched and written using current Social Security Administration data.