Just like fashion trends, hair-dos, and makeup looks, names go in and out of style. Each generation has their top baby names, such as Karen and Thomas in the ’50s, or Jessica and Michael in the ’90s. The 2010s is proving to be no different, as most of the top names have stuck around since 2010 and are still going strong in 2018. So if you’re expecting a bundle of joy this year and want to stick with the trends, here are the top 14 names of 2018 (so far).
Dating back to the 1880s, the U.S. Social Security Administration has been keeping track of the top baby names for each decade. According to their records, between 2010 and 2017, the ultimate top names for boys and girls are Noah and Emma. In fact, in just seven years, 145,195 boys named Noah and 158,573 girls named Emma were born. But will these monikers continue their reign throughout 2018?
Different name database websites report different rankings for the top names of 2018, but ultimately they all agree that the below are the most popular thus far. Although we still have a good six months left to go — meaning trends *could* change — history tells us that these top names will most likely last through the end of the decade.
So, which names are hot this year? Let’s start with the girls:
1. Olivia — Shakespeare was the first to use Olivia in Twelfth Night. The name means “olive tree,” which could translate to mean “peace.”
2. Emma — Derived from the Germanic word for “universal” or “whole.” Emma of Normandy, wife of King Ethelred II, was the first Emma to appear in England during the 11th century.
3. Ava — A variation of the name Eve, a Hebrew-derived name meaning “to breathe” or “life.” Actress Ava Gardner was the first to popularize this variation of the original name.
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4. Charlotte — The feminine version of Charles, meaning “petite” and “delicate.”
5. Mia — A shortened version of Maria with Latin origins. It means “mine” or “wished-for child,” and was popularized by actress Mia Farrow.
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6. Sophia — An ancient Greek name meaning “wisdom.” It was brought to Europe during the Middle Ages.
7. Isabella — A variation of Isabel, which is a version of Elizabeth. Elizabeth means “devoted to God” in Hebrew.
And for the boys, the following 7 names are dominating 2018:
1. Noah — A Hebrew name meaning “rest, repose, comfort.” The name is best known for being in the Biblical story in which Noah builds the arc.
2. Liam — An Irish variation of the Germanic name William, which means “will” and “protection.”
3. Benjamin — Meaning “son of the south” or “son of the right hand” in Hebrew. The name came into fashion in English after the Protestant Reformation.
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4. Oliver — The male form of Olivia, which also means “olive tree.”
5. Elijah — Hebrew for “my god is Yaweh.” Elijah is a historic Hebrew prophet and miracle worker who appeared in the Old Testament.
6. Lucas — A form of Luke, meaning “light-giving” or “illumination.” Historically, Luke is believed to be the author of the third gospel and Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament.
7. James — A traditional name derived from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning “supplanter.” In England, James has been used since the 13th century.
