These Baby Names Are the Most Popular in Each State This Year

When you think about popular baby names, you might focus on what’s common nationwide or the “best-of” lists you see on social media. But baby name popularity also depends on where you live. A name that barely registers nationally can be the most popular choice in a particular state, while a familiar favorite can dominate in one region and barely crack the top 100 somewhere else.

Baby name differences by state

Take this year’s most popular baby names by state. Kehlani—ranked number 87 nationally—is the most popular girls’ name in Hawaii. In North Dakota, Anicia takes the top spot despite ranking 4,079th nationally. Ella tops the list for girls in Alaska and Alabama and ranks 18th nationally. And Harper is number one in New Hampshire and 22nd overall.

The boys’ list is just as geographically varied: Waylon ranks number one in five states and 18th nationally, while Atlas jumps from 45th nationally to number one in Delaware. Henry, meanwhile, takes the top spot in Maine and Minnesota, while ranking 12th nationally.

So, what accounts for these regional differences? Parents draw inspiration from all kinds of places, and those influences can vary by community and over time. A recent Ancestry study found that 75% of parents chose their child’s first or middle name based on someone in their family, suggesting family history may play a bigger role in naming than pop culture.

There’s also the so-called 100-year rule: Pamela Redmond and Linda Rosenkrantz, co-authors of Beyond Jennifer & Jason and co-founders of Nameberry.com, have observed that baby names tend to be cyclical, with names from previous generations eventually making a comeback. It’s one reason names including Matilda, Clementine, Eleanor, Mabel, Charles, George, Oliver, and Oscar have gone from old-fashioned to decidedly current.

Those influences—and perhaps the traditions, tastes, and histories unique to different parts of the country—may help explain the variation. Here's a breakdown of the most popular baby name in every state from BabyCenter, based on the most recent Social Security Administration dataset.

Popular baby girl names for 2026

Charlotte

The most popular girl name in the U.S. is Charlotte, and it also ranked number one in 16 states. Today, one of the most notable Charlottes is the daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who was born in 2015.

Amelia

Close behind is Amelia, which ranks as the top girl name in 11 states. Derived from the German name Amalia and meaning “work,” Amelia first gained popularity in the 18th century and broke into the top 100 girl names in the U.S. back in 2004.

Olivia

Parents of recently born girls named Olivia may have taken inspiration from Taylor Swift’s cat or Detective Benson on Law & Order. The name ranks first in six states. It first gained popularity after William Shakespeare used it as a character name in “Twelfth Night,” written in the early 1600s.

Popular baby boy names for 2026

Noah

Noah is the most popular baby boy name in 16 different states across the U.S. But just two generations ago, Noah, a Hebrew name meaning “rest, repose,” wasn't even on most parents' radar. That changed in 1995 when it broke into the top 100 names; it’s been in the top 10 since 2009.

Oliver

Oliver tied with Noah for the number-one baby boys’ name in the U.S. With Latin, Germanic, and French origins, Oliver has several meanings, including “elf army,” “ancestor’s relic,” and “olive tree.”

It first gained popularity in medieval Europe and peaked in the 19th century before fading into the background. Today, Oliver is a popular baby boy’s name not only in the U.S., but also in England, Wales, Australia, and New Zealand.

Waylon

Waylon ranks first in five states. After years in obscurity, Waylon has made a comeback recently, quadrupling in the last decade alone. This name bucks the trend of shying away from pop culture—many think the name’s rise in popularity is due to country singer Waylon Jennings.