Honestly, if you walked into a preschool today and shouted the name "Liam," about four toddlers would probably trip over each other trying to answer you. It’s kind of wild how much we’ve settled into a naming groove lately. We aren't exactly in the era of "Mary" or "John" owning the charts for half a century anymore, but the current heavyweights have a serious grip on American parents.
So, what is the most popular name in the United States right now? If we’re looking at the hard data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the most recent full year of reporting, the kings and queens of the playground are Liam and Olivia.
These two aren't just passing through. They’ve basically set up camp at the top of the mountain. Liam has been the #1 name for boys for eight consecutive years. Olivia? She’s held the throne for girls for six years straight. It’s a level of dominance that makes you wonder if parents are just looking at the same three pages of a baby name book and calling it a day.
But there’s more to the story than just two names.
The Heavy Hitters: A Breakdown of the Top 10
When the SSA released the official 2024 data in May 2025, it confirmed what most of us already suspected: we love a "classic with a twist" vibe. Parents today want names that feel sturdy but not "old-fashioned dusty."
For boys, the list is remarkably stable. After Liam, we see Noah—who actually held the top spot before Liam took over in 2017—holding firm at #2. Then you’ve got Oliver, Theodore, and James. It’s a very "refined gentleman" aesthetic. Think of it as the "Little Professor" look.
👉 See also: Sleeping With Your Neighbor: Why It Is More Complicated Than You Think
The girls' side is a bit more melodic. After Olivia, Emma remains a massive favorite, followed by Amelia, Charlotte, and Mia. Notice a pattern? Americans are obsessed with names that end in a soft "ah" sound or have a rhythmic, multi-syllable flow.
Why These Names?
You might think we’re just unoriginal, but naming experts like Sophie Kihm from Nameberry suggest it’s actually about "perceived stability." In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, parents gravitate toward names that sound established.
Liam is short, punchy, and has those soft "L" and "M" sounds that are incredibly popular right now. It’s an Irish diminutive of William, so it feels heritage-rich without the "Grandpa Bill" energy. Olivia is similar—it’s Latin for "olive tree," symbolizing peace, and it has that vowel-heavy elegance that works in almost any language.
The 2025 and 2026 Shifting Tide
While the government data is the "gold standard," it always lags a bit. If we look at real-time data from 2025 and projections for 2026, we start to see some cracks in the Liam and Olivia dynasty.
Recent 2025 reports from sites like BabyCenter and Babylist suggest a "vibe shift" is happening. Noah actually managed to leapfrog back over Liam in some private datasets this year, and Amelia is breathing down Olivia's neck.
✨ Don't miss: At Home French Manicure: Why Yours Looks Cheap and How to Fix It
The Rise of the "Maximalist" Name
We’re starting to see a pushback against the short, sweet names. For 2026, experts are predicting a rise in what they call "maximalist showgirl" or "ancient civilization" names. Parents are getting bored of the safe choices. They’re looking for drama.
- For Girls: Keep an eye on Aurora, Ophelia, and Calliope.
- For Boys: Names like Cassian, Atlas, and Lucian are climbing the ranks fast.
There’s also a weirdly specific trend dubbed the "Andi Anderson" effect. Inspired by early 2000s rom-coms (hello, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days), parents are increasingly giving their daughters traditionally masculine "nickname" names like Andie, Scottie, and Bennie. It’s basically the "cool girl" aesthetic in name form.
Regional Quirks: It’s Not Olivia Everywhere
If you live in Texas or California, your local playground sounds a lot different than one in Maine.
In the Southwest, Mateo and Santiago are absolute powerhouses. In fact, Mateo recently cracked the national Top 10 for the first time, largely driven by its massive popularity in states with large Hispanic populations.
Meanwhile, if you head to the Pacific Northwest, you’re going to hear a lot more "nature" names. Wren, Sage, and Willow aren't just for hippies anymore; they’re the new mainstream in places like Oregon and Washington.
🔗 Read more: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Menu: Why You’re Probably Ordering Wrong
The "Truce" Phenomenon
One of the most bizarre things to happen in the latest data was the meteoric rise of the name Truce for boys. It jumped over 11,000 spots in a single year. Why? It’s hard to pin down a single celebrity, but it reflects a broader trend of "word names." Parents are literally just opening dictionaries and picking concepts they like. Halo, Chosen, and Legend are all part of this same wave.
What Most People Get Wrong About Name Trends
A lot of people think that once a name becomes "too popular," it immediately falls off a cliff. That’s just not how it works. Names like Michael and Jessica stayed at the top for decades.
The difference now is the "long tail." In the 1950s, the top names accounted for a huge percentage of all babies born. Today, even the #1 name, Liam, is only given to about 1% of boys. We are way more diverse in our choices than we used to be. You could name your kid Liam and there's still a decent chance he'll be the only one in his specific classroom, simply because the pool of names is so much wider now.
Actionable Insights for Your Naming Journey
If you're currently staring at a nursery wall and trying to decide if you should contribute to the Olivia-stocracy, here are a few things to consider:
- Check the "Trend Velocity": Don't just look at the rank. Look at how fast a name is moving. A name at #50 that was at #500 three years ago (like Aurelia) is going to feel much more "trendy" than a name at #10 that’s been there forever.
- The Playground Test: If you want to avoid a "popular" name, go to a local park and listen to what parents are yelling. It’s the most accurate real-time data you’ll get.
- Search the SSA Database Directly: You can actually search by state and by decade on the SSA website. It’s a rabbit hole, but it’s the only way to get the facts.
- Consider the "Nickname" Future: A name like Theodore is popular because it offers "Theo" and "Teddy." Think about whether you like the shortened versions as much as the full name.
The "most popular" name is always going to be a moving target, but for now, Liam and Olivia are the undisputed champions. Whether they can survive the 2026 "maximalist" surge remains to be seen.
To see exactly where your favorite name ranks in your specific state, your best move is to head over to the Social Security Administration's popularity-by-state tool. It’ll show you if you’re actually picking a "unique" gem or just following the local crowd without realizing it.