The Most Popular Names of All Time: Boys

Hello, readers!

Today's post is a continuation of yesterday's post - The Most Popular Names of All Time: Girls. I'll be looking at some of the most popular names historically in the US, and providing background and variants for each. Now, let's hear it for the boys!

Boys, funnily enough, have less variation in naming, and are more likely to be named after a family member - I have three Joseph's in my family. Choosing a nickname or diminutive of these popular names is a great way to keep the tradition alive without feeling boxed in on a birth certificate.

James 

Quite possibly the most popular boys name of all time - vying closely with John - James is still polished and desirable today. At #9 now, it's never left the top 20. But original version Jacob has surpassed it in the past few years. James has quite a few namesakes and quite a few diminutives and nicknames, so using it on a birth certificate and picking a more individualized appellation is ideal. But beware - names like Jim and Jamie have their own associated eras too. 

James is Hebrew in origin, and means "supplanter". 

Variations: Diego, Jacques, Hamish, Seamus, Giacomo, Jem, Jameson, Jake

John

Often used as a general term for any man, it will take a lot to set one John apart from another - on paper. Any individual John will have their own unique personality and ambitions, and isn't that what every namer wants for their namee? In any case, dozens of alternatives to John exist, and might be more euphonic than the original version. 

John is Hebrew in origin, and means "God is gracious". 

Variations: Sean, Juan, Jean, Evan, Ian, Jack, Johnny, Giovanni

Robert

This name's long-time popularity has declined in recent years, with Bob's and Rob's getting older every day. But the name's meaning and established history give it staying power, at least through its nicknames and variations! There are also many namesake Robert's throughout history of all races, ages, and religions, so take your pick!

Robert is German in origin, and means "bright fame". 

Variations: Roberto, Beto, Robbie, Robin, Rupert, Roban, Hopkin, Robi

Michael

Over 50 years at #1 has made this name a modern marvel. Michael's angelic origins and widespread use have made it a hit across the US, but this popularity has made it feel almost overused. Still, if you're looking for something substantial and fairly recent, Michael is a great choice. Otherwise, try out a variant or diminutive, listed below. 

Michael is Hebrew in origin, and means "who is like God". 

Variations: Mitchell, Mickey, Michel, Miguel, Mikhail, Mika, Misha

William

Newcomer Liam has pushed its originator down the list in recent years, but the original stands eternal. William is royal, esteemed, and accessible all at once - rather hard to find in any other name. But as Bill and Will get older, Liam shows us that a great nickname can make all the difference. International versions and diminutives can help your little William stand out. 

William is German in origin, and means "resolute protection". 

Variations: Guillermo, Willem, Illiam, Guillaume, Willie, Vilem, Pim, Wilkin

Are any of these names too overused or should they keep on keepin' on? Tell me in the comments!

The Most Popular Names of All Time: Girls

Good morning, readers!

Baby names over the past 100 years have become increasingly unique - from unexpected spellings, like Izzabella, to modern inventions, like Zayden, parents are looking for new ways to name. I used to have a more conservative bias (I love James, Sarah, Elizabeth) but after delving into the world of naming, I can see the draw of creativity.

So today, I'll be looking at some of the most popular, classic names of history and how they translate into new and/or unexpected names today!

Mary
The most popular girl's name for hundreds of years, Mary is still at #120 today - though I can count the number of Mary's I know under 25 years old on one hand. It's almost so-old-it's-new, but hundreds of nicknames and diminutives exist today. Modern Mary's often have a tag-along second name, like Mary Anne or Mary Jane. Today's little Mary's favor diminutive endings, like Marianna or Marietta. Choosing any of these options is bound to honor a member somewhere in your family tree!
Mary is Hebrew in origin, and means "bitter".

Variations include: Molly, Mamie, Polly, Maureen, May, Marian, Maja, Malia, Miriam, Mimi

Anna
Out of all the versions of Hannah, Anna is the most used and recognized. Cross-culturally, this name is popular, so if you're looking for something that everyone will understand, Anna is perfect. It's long-standing history aside, Anna has been given a boost in recent years with the popularity of Disney's Frozen. But the trendiness will fade and the style will remain in Anna.
Anna is Hebrew in origin, and means "grace".

Variations include: Annie, Annette, Ana, Anya, Anica, Nancy, Anaïs, Anouk, Ninon

Emma
At #1 in the US, Germany, and Norway, and in the top 20 in Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, Iceland, and New Zealand, Emma is not going anywhere for awhile. Friends rode the popularity wave in 2002 when Ross and Rachel's baby Emma was born - the name was already at #4. It's sweet, vintage, and ages well - what's not to like? But any little Emma born today will know quite a few others.
Emma is German in origin, and means "universal".

Variations: Erma, Emmi, Emmalynn, Emmett, Ima

Elizabeth
Two of the most powerful English monarchs have been Elizabeth's - I'm not saying it's the reason, but the name certainly demands respect and admiration. The name has never gone below #26 in the US, so any Elizabeth will be difficult to date. The Biblical ancestry and never-ending pool of namesakes will appeal to some namers, too. But the diminutives and variations might make your little Elizabeth stand out in a crowd.
Elizabeth is Hebrew in origin, and means "pledged to God".

Variations: Isabella, Betty, Betsy, Libby, Lizzie, Elisa, Elsa, Liesel, Elisaveta

Margaret
Currently the lowest in popularity on this list - at #169 - Margaret rivals Elizabeth in history and elegance. The name was in the top ten for about 60 years, 1880-1940, then began falling slowly. Dozens of Margaret's descendants have peppered the top 1000, and while the name isn't as high in use today, it's still well-recognized and well-received. It's meaning is also a great option!
Margaret is Greek in origin, and means "pearl".

Variations: Margarita, Maggie, Margot, Maisy, Marjorie, Peggy, Mamie, Greta, Rita

What are your favorite nicknames here? Any cool name origin stories? Tell me in the comments!

The X-Names

Hi, readers!

While playing around with my new name database, I've discovered names I've never heard of - but names that at least 5 parents absolutely loved. So, to focus on less-used names, here are the unique X-names I've come across!

Criteria - must start with X, must be between 5 and 10 babies born in 2014 with the name in the US!

Female names

Xanthe

Xochil

Xuan

Xianna

Xiara

Xandrea

Xcaret

Xareni

Xya

Xavianna

Xiadani

Xariah

Xitllali

Xiclali

Xara

Xiamara

Xolani

Xaniya

Xinyi

Xola

Xariyah

Xaniyah

Xylie

Xinyan

Xaylee

Xzariah

Xinyue

Xi

Xinran

Xareny

Xaylie

Xea

Xeniyah

Xinrui

Xyliana

Ximena

Male names

Xaver

Xylon

Xavious

Xxavier

Xaivier

Xavyer

Xzavien

Xzavyer

Xiang

Xayvier

Xzayvion

Xandar

Xylan

Xyon

Xaeden

Xiomar

Xain

Xayne

Xavy

Xyaire

Xaine

Xzayden

Xaniel

Xadyn

Xzaiden

Xaylen

My favorites from the girls' list include: Xanthe ("golden"), Xara, and Ximena ("listener"). My favorites on the boys' side include: Xiomar, Xavy, and Xylon ("forest"). 

Which are your favorites?

Name News: 11/16/15

The most popular girls' names in Tudor England - Medievalists.net
The few years of recorded name statistics before Mary was number one?! Of course, Elizabeth tops the charts, and is still popular today.

Popular Names That Basically Didn’t Exist Before 2000 - Natalie Morin, MooseRoots
This isn't a new article, but I just found it. Name statistics for the win! My favorites are Arabella, Maddox, and Vivienne.

These 20 names get the most right-swipes - Molly Mulshine, Tech Insider
Could your first name influence your popularity on dating apps? Yes, according to this data! Weirdly enough, my name "matches" with Jeff, though I don't personally know too many...

Which names could be popular in 2016? - Lucy BC, Baby Centre UK
This website has released its predictions for UK baby names of next year - on the girls' side, I like Effie, Wren and Astrid; on the boys' side, I like Otto.

Sofia Rises: Baby Name Takes Over the World - Stephanie Pappas, Live Science
It's currently number one in nine countries and number two or three in twenty others - why is Sophia sweeping the globe?