Most popular short and sweet baby names
Most popular short and sweet baby names
There's something to be said about keeping it short and sweet, especially when naming a baby. Less can be more, with some classic names like Ann or new-age monikers like Dream. For those seeking names that ring short and sweet, 麻豆原创 reviewed (the most-recent baby names data available, released in September 2020) to identify the 100 most popular one-syllable names for each gender. And we came up with some interesting titles in our research.
Take, for example, Reign. Rather than being used in its sovereign terms, it is now the name of rapper Lil' Kim's daughter, Royal Reign. Then there is Rain. While it sounds the same, it's actually just a personification of the weather pattern, unlike its homonym sister. Farther out names, including Kade, Jett, Kai, Starr, Rhett, and King, make names referencing Christian virtues, like Faith and Hope.
While some short and sweet baby names are more common than others, none of the names on 麻豆原创's list have been banned. According , Lucifer was shot down several times in Germany and New Zealand, and French officials denied a couple who wanted to name their baby Nutella. Other names barred worldwide include Ikea, RoboCop, Pluto, and Babar. If those monikers were not out-of-the-box enough, a Welsh mother was kept from naming her daughter Cyanide, while a Turkish couple was told they could not name their child Osama Bin Laden.
Along with the most popular one-syllable names, from Ann, with or without the letter e, to Zane, with or without the letter y, 麻豆原创 has published an extensive list of , and the . Read on to find out the most popular short and sweet baby names, where they came from, and some famous names associated with them.
#50. Frank (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #403 (768 babies born)
A common misconception is that the name Frank is a nickname for the more formal, "Francis," but Frank has been a name in its own right since the medieval Frankish Empire. The earliest record of the name Frank can be traced to the 8th century. The highest number of Franks in the United States were, when more than 17,000 babies were given the name.
#50. Jude (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,571 (135 babies born)
The name Jude is a unisex name, but was first recorded in the Bible as St. Jude and was used only for boys. It became a unisex name in the 17th century in England, and according to Baby Name Wizard, was used just as frequently for . Popular Judes throughout history, from the popular eponymous Beatles song, to the A-list actor, Jude Law.
#49. Quinn (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #402 (769 babies born)
Another unisex name, Quinn is of and means "descendant of Conn." In recent decades, the name has swung a bit more feminine (, anyone?), but it still manages to hold onto its manly roots with Bob Dylan's "The Mighty Quinn," a song about an Eskimo man named, you guessed it, Quinn.
#49. Starr (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,563 (136 babies born)
Another spelling of the word, "star," this name for girls has a little something extra鈥攁nother R. The name was at around the mid-1990s, according to the BabyCenter. Other versions of the name can be the more traditional spelling of Star, or another language iteration, like Stella.
#48. Royce (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #392 (795 babies born)
Royce may have centuries-old history as a name (it is a of the word "rose"), but the name has seen a resurgence in the past few years. According to the Social Security Administration, Royce has steadily , when it held the 743rd spot.
#48. Blythe (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,524 (141 babies born)
It hasn't been the most common name in the past several decades鈥攊n fact, can you name a second person in history with the name, aside from Blythe Danner? But perhaps the name is making a comeback. It originated as a , which translates to "cheerful."
#47. Clark (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #387 (801 babies born)
When it comes to boys' names, Clark is certainly a classic鈥擟lark Cable, anyone? Clark was at its peak popularity as a baby name in the Most recently, however, it seems the name is clearing a path for the spotlight once again. The Social Security Administration shows that in the past six years, the popularity of the name has been on a , reaching its current spot of 387th as of 2019.
#47. Sol (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,512 (142 babies born)
The Spanish or Portuguese word for "sun," Sol was at its peak in the United States in 1918, when were given the name, according to Behind the Name.
#46. Troy (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #386 (804 babies born)
The ancient city of Troy in Homer鈥檚 鈥淚liad鈥 gave birth to Troy as a name, while actor and helped the name reach the top 50 in the 1960s. Former Major League Baseball player Troy Glaus and have helped make the name popular among sports fans. Brad Pitt also helped the name jump a few spots by starring as Achilles in the 2004 blockbuster
#46. Rain (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,500 (144 babies born)
There isn't much history behind the name, "Rain," just that it is directly related to the noun. It can also be a boy's name (think Rainn Wilson).
#45. Seth (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #380 (824 babies born)
If Adam is the oldest name in the book, then Seth is in the top five. Biblically speaking, Seth was . Seth reached peak performance in the United States in 2000, when . In pop culture, Seth makes a splash with comedians like Seth Rogen, Seth Green, and Seth MacFarlane. Seth was also the name of one of the lead characters on the popular teen drama "The O.C."
#45. Bryn (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,475 (148 babies born)
Though used primarily as a boy's name in Wales, Bryn reached the in 2011. Canadian voice actress helps keep the name, which means hill, seen by playing the title character in the popular children鈥檚 show 鈥淐aillou.鈥 Bryn was chosen by 鈥淩eal Housewives of New York鈥 actress for their only child in 2010.
#44. Kade (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #375 (835 babies born)
Kade finds its origins from the meaning round. Despite not having any major celebrity bearers of the name, reaching its highest position yet in 2018.
#44. Tess (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,410 (158 babies born)
Tess cracked the due in part to Roman Polanski鈥檚 Academy Award a take on Thomas Hardy's 1891 novel 鈥淭ess of the D鈥橴rbervilles.鈥 Also helping Tess, a diminutive of Theresa, meaning harvest, was who was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1983 for 鈥淭ender Mercies.鈥 It has since been the name of film characters played by
#43. Jay (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #374 (837 babies born)
You'd think that Jay would be a shortened version of other J-starting names, but it turns out that short-and-sweet Jay came first. Behind the Name writes that the name goes back to the late 18th century when founding father John Jay inspired parents to make . Jay saw peak performance in 1960, but today is still in the top 500 baby names for boys.
#43. Drew (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,254 (184 babies born)
Actress Barrymore is probably the most recognizable female with the first name Drew, which The name has remained in the public eye thanks to the a finalist on the 鈥淴 Factor USA鈥 in 2011, and from the Disney Channel鈥檚 鈥淭hat鈥檚 So Raven.鈥 Drew has remained in the top 500 for boys' names every year since 1946.
#42. Zayn (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #340 (985 babies born)
The explosion of the boy band One Direction and member Zayn Malik can be credited for From Arabic, meaning 鈥渂eauty, grace,鈥 Zayn has risen over 550 spots since its debut thanks to Malik, who released his after splitting from One Direction.
#42. Blayke (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,194 (194 babies born)
A variation of the name Blake, the name originates both from the that means black, or dark-complexioned, as well as the Old English that means bright, shining, and pale, says Baby Name Wizard. The alternate spelling, Blake, has , perhaps owing a boost to "Gossip Girl" star Blake Lively.
#41. Crew (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #339 (988 babies born)
Crew is a baby name that has been growing in popularity over the past 10 years, but in 2019 it saw a considerable spike when 339 babies were given the name. According to Country Living, in 2018, celebrity designer couple, , and seeing as the couple is skilled in the art of spotting trends, it seems they were dead on.
#40. Wade (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #335 (993 babies born)
Wade, taken from an English surname " has never been outside the peaking at 183 in 1966. , former NFL coach Wade Phillips, and professional wrestler Wade Barrett have Although a surname, basketball fans may give the name in homage to
#40. Shay (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,179 (198 babies born)
Shay finds her as an alternate spelling of Shai, meaning gift, or as a shortened form of the name Isaiah. Canadian actress better known as Shay, brought fame to the name in the 2010s while starring in the ABC Family series 鈥淧retty Little Liars.鈥 The Irish form of the name is used primarily for boys, including Shay Mooney from the
#40. Rae (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,179 (198 babies born)
A meaning 鈥渆we,鈥 Rae comes from Hebrew and English origins. It was in the Social Security鈥檚 top 1,000 names from the list鈥檚 inception , with actress being among the more-recognizable born during that time (1961). Celebrities and both gave their daughters the short and sweet name.
#39. Kane (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #334 (997 babies born)
Kane refers to a warrior, and has several other meanings depending on which culture it's drawn from: uses the moniker Kane, while country singer Kane Brown has been a constant on the Billboard charts since his debut album in 2015. YouTube star Roman Atwood and wife Brittany used the name for their son, who has since been in 2011.
#39. Shea (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,169 (203 babies born)
Drawn from Irish origins, and meaning 鈥渢he stately, dauntless one,鈥 Shea enjoyed simultaneous in the 1980s and 1990s. Australian-born is one of the more-recognizable Sheas. Atlanta Braves used the name Shea for his first daughter as a way to troll the rival New York Mets, who played in Shea Stadium.
#38. Cruz (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #306 (1,104 babies born)
Cruz can trace its roots to the Bible as the and has been on the Social Security list since its inception in 1880. Contributing to the name's ascent in the 2000s were , who chose it for their son in 2005. served as Lieutenant Governor of California from 1999 to 2007.
#38. Scout (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #1,039 (246 babies born)
for the first time in 2018; its English origins mean Scout Finch was famously used by author Harper Lee for the tomboyish heroine in "To Kill a Mockingbird." English singer Scout Niblett is among the most recognizable to bear the name today, while Bruce Willis and Demi Moore used it for their first-born daughter in 1991.
#37. Sean (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #301 (1,120 babies born)
The Irish take on the name John, Sean rose as high as #33 in 1972. put a Hollywood touch on the name, which means 鈥淕od is gracious.鈥 Sean is popular among hip-hop artists as well, with Sean Paul and Big Sean finding fame, while has had a successful career, as both a performer and producer, who launched some of music鈥檚 biggest stars.
#36. Prince (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #298 (1,141 babies born)
Prince has royal beginnings but has become synonymous with the mononymous singer of the same name, The name following a 15-year hiatus, one year after Prince released his first album, 鈥淔or You.鈥 Another music legend, Michael Jackson, used the name for and NFL football player represents the name every Sunday during the season.
#36. Queen (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #981 (261 babies born)
Queen traces its royal roots to the and was a before falling off the list in 1960. The most recognizable celebrity to bear the name wasn鈥檛 born with it, as Dana Elaine Owens would use the name Queen Latifah as her stage name. was discovered in 1963 by Duke Ellington and has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years.
#36. Ann (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #981 (261 babies born)
A variant of Anne, Ann for the first time in 2017 before reappearing in 2018. Ann has stayed in the public eye thanks to several Anns, including who was a nationally recognized newspaper advice columnist, and the of books and dolls that have been given to children for over 100 years. Actress Ann Margaret, political writer Ann Coulter, and are just a few of the famous bearers of the name.
#35. Hayes (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #296 (1,158 babies born)
An English surname meaning 鈥渆nclosure,鈥 Hayes was the last name of the The name took a 78-year hiatus from Social Security鈥檚 list before in 2009. and producer Cash Warren chose the name for their son in 2017, while brought national attention to the name by appearing on 鈥淒ancing with the Stars鈥 in 2015.
#35. Luz (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #895 (296 babies born)
Luz is the Spanish word for "light," and holds great significance in both Spain and Latin American countries. It is taken from the Virgin Mary's title, "Our Lady of Light." Its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years, but mostly the name has , when it was the 533rd most popular name. In 2019 it was the 895th most popular name, according to the Social Security Administration.
#34. Jake (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #294 (1,166 babies born)
Used as a shortened form of Jacob, or as a medieval form of Jack, Jake reached as high as Actor is probably the most recognizable bearer of the name in Hollywood, while Major League Baseball pitcher in 2015. portrayed by Robert DeNiro in the film 鈥淩aging Bull,鈥 captured the middleweight title in 1949.
#34. Belle (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #869 (306 babies born)
Belle means beauty in French, but it is also a nickname for most any name that ends in "belle," like Isabelle, Maybelle, or other variations. According to Behind the Name, , but quickly declined in popularity. The Social Security Administration shows it making a comeback around 2016, and it has been since.
#33. Gwen (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #831 (325 babies born)
Gwen can be used as a short form of Guinevere or Gwendolen, or come from the Welsh feminine of Gwyn, meaning Pop superstar Gwen Stefani is undoubtedly the most-recognizable individual with the name, bursting on the scene with in 1995 before embarking on a successful solo career. Other famous Gwens include four-time who wowed audiences on Broadway in the 1950s, and
#32. Reid (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #290 (1,176 babies born)
A Scottish variant of the Old English surname Reed, meaning 鈥渞ed,鈥 Reid has been in the top 1,000 names since 1917. has brought fame to the name, appearing as Dylan in ABC鈥檚 鈥淢odern Family,鈥 while Reid Garrett Hoffman gives it business credibility as the Reid Miles was a famed graphic designer and photographer in the 1950s and 1960s, creating cover art for dozens of
#32. Kash (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #290 (1,176 babies born)
An alternate spelling of Cash, which stems from an English surname for a box maker, to #321 on the Social Security list in 2018, after first appearing in 2008. 鈥淩eal Housewives of Atlanta鈥 star Kim Zolciak and husband Kroy Biermann chose the name in 2012. The was on December 7, 1882.
#32. Sky (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #816 (332 babies born)
Derived from the Old Norse word for cloud, Sky has been in and out of the since it debuted in 1999. was a contestant on the 11th season of 鈥淎merica鈥檚 Got Talent,鈥 and has been popular among kids since being cast as the street-smart neighbor on Disney鈥檚 鈥淩aven鈥檚 Home.鈥 David Copperfield used the name for his daughter in 2010, although it took nearly two years for the magician to
#31. Jett (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #288 (1,188 babies born)
Stemming from either the English word for the aircraft or a deep black color, Hollywood A-listers both used the name Jett for their oldest sons. Jett premiered on perhaps in part from the hit Disney show which debuted in 1998. The show only lasted three seasons, per Disney policy of only making 65 episodes of a show, and featured Hayden Christensen,
#31. Kai (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #806 (338 babies born)
across its many cultural incantations, with the Japanese, Scandinavian, and Navajo people contributing, while the Hawaiian name for "sea" is most widely used for girls. On the boy's side, Kai reached the 118th most popular name in 2018, 40 years after its debut on the list. Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife chose the name for their first-born daughter, Kai Madison, in 2007.
#30. Chance (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #285 (1,197 babies born)
Taken from the English word for 鈥渓uck,鈥 Chance the Rapper has kept the name in the public eye recently, winning three Grammy Awards in 2017. Larry King and Paul Hogan are two celebrities that have gambled on the name for their sons. Originally a diminutive of Chauncey, before decreasing in usage slightly.
#30. Clare (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #800 (342 babies born)
Saint Clare of Assisi is among the most famously named with this ABC announced that Clare Crawley would star in the that begins in May 2020, providing her fifth shot at finding love on the show. Clare Kendry was one of two protagonists in the attempting to hide her Black heritage.
#29. Cash (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #280 (1,253 babies born)
for a box maker, and rose into the top 1,000 in 2003 (after a brief stint in the late 1800s), the same year music legend Johnny Cash passed away. Actress Annabeth Gish, actor Joshua Morrow, and professional wrestler Robbie E all used the name for their sons.
#29. Faye (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #697 (413 babies born)
Faye, as in Dunaway, the iconic Hollywood starlet, comes from the variant Fay, . Famous as a surname, Faye is also the common title for the people of Serer in West Africa. Other notable Fayes include and Chinese singer-songwriter Faye Wong.
#28. Lane (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #258 (1,398 babies born)
Lane was attributed to someone living near a tree-lined street. Despite being on the Lane jumped over 200 spots, perhaps due to the success of the band Alice in Chains and their frontman with an alternate spelling, Actor Lane Smith, Philadelphia Eagles player Lane Johnson, and fictional character Lane Kim from "Gilmore Girls" have all
#28. Liv (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #667 (431 babies born)
The name Liv means 鈥渓ife鈥 in Scandinavian. Liv Tyler gave significance to the name when in 1991 it she was the daughter of Aerosmith鈥檚 lead singer, Steven Tyler. A-lister Julianne Moore named her daughter Liv.
#27. Nash (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #253 (1,434 babies born)
This moniker may be most famous as the surname for famed mathematician John Nash, whose life was portrayed by Russell Crow in 鈥淎 Beautiful Mind.鈥 From a fictional point of view, , the CBS police crime drama starring actor Don Johnson, also brought the name fame for six seasons between 1996 and 2001. The name, which means in Middle English, began rising in popularity after 1997.
#27. Saige (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #648 (446 babies born)
A variant of Sage, which is a culinary spice or wise soul, Saige is pronounced the same. The name has climbed in ranking since 1984, hitting its girls were named Saige. American snowboarder and Olympic gold medalist Sage Kotsenburg has a male variation on the name.
#26. Paul (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #245 (1,495 babies born)
Paul, the name of the early Christian church leader who was named Saul before his conversion, has been the name of . Paul is also the name of several celebrities, including singers Simon, McCartney, Stanley, and Snyder, and actors Sorvino, Giamatti, Rudd, and Walker. Paul is the surname for actor Aaron, politicians Ron and Rand, and musician Les.
#26. Sloan (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #621 (478 babies born)
Making its in 2011, Sloan and have quickly moved up the naming ranks, with the latter reaching the 181st spot in 2018. The name can also be recognized as part of one of the nation's leading cancer centers, Sloan Kettering, and as the girlfriend of the title character in the film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."
#25. Knox (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #241 (1,552 babies born)
The name Knox, which means 鈥渞ound hill鈥 in Old English, often refers to the Kentucky fort, where a U.S. vault of gold reserves exist. Knox is also one of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt鈥檚 twins, , as well as a Bible translation, a brand of Kraft gelatin, and a wall-mounted safe containing firefighters' keys.
#25. Anne (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #569 (530 babies born)
French for Anna, with Ann as a variant, is a notable name, . 鈥淭he Diary of a Young Girl,鈥 written by Anne Frank, tells the story of a Jewish family鈥檚 hiding during the Nazi reign of Adolf Hitler. Anne reached its height in 1915 before making a comeback in the 21st century, most notably because of actress Hathaway, after centuries where it was the name of .
#24. Zane (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #239 (1,576 babies born)
Author Zane Grey, whose work was instrumental in creating the Western genre, also helped introduce his given name in the early 1900s. In 2018, on the list since premiering in 1921, with former One Direction member Zayn Malik lending a boost via an alternate spelling. YouTube star Zane Hijazi continues to remind the world of the name.
#24. Mae (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #547 (554 babies born)
Actress Mae West is among the most notable for using this alternate spelling of May. The American Film Institute rated West, a who began her film career in the 1930s, #40 on their list of . Mae is also used as a middle, as in the Rod Stewart song 鈥淢aggie Mae,鈥 or Anna Mae Bullock, who became a superstar better known as Tina Turner.
#23. Jax (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #237 (1,591 babies born)
Characters in "Mortal Kombat" and "Sons of Anarchy" keep this name relevant. Short for Jacksonville, Florida, the name is also used in the names of businesses including an , a , and a . Jax is also considered an abbreviated version of Jackson.
#23. Dream (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #527 (581 babies born)
While this name evokes thoughts and images of a sleep state, is a feminine name that was bestowed on reality star Rob Kardashian鈥檚 daughter in 2016. Dream, which means to play music or rejoice in Old English, is also used as the name of NBA star Allen Iverson鈥檚 son. The name, given to up to , is similar to other inspirational monikers, including Destiny and Serenity.
#22. Ace (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #224 (1,666 babies born)
Ace is the highest and lowest symbol in a 52-card deck, and also the English term for The name is shared by the famous pet detective played by actor Jim Carrey in 1994.
#22. Eve (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #484 (644 babies born)
Eve is noteworthy for her roles in the biblical stories where she was created from Adam's rib, and for biting the apple in the Garden of Eden. Mid-20th century radio and television star Eve Arden, famous for her role as the principal in the original 鈥淕rease,鈥 is the most notable actress with the name. Eve in popularity during the last decade and has stayed on the scene because of a bearing the name.
#21. Mark (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #223 (1,678 babies born)
The shortened form of the Latin Marcus, Mark, is most recognizable to Christians as one of the four Gospels in the Bible. Mark, which was the for six straight years starting in 1959, has today, including actors Mark Wahlberg and Mark Ruffalo, and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Author Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain penned two classic American novels, 鈥淭he Adventures of Tom Sawyer鈥 and 鈥淎dventures of Huckleberry Finn.鈥
#21. Wren (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #427 (738 babies born)
Drawing its origins from the songbird of the same name, Wren flew up the list in popularity since Wren is the name of a number of fictional characters, in the "Mortal Engines" and "Tales of the City" series and the comic strip "Baby Blues." The wren is considered the in Irish folklore.
#20. Colt (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #210 (1,826 babies born)
The English word for a young male stallion, Colt is also famous as the brand name for both a firearm and a beer. After hitting the scene in 1981, the name rose slowly in popularity, Fictional character was the hero in the 1980s television series 鈥淭he Fall Guy,鈥 giving the name an even more hardened exterior.
#20. Skye (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #417 (749 babies born)
A variant of Sky, but with an extra letter, Skye is also an isle on the west coast of Scotland. The name also belongs to the 1980s soap opera character , who crossed over to all three ABC soap operas鈥斺淎ll My Children,鈥 鈥淥ne Life to Live,鈥 and 鈥淕eneral Hospital鈥濃攐ver the decades. Skye was also the name of the at 21 in 2014.
#19. Bryce (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #203 (1,936 babies born)
The variant of which is Gaulish for 鈥渟peckled,鈥 reached its height of popularity in 1989 and again in 1997. When used as a surname, Bryce has Celtic roots. Athletes, including MLB right fielder Bryce Harper, former NFL linebacker Bryce Paup, and current Miami Dolphins quarterback Bryce Petty, have it as their given name. A software brand, hospital and geographic locations in Utah and Arizona also share the name.
#19. Blair (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #404 (765 babies born)
Gaelic for 鈥 Blair is often associated with actor Underwood. Used just as much as a surname, the given name Blair also titles , who made his name as the placekicker for the NFL鈥檚 Minnesota Vikings, and (sailing) and (swimming).
#18. Grant (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #197 (1,975 babies born)
Grant, which means "large" in , is far more popular as a surname, especially on the silver screen, including actors Cary and Hugh. President Ulysses S. Grant lends additional prominence to the surname, plus there are the two contemporary Christian singers with first names Natalie and Amy. Grant is also the name of throughout America.
#18. Reign (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #389 (787 babies born)
Reign, a name with jumped up the rankings since in 2016. Lil鈥 Kim named her daughter Royal Reign in 2014, as did 鈥淭een Moms鈥 star Catelynn Lowell on New Year鈥檚 Day 2015, with Nova Reign. It has gained traction as a boy's name as well, and was chosen by for their son in 2014.
#17. Blake (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #183 (2,132 babies born)
Three Blakes stand out in the entertainment world: Edwards, Shelton, and Lively. The American filmmaker who created 鈥淏reakfast at Tiffany's;鈥 the famous country singer who hosts NBC's 鈥淭he Voice鈥 and dates diva Gwen Stefani; and the actress and wife to A-lister Ryan Reynolds all keep the name in the spotlight. As a surname, 18th-century poet and artist William Blake makes the name, which dark or pale complexions.
#17. Elle (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #356 (883 babies born)
From A-listers and to the famous fashion periodical, Elle is also a village in Central Africa, a river in France, a Sri Lankan sport, and archaic German measurement, not to mention the French pronoun for 鈥渟he.鈥 If that wasn't enough, the name, which is short for Eleanor, is worn by Reese Witherspoon鈥檚 character in 鈥淟egally Blonde.鈥 Elle Logan, the American rower, won gold medals in three straight Olympics, from 2008 through 2016.
#16. Dean (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #174 (2,211 babies born)
Dean鈥攁s in the famous 1950s singer and comedian Martin鈥攊s probably the best known Dean as a given name, but when it comes to a surname, classic actor James Dean definitely rules. The name that's derived from the , which means valley, is also used to refer to the chief executive of a college, church, or university. Other notable Deans include actors Cain, McDermott, Norris, and Winters, and novelist Koontz.
#16. Joy (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #345 (906 babies born)
What's one name that denotes being ecstatic? Think of Hollywood's Joy Philbin, wife of daytime and game show star Regis, or Joy Behar, outspoken television host on "The View." The name, most in 1936 and 1974, is also used as a middle moniker for boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., and actress Tracee Ellis Ross. Other notable Joys include Williams, Pulitzer Prize Winner for
#15. Finn (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #172 (2,233 babies born)
An old Irish name that鈥檚 a shorter form of Fionn, Finn is the surname of Huckleberry, Mark Twain鈥檚 classic novel character. Irish for 鈥渇air,鈥 Finn is also the first name of a mythical Irish warrior whose life tales were recited by his son and famous lyricist Oisin. As a location, Finn comes up in many places, including Minnesota, North Dakota, Ireland, and Greenland.
#15. Kate (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #324 (982 babies born)
Short for Katherine, Kate is the given name of some of Hollywood鈥檚 most talented women, including actresses Capshaw, Winslet, Beckinsale, Hudson, Walsh, and Bosworth, as well as models Moss and Upton. Also a song, book, and movie title, the has also been associated with a prime minister, princess, Olympic medalists, Shakespearean characters, writers, journalists, hurricanes, and tropical storms. Though her given name is Catherine Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge is referred to as Kate.
#14. Rhett (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #165 (2,378 babies born)
鈥淕one with the Wind鈥 character Rhett Butler played by Clark Gable, was the famous-but-fictional blockade runner based on real-life Charleston contractor George Alfred Trenholm. Derived from the Dutch word 鈥渃ounsel,鈥 of the name Rhett remained steady from 1955 until 2010, when it rose quickly to its height in 2018. New York Giants' tight-end announced his retirement in March, bringing the name back up in sports circles.
#14. Brynn (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #306 (1,054 babies born)
Brynn, the feminine variant of Bryn, the Welsh word for 鈥渕ound,鈥 from 1980 to 1987 and fell off the popularity map from sometime in the late 1980s and nearly all of the 1990s until it made its comeback at the turn of the century, rising and dropping since. It鈥檚 been seen most recently as the name of 17-year-old dancer Brynn Rumfallo, a reality television star from 鈥淒ance Moms,鈥 鈥淎merica鈥檚 Got Talent,鈥 and 鈥淒ancing with the Stars.鈥
#13. King (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #158 (2,450 babies born)
Though most associated with royalty, or used as a nickname for a trendsetter a la Elvis Presley as the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," the name has also found a place among parents for their newborn boys. The surname version is associated with one of the greatest political activists of all time, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Another notable King not famous for royalty, music, or civil rights is King Camp Gillette, founder of the famous razor.
#13. Sage (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #280 (1,164 babies born)
The name of the culinary herb, Sage, also refers to a Though noted here for its use in naming females, Sage is a male moniker, first in 1991 before the female variant came about in 1993. Athletic fans will recognize Sage Steele, the nightly host of ESPN鈥檚 SportsCenter. Sylvester Stallone's son and 2014 Olympic gold Medalist Kotsenburg also share the given name.
#12. Juan (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #138 (2,691 babies born)
Spanish and Manx for John, there's a long list of famous athletes named Juan, The most famous fictional character, Don Juan, is part of a tragic love story, while hurricanes of were responsible for destruction in 1985 and 2003. The name, which , also brings to mind the Puerto Rican capital city.
#12. Jane (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #277 (1,179 babies born)
Meaning 鈥淕od is gracious,鈥 Jane is the first name of dozens of history-making individuals and famous fictional characters. The most notable real-life Janes include Nobel Peace Prize winner Addams, Oscar winner Fonda, and Goodall, the renowned English primatologist. While the most famous fictional character is perhaps author Charlotte Bronte鈥檚 leading woman Jane Eyre, the name is also part of many memorable songs. The English and feminine version of John, Jane is also a bit notorious in that it's associated with unknown dead females using the last name Doe.
#11. Max (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #137 (2,735 babies born)
Max, short for Maximilian, has to more than people, including literature, films, music, games, brands, and enterprises. Some examples include a ; a in the 鈥淒ance Dance Revolution鈥 series; an Indian clothing line; and a sexy . Also short for 鈥渕aximum鈥 in English slang, is the name of seven Nobel Peace Prize winners in physics, medicine, chemistry, and economics.
#11. Maeve (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #244 (1,292 babies born)
Of Irish origin, Maeve is linked to an ancient honey wine called mead and means "she who intoxicates." In Irish mythology, The Queen of Maeve, or Old Irish Medb, is a warrior who fights to prove her equality in The Cattle Raid of Cooley. While many female Irish authors bear the name, Maeve is a fictional character in the television series "Criminal Minds," soap operas "Ryan's Hope" and "Guiding Light," and in Netflix's "Sex Education."
#10. Beau (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #132 (2,912 babies born)
Beau, which means beautiful, is also another word for boyfriend. As a given name, Beau is the given name of real-life actor Bridges and fictitious character Beauregard in 鈥淕one With the Wind.鈥 Beau is also the title of a poem actor Jimmy Stewart wrote about his deceased dog and another name for Trebbiano, an Italian wine grape. The one-syllable name also belongs to stars with the last names Derek, Jackson, Diddley, and American Idol鈥檚 Bice.
#10. Ruth (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #231 (1,335 babies born)
The Book of Ruth in the Bible tells the story of loyalty, when a Moab woman of the same name, an ancestor of King David, stays with her forsaken mother-in-law. Hebrew for 鈥渇riend, confidant,鈥 the name also refers to of the U.S. Supreme Court. both have the name Ruth as their middle moniker.
#9. Cole (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #122 (3,077 babies born)
may be the most notable celebrity of the given name that means 鈥渟warthy or coal black.鈥 Cole is the of famous, soulful singers Nat King and Natalie. Fictional characters named Cole include Haley Joel Osment's character in "The Sixth Sense;" Tom Cruise's role in "Days of Thunder;" and a few PlayStation game personalities.
#9. Hope (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #230 (1,340 babies born)
As , along with Faith and Charity, Hope as a name reached its height in 2000. The name breeds optimism and is also following her first name, Destiny, and first name of legendary actress Lange. Hope also to soap opera characters, tropical storms, and the hit television comedy.
#8. Chase (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #121 (3,152 babies born)
English in origin, Chase has continuously been a top name in the United States since the 1970s. There was a surge in the name Chase in 2009. Interestingly, in 2008 the Phillies won the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays,, Chase Utley.
#8. Blake (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #222 (1,383 babies born)
This is the more mainstream version of the name "Blayke," which also appears on this list. Blake comes from two Old English words that have opposing meanings鈥攐ne means dark-complexioned, while the other means fair-skinned and pale. Blake has from the 817th spot to now the 222nd spot.
#7. George (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #119 (3,175 babies born)
From presidents and pop icons to kings, George is a name easily remembered, that means 鈥渇armer鈥 in Greek. While U.S. founding father George Washington was the first president with the given name, the name would be elected again in the 1980s and 1990s with the Bush father and son. A-lister Clooney is the most notable actor with the first name, while singers Harrison and Michael gave the moniker its most radio play. Add in other including Orwell, Gershwin, Burns, C. Scott, Patton, Segal, Carlin, Lopez, Foreman, and Lucas, and the name just gets more popular.
#7. June (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #201 (1,505 babies born)
whose Latin name means 鈥渜ueen of Heaven,鈥 is tied to June, the sixth month of the year and popular baby name. June, the name of country star , is also the title for the quintessential fictional wife, The name reached its in 1925 and slowly began to vanish by 1986, before showing up again in 2008.
#6. Brooks (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #109 (3,493 babies born)
Famed American author of "Charlotte鈥檚 Web" E.B. White is really Elwyn Brooks, though he authored all his books with his initials. Acclaimed philosopher and mathematician Haskell Curry also bears it as a middle name. A , the name dates back to the beginnings of the Social Security top 1,000, rising to its highest point in 2018. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Brooks Robinson brought attention to the name, which also titles several colleges, companies, and locations.
#6. Faith (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #125 (2,243 babies born)
Considered a Puritan virtue, Faith breeds religious connotations. While it means to trust in God, it also refers to a few of the whos-who in country music鈥攕ingers Hill and Evans. Southern Living reports the name Faith is among .
#5. Kai (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #100 (3,718 babies born)
Corporations, locations, and people all have the name Kai. While Korea Aerospace Industries goes by KAI, the name also refers to places in Iran, Indonesia, Japan, and China. People that go by the name, which means 鈥渟ea鈥 in Hawaiian, include a Celtic mythology character, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and three Olympic medalists.
#5. Rose (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #115 (2,507 babies born)
Like Jade, Rose is the name of a color, which is taken from the flower and dates back as a name to 1880. Rose did not start to trend again until 2010, 100 years after reaching its height in 1910. Though a one-syllable short and sweet name, Rose sometimes has suffixes, including Anne, Anna, and Mary. Modern-day actresses McGowan and Byrnes and several saints, including Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, share the name.
#4. Luke (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #32 (8,375 babies born)
From the Gospel of Luke in the Bible to 1970s pop-culture character Luke Skywalker, this English name is high-profile. Country singer Luke Bryan and actors Owen, Perry, and Evans all share the name, which slowly rose to popularity after George Lucas started his space opera in 1977 with Star Wars. By 2018, the name was part of the top 50 and notable as the name for several fictional characters, including Luke Dunphy from 鈥淢odern Family,鈥 Ward from 鈥淭he O.C.,鈥 Hobbs in 鈥淔ast & Furious鈥 series, and Marvel Comics character Cage.
#4. Jade (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #104 (2,703 babies born)
The name based on the green gemstone has an English variant Jada, made famous as the first name of the actress and wife of A-lister Will Smith. The Italian version of the name is Giada, as in cooking star De Laurentiis. Jade is derived from the Spanish word for 鈥渟tone in the flank.鈥
#3. John (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #28 (8,779 babies born)
Like other biblical names James and Luke, John is also one of Jesus Christ's 12 disciples. However, most famous in the Bible is John the Baptist, the prophet who preached the coming of Christ. helped popularize the name, as did Beatles singer Lennon. Actors with the first name include Wayne, Travolta, Goodman, Stamos, Krasinski, Cena, Hamm, and Stewart.
#3. Quinn (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #83 (3,191 babies born)
The Gaelic name Quinn, which signifies wisdom and intellect, stormed up the list from 2009 to 2018. Having the moniker as a first name is not as common as its use as a surname鈥攖hink of actor Aidan and comedian Colin. The English variant of Quin is also the name of sexy comic book villain Harley Quinn, who showed up on the silver screen in the blockbuster 鈥淪uicide Squad鈥 in 2017.
#2. Jack (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #19 (9,349 babies born)
Since seeing its peak of popularity at the start of the 1930s, Jack has been on the upswing for usage since 2005, but has been ever-present in the titles of famous children's tales, including the famous beanstalk one. Many famous men have the name Jack, including actors Lemmon, Nicholson, and Black; comedian Benny; singer Johnson; beatnik poet Kerouac; and author London. Many athletes, including boxers Dempsey and Johnson; wrestler Swagger; football player Youngblood; and baseball player Morris have bore the name.
#2. Claire (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #55 (4,111 babies born)
Bright and clear is the meaning of this name associated with "Homeland" actress Claire Danes and other A-listers, including Holt and Forlani. Long before Hollywood starlets had the name, an Italian nun in 1194 became the Saint of Assisi after establishing a sisterhood called the . As for fictional Claires, there are more than a few, including Dunphy from 鈥淢odern Family鈥; Cleary from 鈥淲edding Crashers鈥; and Underwood from 鈥淗ouse of Cards.鈥
#1. James (for boys)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #6 (13,087 babies born)
The Bible has 66 books, and one of them is titled Popular among royalty, the name also refers to a version of the Bible. Speaking of literature, epochal author James Joyce bears the title, along with including 鈥淛immy鈥 Carter. Iconic actor Dean shares it with modern-day A-lister Franco and fictional super agent Bond.
#1. Grace (for girls)
- Popularity rank in 2019: #28 (6,062 babies born)
The name meaning was made popular by the Puritans. Later, it referred to Philadelphia-born actress Grace Kelly, who became the princess of Monaco. Also , including "Amazing Grace," the title comes from the Latin word gratia. Actors Debra Messing and Eric McCormack played in the eight-season, Emmy Award-winning comeback show "Will and Grace," which began airing again in 2017 after ending in 2006.