Exploring the Most Popular Baby Names of 2024: A Guide for New Parents

Whether you’re in the first trimester dreaming about who your little one is and will become or you’re days from your due date, making that final naming decision and selecting your baby’s name can be a fun and exciting process—but it can also be a little tricky! In this blog post, we'll explore the most popular baby names of 2024, share insights on the latest trends, and provide you with a helpful guide to choosing the perfect name for your little one.

Aurora and Lily have almost made the top 10 and appear to be rising in popularity. Luna, Camila, Eleanor, and Harper have fallen from the top 10 in recent years, indicating a slight drop in popularity.

If rankings for Sophia and Sofia were combined, they would sit at the top of this list.

1. Liam
2. Noah
3. Oliver
4. Theodore
5. Mateo
6. Elijah
7. James
8. Lucas
9. Henry
10. Benjamin

Falling just short of the top 10 for now are Sebastian, Ezra, and Hudson. Previously popular baby boy names that appear to be declining in popularity are William, Levi, and Jack.

While William has fallen out of the top 10, a common nickname for William (Liam) is number one! If one were to combine rankings for Liam and William, the combined score would sit far beyond the ranking of the second most popular name on the list (Noah).

1. Dylan
2. Avery
3. Logan
4. Carter
5. Riley
6. Parker
7. Rowan
8. Cameron
9. Angel
10. Kai

While gender-neutral, or unisex, names haven’t yet hit the level of popularity reflected in the previous two lists, gender-neutral names have become increasingly popular with each passing year. Names like Quinn, River, Asher, and Atlas are also growing in popularity.

1. Royal
2. Shai
3. Hadleigh
4. Harley
5. Micah
6. Jaxx
7. Ryann
8. Ozias
9. Rosalyn
10. Zyla

If you’re looking for other unique baby names, Rowdy, Lyanna, Arden, Guinevere, and Casper are also rising in popularity!

Now that you know the top baby names for 2024, let's discuss some strategies for choosing the perfect name for your baby.

If you’re selecting a baby name on your own, the process can be as simple as selecting the name you like. But there is still a lot to consider. Many families have baby name traditions, and if you have a spouse or partner, it’s important to make sure you both feel good about the cute baby name at the top of your list. 

Some parents opt to give one partner full control of the first name, and the other chooses the middle. Others agree to honor a specific family member. But if you find that you and your partner are at odds, you may consider the “2 Yes, 1 No” rule. 

When it comes to selecting a baby name, the "2 Yes, 1 No" rule is a great place to start. This rule simply means that both parents must agree on the name, and either parent has the power to veto a name they don't like. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure that both partners are happy with the final decision.

Many parents swear by this method. But others may find it tricky if they absolutely cannot get on the same page (i.e., if you like classic names like John and Mary but your partner likes celebrity-level names like Apple and X AE A-Xii—looking at you, Gwyneth and Elon). In these cases, it may be better to split the naming duties. 

When choosing a baby name, some parents may find it helpful to divide the decision-making responsibilities for the child's first and middle names. In this approach, one parent has the final say on the baby's first name, while the other parent has the final say on the middle name. 

This strategy can be particularly useful when one or both parents have a strong desire to include a specific name, such as a family name, a tribute to someone special, or a unique name (hopefully not X AE A-Xii). By allowing each parent to have the final decision on either the first or middle name, both partners get the baby name they love.

So, who gets the first name? We’re biased toward mamas, but you’ll have to duke that one out with your partner! 

Of course, choosing a baby name is a deeply personal decision, and there are several factors you may want to consider during the process.

Parents usually pick names based on what they mean and their cultural or family importance. Knowing the background and history of a name can help strengthen connections to heritage or personal values. For example, names might be chosen to honor relatives, celebrate cultural roots, or represent qualities and traits parents hope their child will have.

If you have a unique name or one that is easily mispronounced or misspelled, you may feel strongly about choosing a name that is more common, matches the culture of the area you live in, or is phonetically very simple. On the other hand, there is beauty in uniqueness, and if you choose a name that isn’t as simple to say or spell, that’s ok too. One idea, if you are selecting a unique baby name, is to ensure the name has a simple nickname that is easy to spell and pronounce.

Some parents prefer names that are widely recognized and well-received, while others seek out Top 10 lists to avoid the very same names. Popular names might make a child feel more socially accepted—but it may also mean they have to use a nickname or go by a last initial (Ashley M., Megan N., and Bradley H. are all 80’s babies we know that rocked the last initial!). Unique baby names—whether they’re rarely used classics or new names recently created—can help foster a sense of individuality, but they can also make children feel like they don’t fit in. 

It’s helpful to consider current naming trends and think about the long-term implications of a name’s uniqueness or commonality. And remember, the unique name you choose today may be on the top 10 list next year. Just because you don’t follow the trends doesn’t mean you don’t set them! 

As you research different baby names and explore all the possibilities, keep these additional tips and tricks in mind!

Do you or your partner share a bond over any particular media? Say, a favorite book, movie, or song? Check out your local library, hit up IMDB, or scroll through the Top 100 song charts for inspiration from media sources that are near and dear to your heart.

Think back to the places you’ve lived, influential people you’ve come across, and the virtues or life lessons that have been most important to you. Was there a significant, positive mentor or role model in your life? Did a sense of hope or faith (hint: those could be names!) play an important role on your journey to parenthood? Did you meet your partner in a city or country that doubles as a great baby name? (Kim K. highly recommends Chicago!) 

Reflect on your life and see if inspiration strikes from some of your cherished memories and experiences.

Baby name generators are a fun way to explore cute baby names for your little one. Try tools like Name Hunter, Baiby, Behind the Name, Pampers’ Baby Name Generator, and more to come up with interesting combinations and even off-beat inspiration! You could also consider looking up name generators or lists based on your interests, such as fantasy names, faith names, character names for stories, and more. Inspiration is everywhere, so dive in and investigate anything that interests you!

Choosing your baby's name is a beautiful and memorable part of your journey as a new parent. While you’re pondering the perfect name, join The Pumping Room! It’s our virtual community of mamas, partners, and support people who are all on this exciting journey together. You can share your favorite name ideas, get feedback from other parents-to-be, and even find inspiration from the unique names other members have chosen. Plus, you’ll have a supportive network to discuss all aspects of parenthood, from pregnancy through pumping and beyond!

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to picking the perfect name. Whether you opt for a popular choice from a 2024 Top 10 list, choose a family name to honor a loved one, or select something unique—trust your instincts and choose a name that feels right for your little one.

Embrace the joy and excitement that comes with this special decision, and know that the name you choose will be the first of many loving gifts you bestow upon your child. As your little one grows, their name will become an integral part of their identity and a lasting reflection of your love.