Deciding what to name your new baby can be fun- but it can also be a source of frustration. It seems like everyone has an opinion on what you should- and shouldn’t name your new son or daughter. While there are no hard and fast rules about what you should name your baby, the top 10 baby names for boys and girls reflect many of the trends in naming your child. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here
Each year, the Social Security Administration creates a list of the top 10 baby names from that year, as well as listing popular names from previous years. These names may give you a few ideas for your own child.
Top Baby Names for Girls
In 2010, the top 10 baby names for girls were:
1. Isabella
2. Sophia
3. Emma
4. Olivia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Abigail
8. Madison
9. Chloe
10. Mia
There are many things that influence name choices- popular culture (think of Isabella from the Twilight series), a desire to use family names, and parent’s search for a name that sounds modern.
While there are no “wrong” names for a baby girl, consider a few things when choosing the right name. For example, once you have settled on a few names, say them out loud with the words “Supreme Court Justice” or “President” in front. If the name sounds too cutesy or babyish, you may want to reconsider your choice. Also, consider what the diminutive forms of the name may be, and if you like those as well. For example, Isabella will likely be called “Bella” or “Izzy”- do you love that name too?
Top Baby Names for Boys
The top 10 baby names for boys do not change as much as the list for girls does. In 2010, the top 10 baby names for boys were:
1. Jacob
2. Ethan
3. Michael
4. Jayden
5. William
6. Alexander
7. Noah
8. Daniel
9. Aiden
10. Anthony
Just like girls names, boys names are often influenced by culture (think of Jacob from the Twilight series). However, many boys are given more traditional names. Favorites such as Michael, William, Alexander, and Daniel have been atop the most popular names list for boys for as long as the SSA has tracked the information. When naming a boy, many parents often choose to use the father’s name or the name of an important relative. These are all great choices, but you may want to give your son a name that is all his own.
When you are choosing names, you should listen to what others have to say, but in the end, choose a name that you love. After all, you don’t get a second chance to name your baby. Do spend a few minutes thinking of the practical considerations- if you you’re your child a highly unique name or one that is spelled in an uncommon way, he or she will spend a lifetime correcting the spelling or pronunciation of their name.
Remember that you can also use a more unusual name as a middle name so that your child will have the name you want for him or her along with a simpler first name. While more opinionated friends or relatives may dislike the name you choose at first, they will come around when they see your sweet little one smiling up at them. In most cases, people find that the name they have chosen- even if it was surprising to friends and family- fits the child perfectly. The top 10 baby names are a great place to start your search, but let your heart guide you to the best name for your baby.
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