…and what they say about us!
Every year, the Social Security Administration releases their list of top baby names. They monitor the top 1,000 monikers based on applications for Social Security cards. This time, there were some familiar favorites making a return to the top spot and the departure of one. I’m not sure many use the list when they’re trying to chose a name for their little one, but it does reveal some interesting habits about us.
We’re so impressionable!
If you don’t think Americans watch a lot of TV and are influenced by it, just take a quick glance at the list of baby names. You’ll find many reality TV star names as well as other celebrity names, such as Maci most likely from MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mother” Maci Bookout and Khloe of Kardashian fame. Maci was actually the fastest growing girl name for 2010. So, there you go!
We don’t like change
For the second year in a row, Jacob and Isabella take the #1 spot for baby names. Unusual names and creative combinations always make their way on the list and look great on personalized baby gifts, but it’s the classic, tried-and-true names that often win the top spots. Just take a look at the top 10, and you’ll see what I mean:
Top 10 Names for Boys
1. Jacob
2. Ethan
3. Michael
4. Jayden
5. William
6. Alexander
7. Noah
8. Daniel
9. Aiden
10. Anthony
Top 10 Names for Girls
1. Isabella
2. Sophia
3. Emma
4. Olivia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Abigail
8. Madison
9. Chloe
10. Mia
Although each of the names are nice, it’s rare that you see names like Moroccan and Monroe (which Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon chose for their twins) on the top 1000. Seems we like names that are classic rather than creative.
We love pop culture
Following the trail of baby names will say a lot about our love for pop culture and our need to commemorate it. Looking for a lasting way to put a mark in time, we tend to name our children after someone that we look up to or has made a significant contribution to our culture. Branding our children with a bit of history, it seems to be our way to keep memories alive and give honor where honor is due. The complete list of baby names is filled with such “tributes.” From presidents and politicians to singers and superstars, you’ll find them all. But, for the first time in 55 years, Elvis has officially left the building! It’s such an unusual name, you can’t help but note it’s ebbs and flows over the years. Although the name never secured a top spot (it did reach 312 in 1957 and made a bit of a comeback 20 years later when the rock icon died), it has consistently held a place in the top 1,000–until this year, that is.
Well, I’ve gazed into the crystal ball of baby names and that’s what it revealed to me. What will the name you pick for your little one say about you?
