Social Security name popularity data has been updated with the latest official rankings, giving parents and researchers a fresh look at the most popular baby names in the United States. The Social Security Administration (SSA) released its newest list in May 2026 using Social Security card applications filed for babies born during 2025. The latest results show that Liam and Olivia remain America’s most popular baby names for the seventh consecutive year, while several fast-rising names are reshaping national naming trends.
Every year, millions of Americans eagerly await the SSA’s annual baby name rankings because they provide one of the most accurate snapshots of naming trends across the country. Unlike surveys or private databases, the rankings are based on official Social Security applications submitted for newborns, making them one of the nation’s most reliable datasets.
Why Social Security Name Data Matters
The Social Security Administration collects baby name information through Social Security number applications submitted shortly after birth. Because nearly every child born in the United States receives a Social Security number, the database reflects naming trends across virtually the entire country.
The annual release has become an important resource for:
- Expecting parents searching for baby names
- Genealogy researchers
- Demographers
- Historians
- Teachers
- Writers
- Cultural researchers
The SSA has maintained searchable records dating back to 1880, allowing users to explore how names have risen and fallen in popularity for nearly 150 years.
Latest Social Security Name Popularity Rankings for 2025 Births
The newest rankings confirm remarkable consistency at the very top of the charts.
Top 10 Boys’ Names
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Liam |
| 2 | Noah |
| 3 | Oliver |
| 4 | Theodore |
| 5 | Henry |
| 6 | James |
| 7 | Elijah |
| 8 | Mateo |
| 9 | William |
| 10 | Lucas |
Top 10 Girls’ Names
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Olivia |
| 2 | Charlotte |
| 3 | Emma |
| 4 | Amelia |
| 5 | Sophia |
| 6 | Mia |
| 7 | Isabella |
| 8 | Evelyn |
| 9 | Sofia |
| 10 | Eliana |
Liam and Olivia each secured the No. 1 position for the seventh year in a row, demonstrating exceptional staying power despite changing naming preferences nationwide.
Biggest Changes in This Year’s Rankings
Although the top positions remained stable, several notable shifts occurred.
For girls:
- Charlotte climbed to No. 2.
- Emma slipped to No. 3 after spending six years in second place.
- Eliana entered the Top 10.
- Ava dropped out of the Top 10.
For boys:
- Henry continued its upward climb to No. 5.
- Theodore remained firmly in fourth place.
- The top four boys’ names stayed unchanged from the previous year.
These movements illustrate that while parents continue choosing classic favorites, newer names steadily gain momentum.
Fastest-Rising Baby Names
The SSA also tracks which names gained the most popularity from one year to the next.
Fastest-Rising Boys’ Names
- Kasai
- Akari
- Eziah
- Jasai
- Neithan
Fastest-Rising Girls’ Names
- Klarity
- Rynlee
- Ailanny
- Naylani
- Madisson
These names experienced the largest jumps in ranking during 2025, reflecting changing cultural influences and evolving naming preferences.
How Social Security Measures Name Popularity
Many people assume popularity rankings come from surveys or polls. They do not.
Instead, the Social Security Administration counts actual first names appearing on newborn Social Security applications submitted each year.
Important details include:
- Every spelling counts separately.
- Olivia and Alivia are different entries.
- Sofia and Sophia are ranked independently.
- Only names appearing at least five times are published to protect privacy.
This methodology helps maintain both accuracy and confidentiality.
Why the Rankings Change Every Year
Baby naming trends evolve for many reasons.
Common influences include:
Entertainment
Popular television series, streaming shows, movies, and celebrities often introduce names to a wider audience.
Sports
Successful athletes frequently inspire parents, especially after championship seasons or major international competitions.
Music
Musicians continue influencing naming choices across multiple generations.
Family Traditions
Many parents still choose names that honor grandparents or relatives.
Vintage Revival
Older names regularly return to popularity after spending decades out of favor.
Classic Names Continue to Dominate
One striking feature of recent rankings is the endurance of traditional names.
Names like:
- William
- James
- Henry
- Charlotte
- Emma
- Sophia
have remained popular across multiple generations.
Rather than disappearing, these names often experience renewed popularity as younger parents rediscover timeless options.
The Rise of Modern Names
Alongside traditional favorites, newly popular names continue entering the rankings.
Names such as:
- Eliana
- Kasai
- Klarity
- Rynlee
- Ailanny
reflect changing cultural preferences and growing diversity in American naming traditions.
Many modern names blend unique spellings with familiar sounds, giving parents opportunities to personalize traditional choices.
How Cultural Trends Influence Baby Names
Baby names often mirror broader cultural changes.
Parents today draw inspiration from:
- Multiple languages
- Global travel
- Television
- Streaming platforms
- Literature
- Nature
- Social media
- Sports
- Family heritage
As the United States becomes increasingly diverse, naming styles continue expanding beyond earlier conventions.
Regional Differences Across America
One advantage of the Social Security baby name database is that users can explore rankings by state.
Certain names may rank:
- Top 10 nationally
- Outside the Top 50 in individual states
Likewise, some regional favorites never become national leaders.
This allows parents to see whether a name is common locally or unique within their state.
Historical Name Trends Since 1880
The SSA archive offers a fascinating look at American history through names.
Popular names have changed dramatically over nearly 150 years.
Early 1900s Favorites
- John
- Mary
- William
- Helen
- Dorothy
Mid-Century Leaders
- Michael
- Jennifer
- Robert
- Lisa
- David
Modern Favorites
- Liam
- Olivia
- Noah
- Charlotte
- Theodore
These shifts illustrate changing tastes across generations while highlighting names that have remained remarkably resilient.
How Parents Use the Database
Expecting parents frequently search the SSA database to answer questions such as:
- Is this name becoming more popular?
- Was my own name common when I was born?
- Which names are unique but recognizable?
- How popular is this spelling?
- Which names are trending upward?
The searchable database lets users compare popularity by:
- Year
- Decade
- State
- Gender
This makes it one of the most comprehensive public naming resources available.
The Importance of Separate Spellings
One interesting feature of the Social Security rankings is that each spelling is treated independently.
Examples include:
- Sofia vs. Sophia
- Jackson vs. Jaxon
- Madeline vs. Madeleine
- Lilly vs. Lily
Because of this approach, parents choosing an alternate spelling may find a familiar name that appears less common statistically.
Privacy Protections in the Data
The SSA protects individual privacy throughout the publication process.
Names given to fewer than five babies during a year are omitted from the public database.
This policy prevents identification of individual children while preserving the usefulness of national statistics.
What the Rankings Reveal About American Families
The latest rankings suggest several broader trends.
Many parents continue choosing:
- Timeless classics
- Easy-to-pronounce names
- Names with international appeal
- Gender-neutral options
- Distinctive spellings
At the same time, traditional names remain remarkably resilient, proving that popularity often moves in cycles rather than permanent shifts.
How Often Social Security Updates the Rankings
The baby name list is updated once each year.
Typically:
- Birth data from the previous calendar year are collected.
- Rankings are finalized.
- The new list is released around Mother’s Day.
The 2026 release reflects babies born during 2025.
Parents looking for current trends should rely on the newest annual publication rather than older rankings.
Using Social Security Name Popularity for Research
Researchers also benefit from these rankings.
The database supports studies involving:
- Population changes
- Cultural history
- Migration
- Linguistics
- Marketing
- Education
- Family history
Because records stretch back to 1880, scholars can examine long-term changes in American society through naming patterns.
Looking Ahead
Although Liam and Olivia continue leading the rankings, yearly changes show that American naming trends never remain completely static. Rising names such as Eliana, Kasai, Klarity, and Ailanny demonstrate how fresh influences continue shaping the choices parents make for their newborns. With official data updated annually, the Social Security Administration’s baby name rankings remain the nation’s most trusted resource for understanding how names evolve across generations.
Which baby names do you think will top next year’s rankings? Share your thoughts and keep checking back for the latest naming trends and official updates.