Top 50 Baby Names of 2026

Choosing the perfect baby name can be both exciting and challenging. BabyCenter’s annual list offers a glimpse into the current naming landscape, highlighting timeless classics and fresh, modern picks. Below, we’ll explore the top 50 baby names for both girls and boys, as gathered by BabyCenter for 2024, along with some key trends and helpful naming tips.

Top 50 Girl Names

1. Olivia
2. Amelia
3. Emma
4. Sophia
5. Charlotte
6. Isabella
7. Ava
8. Mia
9. Ellie
10. Luna
11. Harper
12. Aurora
13. Evelyn
14. Eliana
15. Aria
16. Violet
17. Nova
18. Lily
19. Camila
20. Gianna
21. Mila
22. Sofia
23. Hazel
24. Scarlett
25. Ivy
26. Ella
27. Willow
28. Layla
29. Avery
30. Eleanor
31. Elena
32. Nora
33. Chloe
34. Penelope
35. Elizabeth
36. Abigail
37. Delilah
38. Riley
39. Isla
40. Lainey
41. Paisley
42. Lucy
43. Emilia
44. Stella
45. Grace
46. Maya
47. Naomi
48. Ayla
49. Emily
50. Leilani

Top 50 Boy Names

1. Noah
2. Liam
3. Oliver
4. Elijah
5. Mateo
6. Lucas
7. Levi
8. Ezra
9. Asher
10. Leo
11. James
12. Luca
13. Henry
14. Hudson
15. Ethan
16. Muhammad
17. Maverick
18. Theodore
19. Grayson
20. Daniel
21. Michael
22. Jack
23. Benjamin
24. Elias
25. Sebastian
26. Kai
27. Theo
28. Wyatt
29. Gabriel
30. Mason
31. Samuel
32. Alexander
33. Jackson
34. William
35. Carter
36. Owen
37. David
38. Aiden
39. Josiah
40. Luke
41. Julian
42. Santiago
43. Ezekiel
44. Isaiah
45. Waylon
46. Miles
47. Isaac
48. John
49. Logan
50. Matthew

Notable Naming Trends

1. Nature-Inspired Names: Willow, Hazel, and Ivy remain popular for their connection to the natural world.
2. Vintage Revival: Names like Henry, Evelyn, Penelope, and Theodore continue to rise, signaling a love of classic, old-fashioned charm.
3. Global Influence: Choices such as Mateo, Eliana, and Luca reflect diverse cultural backgrounds.
4. Short & Sweet: Mia, Ezra, Leo, and Ava prove that a few letters can still make a big impact.
5. Modern Favorites: Nova, Hudson, and Maverick show that parents love unique names that feel fresh and on-trend.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Name

1. Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to explore and research names—sometimes the perfect one takes a while to surface.
2. Check for Nicknames: From sweet to silly, nicknames often emerge naturally. Decide if you’re comfortable with the possible variations.
3. Consider Meaning & Origin: Learn the history behind the name to see if it resonates on a deeper level.
4. Say It Out Loud: Repetition and hearing the name in different contexts can confirm whether it’s the right fit.
5. Stay True to Your Heart: Trends come and go, but the name that feels right to you will stand the test of time.

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Final Thoughts

BabyCenter’s 2024 list reveals a beautiful mix of traditional mainstays and rising stars. Whether you’re drawn to nature-inspired picks, classic revivals, or global favorites, there’s truly a name for every parent’s taste. As you search for the perfect name, remember to choose something that resonates with your family’s story, style, and hopes for the future.