Most Popular Baby Names of 2018: Top Boy and Girl Names

In 2018, traditional and classic names maintained strong popularity while showing some modern influences. For boys, Liam (of Irish origin) topped the list for the second consecutive year, reflecting both the trend toward shorter, softer-sounding male names and the cultural influence of celebrities like Liam Hemsworth and Liam Neeson. Noah, ranking second, continued its biblical appeal while aligning with the preference for gentle, vowel-heavy names. William, a classic royal name, demonstrated the enduring appeal of traditional Anglo-Saxon names. For girls, Emma remained dominant, possibly influenced by actresses like Emma Stone and Emma Watson, while also representing a classic, literary choice. Olivia, with its Shakespearean connections, appealed to parents seeking both sophistication and femininity. Ava, short and glamorous, showed the continuing trend toward vintage Hollywood-inspired names (like Ava Gardner). Regional variations were notable, with traditional names like William showing stronger popularity in the Southern United States, while coastal areas tended to favor trendier choices. Overall, these names reflected a broader trend of parents choosing names that are both classic and contemporary, with strong cultural or historical connections.