Most Popular Baby Names of 2020: Top Boy and Girl Names

In 2020, traditional yet modern-sounding names dominated the top spots. For boys, Liam (of Irish origin) maintained its #1 position for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting a broader trend toward short, strong-sounding names. Noah (Biblical) and Oliver (Latin/English) represent a mix of religious heritage and classic English naming traditions. The popularity of Oliver may be partially attributed to celebrity influence and its popularity in British culture. For girls, Olivia (Latin) claimed the top spot, showing the continued preference for feminine, flowing names ending in 'a'. Emma's popularity (Germanic) has been consistent since the early 2000s, possibly influenced by actresses like Emma Watson and Emma Stone. Ava (Latin/Hebrew) rounds out the top three, demonstrating the ongoing trend of short, vintage names making a comeback. Regional variations were notable, with certain names showing stronger popularity in specific areas - Oliver ranking higher in New England states, while Liam showed particular strength in the Southwest. These names also reflect a broader trend of parents choosing names that work well internationally and are easily pronounced across cultures.