Olivia and Noah Continue Their Dominance as Alberta's Favorite Baby Names
In a remarkable display of consistency, Olivia and Noah have once again secured the top spots for baby names in Alberta, according to the latest data released for 2025. This announcement, made by Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally at the Stanley A. Milner Library, highlights a growing trend that has solidified these names as perennial favorites among parents across the province.
Olivia's Unprecedented 13-Year Reign
Olivia has now maintained her position as the most popular name for baby girls for an impressive 13 consecutive years. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Ethan, which topped the boys' list for nine years. Despite a gradual decline in usage over the past five years—from 236 babies named Olivia in 2020 to 173 in 2025—the name remains firmly entrenched at the pinnacle of Alberta's naming trends.
Noah's Steady Ascent to the Top
On the boys' side, Noah has extended his reign to seven years in a row, showing a consistent rise in popularity. In 2025, 259 babies were named Noah, marking an increase of 16 from the previous year. This upward trajectory contrasts with Olivia's slight decline, underscoring Noah's growing appeal among Alberta families.
Top Contenders and Notable Shifts
The rankings reveal other popular choices, with Amelia, Emma, Sophia, Charlotte, and Violet rounding out the top five for girls. For boys, Theodore, Oliver, Henry, and a tie between Jack and Lucas followed Noah. Significant changes include Ava dropping out of the top ten for the first time in over a decade, while Eliana made its debut. Among boys, Liam slipped from the top five, with Muhammad and James entering the top ten.
Cultural Influences and Ministerial Insights
Minister Nally emphasized that each name on the list symbolizes a family's home and a new beginning, adding a personal touch to the statistical data. He noted the list's fun aspect, allowing individuals to see how popular their own names might be. In a lighthearted moment, Nally mentioned that only two babies were named Dale in 2025, though this was double the previous year's count, joking about gaining momentum.
The data also reflects cultural influences, with names like Khaleesi, Zendaya, and Beckham appearing, inspired by popular culture. Greek mythology has left its mark as well, with names such as Artemis and Zephyr gaining traction. Surprisingly, despite Connor McDavid's hockey success, only 21 babies were named Connor last year, a point Nally highlighted with amusement.
Broader Context and Registration Numbers
In 2025, Alberta registered over 52,000 births, featuring 14,500 unique baby names. This diversity underscores the evolving preferences of parents, blending traditional favorites with modern inspirations. The annual list serves as a fascinating snapshot of societal trends, offering insights into how cultural phenomena shape naming conventions in the province.
As Olivia and Noah continue to lead the pack, their enduring popularity sets a high bar for future contenders, cementing their status in Alberta's baby name dynasty for years to come.
