The Social Security Administration's annual list of the most popular baby names in the United States rarely includes shocking choices. In recent years, familiar favorites like Liam, Olivia, Noah, and Emma have dominated the top spots. However, a closer look at the agency's broader data reveals intriguing and often unexpected trends. From the rise of less traditional names like Icelynn and Genesis to the decline of classics like Patrick and Kimberly, here are 15 baby name statistics from the latest SSA data that might surprise you.
Nova Surpasses Grace
According to the most recent SSA data, 5,044 baby girls were named Nova in 2024, making it the 39th most popular female name. Grace ranked 40th, with 5,002 newborns given that name. This marks a shift in preferences toward more modern and celestial names.
Icelynn Rises Rapidly
The name Icelynn jumped 209 places from 2023 to 2024, reaching No. 922 and entering the top 1,000 for the first time. This rise reflects the growing popularity of names ending in -lynn, such as Oaklynn, Raelynn, and Lakelynn.
Maverick Overtakes Thomas
Maverick is now a top 50 name, with 6,615 baby boys (and 85 girls) named Maverick in 2024. It ranks at No. 36, three spots above Thomas at No. 39. Last year, 6,576 baby boys were named Thomas.
Ezekiel Popular in New Mexico
While national top names like Liam, Noah, and Oliver dominate most states, some regional outliers exist. Ezekiel ranked 54th nationally but was the third-most-popular name for newborn boys in New Mexico.
Genesis Beats Sophie
In 2024, 3,835 baby girls were named Genesis, placing it at No. 55 for girls. Sophie ranked lower at No. 60, with 3,574 newborns named Sophie.
Truce Fastest-Rising for Boys
Amid ongoing global conflicts, parents seem drawn to the concept of peace. The name Truce entered the top 1,000 for the first time in 2024, skyrocketing 11,118 places from No. 12,109 to No. 991.
Messiah More Popular Than Patrick
Despite its long history, Patrick now ranks at No. 221, with 1,622 boys named Patrick in 2024. The controversial name Messiah sits at No. 203, with 1,734 newborn boys.
Lainey Tops in Multiple States
Lainey, the 38th most popular name nationally, cracked the top three in several states. In Montana, it is the No. 1 choice, while it ranks No. 2 in West Virginia and No. 3 in Kentucky, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Khloe Surpasses Kimberly
Kimberly Kardashian may have a larger social media following, but the name Khloe is now more popular. Kimberly ranks No. 246, while Khloe sits at No. 232 in the latest SSA data.
Lorenzo Edges Out Nicholas
With 3,044 baby boys named Lorenzo in 2024, it became the 116th most popular name. Nicholas ranked at No. 118, with 3,025 newborns named Nicholas.
Honey Among Fastest-Rising for Girls
Honey is more than a term of endearment. In 2024, it rose 236 spots to No. 935 on the list of most popular names for girls, with 282 newborn Honeys.
Kinsley Overtakes Sarah
In 2024, 2,929 baby girls were named Kinsley, making it the 85th most popular choice. Sarah, which peaked at No. 3 in 1993, has slipped to No. 95, with 2,697 newborns.
Mary Still Popular in Mississippi
While Mary ranks just No. 132 nationally, it remains strong regionally. In Mississippi, Mary is the fifth most popular name for baby girls.
Sincere More Popular Than Donald
Donald ranks at No. 672, with 405 baby boys given that name in 2024. The virtue name Sincere reached No. 604, with 471 newborns.
Halo Enters Top 1000 for Boys
Halo jumped 466 spots on the boys' list, rising from No. 1,460 to No. 994, entering the top 1,000 for the first time. This reflects the appeal of celestial and spiritual names.
