Top baby names in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for last year reveal popular trends.
In Pennsylvania, the naming trends for newborns in 2023 reflect a preference for traditional names, with Olivia reclaiming the title of the most popular girl’s name in the state. This marks a shift from 2022, when Charlotte held the top spot. For boys, the name Noah has maintained its position as the most favored choice for the second consecutive year.
According to data gathered from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the state welcomed a total of 127,004 newborns last year. Unlike trends observed in younger generations of Hollywood parents, Pennsylvania’s naming choices have decidedly leaned towards more conventional options, eschewing more unconventional or trendy names such as Bluebell, River, or Emery.
The top five names for girls in Pennsylvania remain Olivia, Charlotte, Emma, Sophia, and Amelia, according to the Social Security Administration. This ranking has remained consistent since 2022. Similarly, among boys, Noah tops the list, followed by Liam, Oliver, and Henry. Notably, Theodore has risen in popularity, catapulting from the eighth position to fourth, just above Henry.
An analysis of the exact figures for Pennsylvania reveals the following breakdown for the leading names:
– Noah received 740 registrations
– Liam was given to 611 boys
– Oliver was chosen by 597 parents
– Henry had 468 registrations
– Theodore rounded out the boys’ list with 506 registrations
For girls, the figures are as follows:
– Olivia stood out with 513 babies named
– Charlotte was bestowed upon 487 girls
– Emma followed with 460 registrations
– Sophia had 432 newborns
– Amelia was selected for 430 girls
The naming landscape in neighboring New Jersey shares some similarities. There, the most popular girl’s name is Mia, while the top five names include Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Charlotte. For boys in New Jersey, the names have remained steady since 2021, featuring Liam, Noah, Lucas, Joseph, and Michael as the leading choices.
On a national scale, names such as Noah, Liam, Emma, Olivia, and Sophia reflect broader trends from the 2010s, as highlighted by the Social Security Administration. Traditional names have continued to flourish, while lesser-known ones have struggled to achieve popularity. This signifies a potential shift in societal preferences when it comes to the choice of names for the next generation.
As the landscape of baby names evolves, it reminds expectant parents of the importance and cultural significance embedded in the names they choose, while traditional favorites continue to dominate the charts.
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