Most Common Names for Baby Girls
After your ultrasound and the proclamations all say, “It’s a girl,” you are probably seeing pink. Over the next few decades, you have quite a few decisions to make, from what age she will get to date to how you will pay for her wedding. For now, however, all you have to do is to choose a name.
Modern
According to the Social Security Administration, Isabella was the most popular name in 2009. Your daughter will likely go to school with a few girls with the name Isabella, or Isabelle, Issy, Izzy, Bella or Belle. If you want her to share her name, go with Isabella. Among the top five names of 2009 are Emma, Olivia, Sophia and Ava. Variations or nicknames of these common names might include Emmy, Emmie, Liv, Livvy, Sophie and Eva. Still popular, but less common names in 2009 included Emily, Madison, Abigail, Chloe and Mia.
Half a Century Ago
Throughout the 1950s, Linda and Mary reigned as the most popular names. If you like these popular names, or have too many in your family, you can use variations including Linny, Lindy, Lindsey, Maria or Marie. Among the other most popular names of 1950s are Patricia, Susan and Deborah. Variations might include Patty, Pat, Patsy, Susie, Sue, Suzanna, Suzanne, Deb or Debbie.
All Time
Over the course of the last 100 years, Mary and Patricia reign supreme. Other names that dominated the 20th and early 21st centuries include Jennifer, Elizabeth, Barbara and Margaret. If you prefer to play off these popular names, without using this exactly, consider Jenn, Jenny, Jennie, Beth, Liz, Liza, Elisa, Barb, Marge or Maggie.
Cutting Edge
If you don’t want to look back a couple years to the Social Security Administration’s list of popular names, look to popular culture. The names of popular characters, the names of celebrities’ kids and the names of young celebrities are likely to be the names that dominate lists soon. Grab them now if you want your daughter to be in popular company.
Creative Flair
Get creative with spellings if you want her name to be in the genre of common names, but not the most popular. You can also combine names, such as Sophiann, Avalynn or Miabella.
