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Number One Baby Names

Baby names that have achieved the top standing in the U.S. are an elite group. Since the beginning of American baby-naming time, 1880, there have been only 16 baby names that have reached Number One, with David only touching the top for one year each and Ashley for just two.

The top baby name for girls is currently Emma, which took over from Sophia in 2014. The most popular baby name for boys right now is Liam, which bested Noah in 2017.

The longest-running number one baby name is Mary, which went unchallenged from the onset of record keeping until the mid 1940s. Michael claims the title for boys — it held the top spot for over 40 years in the latter half of the 20th century.

Below, the all-time Number One baby names in the U.S.

Number One Baby Names

Liam

Meaning: resolute protection

Origin:Irish short form of William
200
Lisa

Meaning: pledged to God

Origin:English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Italian
928
Linda

Meaning: pretty

Origin:Spanish, Portuguese and Italian word name meaning "pretty"
825
Robert

Meaning: bright fame

Origin:English from German
542
David

Meaning: beloved

Origin:Hebrew
337
Ashley

Meaning: dweller near the ash tree meadow

Origin:English
905
Isabella

Meaning: pledged to God

Origin:Spanish and Italian variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
145
James

Meaning: supplanter

Origin:English variation of Jacob, Hebrew
33
Olivia

Meaning: olive tree

Origin:Latin
49
Mary

Meaning: drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved

Origin:Hebrew or Egyptian
202
Sophia

Meaning: wisdom

Origin:Greek
152
Jennifer

Meaning: white shadow, white wave

Origin:Cornish variation of Welsh Guinevere
464
Emily

Meaning: rival

Origin:Feminine variation of Emil, Latin
120
Emma

Meaning: universal

Origin:German
102
Jessica Foresighted, to see before
Origin:English, meaning unknown
676
Noah

Meaning: rest, repose

Origin:Hebrew
45
Jacob

Meaning: supplanter

Origin:Hebrew
137
Michael

Meaning: who is like God?

Origin:Hebrew
224
John

Meaning: God is gracious

Origin:Hebrew
299