If you’re searching for the perfect name for your little one, you’re not alone! We understand how important it is to find a name that fits your baby. That’s why we’ve compiled the most popular boy and girl baby names by state. Whether you’re interested in a common name from your current state or want to pay homage to where you’re from, there are tons of great options here!
Most Popular Baby Names in the United States
Before we get into the most popular names in each state, let’s take a look at the top boy and girl baby names in the entire country! According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), these were the top 10 boy and girl names in the United States in 2023:2
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Oliver
- James
- Elijah
- Mateo
- Theodore
- Henry
- Lucas
- William
Girls
- Olivia
- Emma
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Sophia
- Mia
- Isabella
- Ava
- Evelyn
- Luna
Most Popular Baby Names by State
Below, you’ll find the top 10 boy and girl baby names in each state from the SSA.1 We’ve included the top 10 names for boys and the top 10 for girls. You’ll notice that many names like “Olivia” and “Liam” hold the top spot in most states. This is the same as the SSA’s nationwide list!
Alabama
Alabama’s most popular baby names are similar to the national most popular names. “William” is the most used boy name in Alabama, ranking at #10 nationwide. “Olivia” and “Charlotte” are #1 and #3 nationwide, respectively.
Boys
- William
- John
- James
- Noah
- Elijah
- Liam
- Oliver
- Henry
- Asher
- Levi
Girls
- Olivia
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Ava
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Evelyn
- Harper
- Nova
- Mary
Alaska
For Alaska, you can see that a majority of the boy names continue to stay on trend with the most popular names of the whole country. Alaska is also among the few states to include “Aurora” as one of its top baby girl names.
Boys
- Liam
- Oliver
- Theodore
- Noah
- Elijah
- Henry
- William
- James
- Michael
- Ezra
Girls
- Charlotte
- Aurora
- Amelia
- Hazel
- Emma
- Penelope
- Evelyn
- Nora
- Eleanor
- Ava
Arizona
The only other states where “Santiago” makes the top 10 boy names are California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. This Spanish name tends to be more popular in states with a higher Spanish-speaking population.
Boys
- Liam
- Mateo
- Noah
- Oliver
- Santiago
- Sebastian
- Elijah
- Ezra
- Benjamin
- Levi
Girls
- Olivia
- Emma
- Mia
- Isabella
- Sophia
- Camila
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Evelyn
- Luna
Arkansas
Arkansas differs slightly from the nationwide list. Both “Hudson” and “Evelyn” are less popular names in most states. We’ve seen “Hudson” begin to rise in popularity overall, but it hasn’t cracked the U.S. top 10 baby names.
Boys
- Liam
- Oliver
- Noah
- Hudson
- William
- Elijah
- James
- Maverick
- Asher
- Waylon
Girls
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Emma
- Evelyn
- Hazel
- Harper
- Ava
- Sophia
- Eleanor
California
Since California is one of the states with the highest Spanish-speaking population, it’s no surprise that several names of Spanish origin make the top list. “Mateo” and “Camila” are two great examples.
Boys
- Noah
- Liam
- Mateo
- Sebastian
- Santiago
- Julian
- Oliver
- Benjamin
- Elijah
- Ezekiel
Girls
- Olivia
- Mia
- Camila
- Emma
- Isabella
- Sophia
- Sofia
- Luna
- Amelia
- Gianna
Colorado
If you look at the top 10 names for each gender nationwide, many of these names are on both lists! Colorado seems to stay on trend when it comes to baby naming.
Boys
- Liam
- Oliver
- Noah
- Theodore
- Henry
- Mateo
- William
- James
- Jack
- Benjamin
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Sophia
- Emma
- Amelia
- Mia
- Evelyn
- Isabella
- Harper
- Ava
Connecticut
The naming trends in New England don’t seem to differ much from national popularity. You’ll notice that “Olivia” is still in the top spot, while “Noah” and “Liam” are favorites for baby boys.
Boys
- Noah
- Liam
- Oliver
- Lucas
- James
- Luca
- William
- Jack
- Henry
- Theodore
Girls
- Olivia
- Charlotte
- Mia
- Emma
- Amelia
- Ava
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Madison
- Sofia
Delaware
In Delaware, we see boy names like “Carter” and “Levi” shine. Neither of those boy names has cracked the U.S. top 10, but they’re very well-loved in this state!
Boys
- Noah
- Liam
- Carter
- Benjamin
- Levi
- Theodore
- Anthony
- Cameron
- Elijah
- James
Girls
- Charlotte
- Isabella
- Emma
- Olivia
- Sophia
- Ava
- Mia
- Amelia
- Harper
- Aurora
District of Columbia
Even though Washington, D.C. isn’t a state, the SSA has still compiled a list of the most popular baby names in the district. You’ll notice that many of them are very common names — except for “Naomi,” which doesn’t reach the top lists in any other state.
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Leo
- Theodore
- James
- Henry
- Oliver
- Benjamin
- William
- Charles
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Naomi
- Sophia
- Maya
- Mia
- Zoe
- Ava
- Elizabeth
- Emma
Florida
As you move south, many of the baby names chosen are popular throughout the U.S. For Florida, several of the top 10 names for boys and girls below also make the nationwide top 10.
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Lucas
- Elijah
- Oliver
- Dylan
- Mateo
- Benjamin
- Matthew
- Luca
Girls
- Olivia
- Emma
- Isabella
- Mia
- Sophia
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Luna
- Ava
- Sofia
Georgia
There are no surprises when looking at the most popular baby names in Georgia! Many of these names for each gender have made the top 10 in the U.S.
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- William
- James
- Elijah
- Oliver
- John
- Henry
- Asher
- Lucas
Girls
- Olivia
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Emma
- Ava
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Evelyn
- Nova
- Elizabeth
Hawaii
In the Hawaiian islands, you’ll see “Ezekiel” making the top 10 for boys, while “Luna” is popular for girls. “Luna” is also a popular girl’s name nationwide, ranking as the #10 girl’s name in the U.S.
Boys
- Elijah
- Liam
- Noah
- Ezekiel
- Lucas
- Kai
- Ezra
- Leo
- Luke
- Oliver
Girls
- Isla
- Mia
- Olivia
- Luna
- Ava
- Emma
- Aria
- Kaia
- Charlotte
- Amelia
Idaho
Idaho keeps it very traditional, with boys’ names like “Theodore” and “Henry” in the top 10. The same goes for the baby girls, with names like “Charlotte” and “Amelia” holding top spots.
Boys
- Oliver
- Liam
- Henry
- Theodore
- James
- William
- Hudson
- Mateo
- Asher
- Benjamin
Girls
- Olivia
- Charlotte
- Evelyn
- Amelia
- Emma
- Harper
- Hazel
- Sophia
- Ava
- Willow
Illinois
In the Midwest, “Liam” and “Olivia” remain at the top! It’s a no-brainer why parents all over the country are in love with these classic names.
Boys
- Noah
- Liam
- Oliver
- Mateo
- Theodore
- Henry
- Benjamin
- Lucas
- James
- Michael
Girls
- Olivia
- Emma
- Mia
- Sophia
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Sofia
- Ava
- Evelyn
- Isabella
Indiana
In Indiana, “Eleanor” has crept up into the top 10. It’s a cute, old-fashioned girl’s name that parents adore! The same can be said for the classic names “Elijah” and “Evelyn.”
Boys
- Liam
- Oliver
- Noah
- Theodore
- Elijah
- Henry
- Hudson
- William
- Maverick
- James
Girls
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Eleanor
- Evelyn
- Sophia
- Emma
- Ava
- Hazel
- Harper
Iowa
A girl’s name that’s recently risen in popularity is “Harper.” In Iowa, you’ll see that it makes the top 10. We can understand why — we love that name, too!
Boys
- Oliver
- Henry
- Theodore
- Liam
- Noah
- Jack
- Hudson
- William
- James
- Owen
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Harper
- Evelyn
- Emma
- Sophia
- Eleanor
- Ava
- Hazel
Kansas
You’ll see more traditional baby names in Kansas, with “Liam” taking the top spot for boys — which is the same as all of the U.S. Sweet girl names like “Emma” and “Amelia” are also chosen a lot here!
Boys
- Liam
- Oliver
- Noah
- Theodore
- Henry
- James
- Elijah
- Hudson
- William
- Owen
Girls
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Evelyn
- Emma
- Eleanor
- Sophia
- Nora
- Elizabeth
- Ava
Kentucky
The Bluegrass State’s top baby names are almost exactly the same as the nationwide list! It’s clear that names like “Noah” are well-loved everywhere!
Boys
- Liam
- Oliver
- Noah
- William
- Elijah
- Waylon
- James
- Hudson
- Levi
- Theodore
Girls
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Emma
- Olivia
- Evelyn
- Harper
- Willow
- Sophia
- Ella
- Ava
Louisiana
We see that “Harper” also cracked the top 10 in the Southern state of Louisiana. “James” and “Elijah” are super popular as well, but this isn’t shocking since parents love those names all over the country.
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Elijah
- James
- Oliver
- John
- Levi
- William
- Luke
- Asher
Girls
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Charlotte
- Ava
- Harper
- Emma
- Ellie
- Ivy
- Evelyn
- Sophia
Maine
Heading into the Northeast, boy names like Hudson are becoming increasingly popular. Owen even makes the top 10! Several other states, like South Dakota, include it in their top 10 list.
Boys
- Theodore
- Oliver
- Henry
- Hudson
- Owen
- Lucas
- Jackson
- James
- Noah
- Benjamin
Girls
- Charlotte
- Evelyn
- Olivia
- Eleanor
- Harper
- Amelia
- Emma
- Violet
- Hazel
- Aurora
Maryland
Just like the national most popular name list, “Liam” and “Olivia” take the top spots. There are no unique naming trends in Maryland — many of these baby names are part of the nationwide top 10.
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Lucas
- James
- Oliver
- Dylan
- Theodore
- Ethan
- Daniel
- Henry
Girls
- Olivia
- Emma
- Charlotte
- Sophia
- Mia
- Amelia
- Ava
- Isabella
- Harper
- Zoe
Massachusetts
“Benjamin” is more popular in Massachusetts than in most other states, except Delaware, where it also ranks #4. If you look at the top names for Massachusetts, you’ll see recognizable and popular baby names that are similar to the top list for the country.
Boys
- Noah
- Liam
- Theodore
- Benjamin
- Jack
- James
- Henry
- Oliver
- Owen
- Lucas
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Emma
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Mia
- Amelia
- Nora
- Chloe
- Evelyn
Michigan
Popping over to the upper Midwest, you’ll find popular baby names in Michigan that are also on the nationwide top list. It helps that these names are timeless classics!
Boys
- Noah
- Oliver
- Henry
- Theodore
- Liam
- Jack
- Elijah
- Hudson
- Levi
- James
Girls
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Sophia
- Emma
- Ava
- Harper
- Evelyn
- Eleanor
- Nora
Minnesota
“Theodore” takes the top spot in another Midwestern state besides Wisconsin — Minnesota! “Evelyn” and “Henry” are more popular names here, too.
Boys
- Theodore
- Henry
- Oliver
- Liam
- William
- Jack
- Leo
- Noah
- James
- Owen
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Evelyn
- Emma
- Amelia
- Eleanor
- Nora
- Sophia
- Hazel
- Harper
Mississippi
Heading back into the South, you’ll see a biblical name trend with the boys. Southerners are well-known for being avid churchgoers, so it’s no surprise that you’ll see a lot of “Johns” and “Elijahs” here!
Boys
- John
- James
- William
- Elijah
- Noah
- Liam
- Waylon
- Mason
- Grayson
- Josiah
Girls
- Ava
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Charlotte
- Harper
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Mary
- Nova
- Evelyn
Missouri
Classic names like “Oliver” and “Amelia” are popular in Missouri. You’ll notice that many states have these names in their top five or top 10!
Boys
- Oliver
- Henry
- Liam
- Noah
- Theodore
- William
- Hudson
- James
- Elijah
- Owen
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Eleanor
- Harper
- Emma
- Evelyn
- Sophia
- Ava
- Hazel
Montana
Names like “Owen” and “Hazel” are most popular in Montana. When you look at the whole U.S., neither makes the top 10. But that may change one day because these names are rising through the ranks!
Boys
- Oliver
- Theodore
- James
- Henry
- Owen
- Noah
- Hudson
- Jackson
- Liam
- William
Girls
- Charlotte
- Emma
- Hazel
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Eleanor
- Nora
- Evelyn
- Harper
- Isla
Nebraska
Nebraska follows a similar pattern to many of the other states. Its top boy and girl names fall somewhere in the top 10 of the most popular baby names in the U.S.
Boys
- Oliver
- Liam
- Henry
- Theodore
- Noah
- William
- Leo
- Elijah
- Jack
- Owen
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Sophia
- Amelia
- Evelyn
- Mia
- Emma
- Harper
- Eleanor
- Lucy
Nevada
“Sebastian” is a common name given to baby boys in Nevada, but it isn’t as popular in many other states. However, you’ll also find it in the top 10 list for Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas!
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Mateo
- Sebastian
- Oliver
- Santiago
- Elijah
- Ezekiel
- Ezra
- Julian
Girls
- Olivia
- Isabella
- Mia
- Sophia
- Charlotte
- Camila
- Luna
- Amelia
- Emma
- Ava
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is another state in the Northeast, with names like “Theodore” and “Emma” being the most popular. We’ve found that a majority of the Northeast states have classic names at the top.
Boys
- Oliver
- Theodore
- Jack
- Henry
- William
- James
- Owen
- Lucas
- Noah
- Levi
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Evelyn
- Amelia
- Emma
- Nora
- Sophia
- Harper
- Maeve
- Isabella
New Jersey
“Joseph” and “Michael” are classic names that are considered more old-fashioned these days and have dropped in popularity in recent years. However, they’re still going strong for baby boys in New Jersey.
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Lucas
- Joseph
- Michael
- James
- Jack
- Jacob
- Luca
- Ethan
Girls
- Olivia
- Emma
- Mia
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Charlotte
- Ava
- Amelia
- Madison
- Leah
New Mexico
Since New Mexico has a higher Spanish-speaking population, names like “Isabella” and “Santiago” seem to be more popular there than names like “Evelyn” or “Henry.”
Boys
- Liam
- Mateo
- Noah
- Santiago
- Ezekiel
- Elijah
- Ezra
- Josiah
- Sebastian
- Julian
Girls
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Mia
- Isabella
- Emma
- Sofia
- Aria
- Luna
- Sophia
- Camila
New York
“Liam” takes the top spot for baby boys in New York, while “Olivia” slipped down to second. However, many of the girl names here are found on the nationwide list — but not as many of the boys’ names.
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Lucas
- David
- Joseph
- Oliver
- James
- Michael
- Jack
- Jacob
Girls
- Emma
- Olivia
- Sophia
- Mia
- Amelia
- Isabella
- Charlotte
- Ava
- Leah
- Luna
North Carolina
As you head a little more south, “William” becomes a more common name for boys. “Amelia” and “Charlotte” are favorites in North Carolina for baby girls.
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- William
- James
- Oliver
- Elijah
- Henry
- Levi
- Lucas
- Theodore
Girls
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Emma
- Sophia
- Ava
- Mia
- Evelyn
- Harper
- Isabella
North Dakota
For North Dakota, you’ll notice a unique name that doesn’t appear in the top five for any other state or the top 10 nationwide — “Asher!” It’s rising through the ranks, though. We don’t expect it to slip off North Dakota’s list any time soon.
Boys
- Oliver
- Hudson
- Henry
- Theodore
- Asher
- James
- Noah
- Jack
- Maverick
- Brooks
Girls
- Evelyn
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Harper
- Olivia
- Nora
- Hazel
- Ivy
- Willow
- Elizabeth
Ohio
In the small Midwestern state of Ohio, “Oliver” and “Charlotte” reign supreme. These top baby names are just as popular all around the U.S., and it’s clear why everyone loves them!
Boys
- Oliver
- Theodore
- Liam
- Noah
- Henry
- Elijah
- Hudson
- William
- Owen
- Jackson
Girls
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Sophia
- Evelyn
- Emma
- Ava
- Harper
- Eleanor
- Nora
Oklahoma
Oklahoma, or “The Sooner State,” shares its top baby boy and girl names with many of the nationwide favorites. You’ll run into several “Liams” and “Olivias” in this state!
Boys
- Liam
- Oliver
- Noah
- Elijah
- James
- William
- Henry
- Theodore
- Maverick
- Mateo
Girls
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Emma
- Sophia
- Charlotte
- Harper
- Evelyn
- Hazel
- Mia
- Ellie
Oregon
Oregon is in the Pacific Northwest, and they sure love “Oliver” and “Olivia” for babies there! If you find yourself in The Beaver State, you’ll surely hear a lot of classic names.
Boys
- Oliver
- Liam
- Henry
- Theodore
- Noah
- Mateo
- Benjamin
- William
- Ezra
- Hudson
Girls
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Evelyn
- Charlotte
- Emma
- Sophia
- Isabella
- Mia
- Hazel
- Luna
Pennsylvania
The top baby names in Pennsylvania consist of favorites like “Charlotte” and “Noah.” These names are also in the top 10 nationwide!
Boys
- Noah
- Liam
- Oliver
- Henry
- Benjamin
- James
- Owen
- Theodore
- Lucas
- Michael
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Emma
- Sophia
- Amelia
- Ava
- Isabella
- Evelyn
- Harper
- Mia
Rhode Island
Known for its coastal towns, Rhode Island is commonly known as The Ocean State. Biblical boy names like “James” and “Michael” seem to be most popular here.
Boys
- Noah
- Liam
- James
- Lucas
- Michael
- Theodore
- Julian
- Henry
- Benjamin
- William
Girls
- Charlotte
- Sophia
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Emma
- Nora
- Luna
- Isabella
- Mia
- Aurora
South Carolina
This southeastern beach state is known for its sandy shores and baby names like “William” and “Amelia,” which also make the top 10 nationwide list.
Boys
- Noah
- William
- Liam
- James
- John
- Elijah
- Oliver
- Henry
- Hudson
- Lucas
Girls
- Olivia
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Emma
- Ava
- Elizabeth
- Sophia
- Harper
- Nova
- Evelyn
South Dakota
In South Dakota, baby names like “Oliver” and “Ava” are the most common. However, “Nora” is at #3 in the top 10 girl names, and you’ll notice it’s not quite as popular in other states.
Boys
- Oliver
- Henry
- Hudson
- Theodore
- Owen
- Liam
- William
- James
- Grayson
- Leo
Girls
- Ava
- Charlotte
- Nora
- Amelia
- Evelyn
- Olivia
- Lainey
- Emma
- Harper
- Mia
Tennessee
In the Southern state of Tennessee, parents most often choose classic favorites like “James” and “Charlotte.” The top 10 names for Tennesse match many of the most popular baby names nationwide.
Boys
- Liam
- Oliver
- James
- William
- Elijah
- Noah
- Henry
- John
- Waylon
- Hudson
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Emma
- Ava
- Evelyn
- Harper
- Isabella
- Eleanor
- Sophia
Texas
One of the biggest and most populous states in the U.S. is Texas. So, it’s no surprise that the top baby names here have a lot of influence on the country as a whole. However, “Santiago” and “Sebastian” have yet to crack the national top 10.
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- Mateo
- Santiago
- Sebastian
- Elijah
- Oliver
- Ezra
- Lucas
- Levi
Girls
- Emma
- Olivia
- Camila
- Mia
- Isabella
- Sophia
- Sofia
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Ava
Utah
This state consists of regular churchgoers, so it makes sense for names like “James” to be the most popular. However, a surprising favorite girl’s name in Utah is “Lucy.” Nebraska is the only other state where “Lucy” makes the top 10.
Boys
- Liam
- Oliver
- Henry
- William
- James
- Jack
- Hudson
- Miles
- Noah
- Theodore
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Emma
- Evelyn
- Lucy
- Hazel
- Amelia
- Lily
- Mia
- Ellie
Vermont
“Jack” rounds out the top 10 for baby boy names in Vermont. “Eleanor” and “Evelyn” are well-loved for baby girls, too.
Boys
- Oliver
- Henry
- Theodore
- Hudson
- Levi
- Asher
- Benjamin
- Noah
- Owen
Girls
- Amelia
- Eleanor
- Charlotte
- Evelyn
- Sophia
- Emma
- Hazel
- Elizabeth
- Lily
- Ella
Virginia
Virginia is one of the oldest states, as it’s one of the 13 original colonies.3 So, it’s not surprising that traditional and classic names are most popular here. “Noah” and “Sophia” are perfect examples!
Boys
- Liam
- Noah
- James
- Oliver
- William
- Lucas
- Henry
- Theodore
- Benjamin
- Elijah
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Emma
- Sophia
- Amelia
- Ava
- Evelyn
- Isabella
- Mia
- Elizabeth
Washington
The northernmost state in the Pacific Northwest is none other than the state of Washington. Many of Washington’s top boy and girl names can be found in the nationwide top 10 list.
Boys
- Oliver
- Liam
- Noah
- Theodore
- Henry
- Mateo
- James
- Benjamin
- Lucas
- Ezra
Girls
- Olivia
- Amelia
- Emma
- Sophia
- Evelyn
- Charlotte
- Mia
- Isabella
- Harper
- Eleanor
West Virginia
West Virginia has the most diverse list of baby names compared to any other state. Parents there love “Waylon” for boys and “Willow” for girls — neither of which crack the nationwide top 10.
Boys
- Oliver
- Waylon
- Grayson
- Maverick
- Noah
- Hudson
- Asher
- Elijah
- Jackson
- Liam
Girls
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Harper
- Olivia
- Willow
- Paisley
- Ellie
- Lainey
- Sophia
- Oaklynn
Wisconsin
The Cheese State follows suit with its top baby names. “Liam” and “Olivia” are both on the top lists for the country as well as Wisconsin.
Boys
- Theodore
- Oliver
- Henry
- Liam
- Noah
- William
- Levi
- Hudson
- James
- Jack
Girls
- Charlotte
- Olivia
- Evelyn
- Amelia
- Emma
- Nora
- Eleanor
- Harper
- Ava
- Sophia
Wyoming
“Carter” and “Harper” are some of the most popular baby names in Wyoming. These names are definitely on the rise!
Boys
- Henry
- Jack
- Carter
- Elijah
- Liam
- Wyatt
- Lucas
- William
- Benjamin
- Theodore
Girls
- Evelyn
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Harper
- Charlotte
- Hazel
- Aurora
- Scarlett
- Paisley
- Sophia
We hope this list of the most popular boy and girl baby names by state inspires you in your baby-naming journey. Feel free to check out our other baby name lists, such as Beautiful Girl Names and Cool Boy Names, to give you even more ideas!