Olivia and Noah rank as most popular baby names of 2026
Parents across the country chose Olivia and Noah most often for their newborns this year. The findings show both choices maintained their leading spots from last year. More than two months remain in 2026 for other selections to climb the charts.
The parenting site BabyCenter published the annual list on Tuesday. Its findings track name selections made by users across the nation. The outcome reflects steady national naming patterns over recent years.
Following Noah, the site listed four other popular boys’ choices:
- Liam
- Oliver
- Elijah
- Mateo
All five choices ranked among the top 10 boys’ names for 2025. Those federal numbers come from the Social Security Administration. Federal records base their counts on card applications filed at birth.
Liam held the top spot on that federal tally for seven straight years. Olivia has led the federal list for seven straight years too. The site recorded four girls’ choices behind the top spot:
- Eliana
- Amelia
- Charlotte
- Sophia
Each choice placed inside the top 10 federal names for girls last year. Eliana climbed five spots to reach second place on the site’s tally. That choice debuted on the list at seventh place last year.
The name reached tenth place on the federal card registry in 2025. That mark stands as its highest federal ranking. The site reviewed the top 100 choices for both genders.
Only one new choice joined the top 100 girls’ list. Magnolia claimed that new spot at number 88. Federal records placed Magnolia among the top 1,000 girl names from 1900 to 1938.
The name reappeared on the federal list in 1940. It did not rejoin that federal group again until 2013. A vintage boy choice also reentered the site’s top 100 list.
Dean reached number 100 on the site tally. That appearance is its first in the top 100 this century. Three other boys’ choices gained ground:
- Milo, up 41 spots to number 89
- Stetson, up 46 spots to number 95
- Archer, up 23 spots to number 96
Four longtime favorite choices lost their top 100 spots this year. Leah, Brooklyn, Christian and Ryan fell below that mark. This drop marks their first exit in the site’s record history.
Federal agencies process identification cards for newborn citizens through regional offices across the nation. Parents submit official registration documents following a hospital birth. Official government tallies compile those public records each calendar cycle.
The federal agency plans to share its full 2026 data in the spring of 2026. Prior records remain open for review on the agency website.
