A child’s name. Their identity. Their calling card for the rest of their life. As a parent, naming a child can be an overwhelming responsibility …

There are research studies that have determined that a child’s name can affect his or her future. Names can give information into who we are: gender, ethnicity, and sometimes even religion.

Some parents give their kids the name of another member of their family; a son may be his father’s namesake, or a girl her grandmother’s. It is also very common to have a child’s middle name be the namesake of a family member.

Names tend to change in popularity through the years, and sometimes, names that were common two or three generations previously make a comeback.

Here are the ten most popular boys and girls names in America so far in 2023.

Boy’s Names

10. Theodore –

often shortened to Theo or Teddy – “God’s Gift”, “A Gift from God”/popular in late 1800s, regained popularity between 2020-2023.

9. Levi –

“United”, “Joined” /popularity is increasing since early 2000s

8. Oliver –

often shortened to Ollie – “Ancestor’s Descendant”, “Peace”, “Friendship” / popular in late 1800s, regained popularity between 2010-2015.

7. James –

“Supplanter” / popular in 17th century with King James VI, regained popularity in 2000s

6. Asher –

“Blessed”, “Happy” / maintained popularity since early 1900s, also used as a girl’s name

5. Mateo –

a form of the name Matthew – “Gift of God: / popularity increased in 2020s

4. Elijah –

“The Lord is my God” /gained popularity in early 2000s, popularity increased in 2020s

3. Lucas –

also called Luke or Louie – “Bringer of Light”, “Luminous” /popularity began in 1980s

2. Noah –

“Rest”, “Peace” /maintained popularity since 1800s, also used as a girl’s name

1. Liam –

“Warrior”, “Protection” – The most popular name for boys in the United States since 2017.

Girl’s Names

10. Ava –

“Life”, “Voice”, “Sound” / very popular in 1950s, regained popularity in early 2000s

9. Sophia –

often shortened to Sophie – “Wisdom” / popular in early 1900s, regained popularity in 2010

8. Harper –

“Someone who plays the harp” / popular in medieval Europe, regained popularity in 2010

7. Luna –

“Moon” / popular in late 1800s, regained popularity in early 2000s

6. Mia –

“Mine”, “Beloved” / became popular in early 2000s

5. Emma –

“Universe”, “Whole” / became popular in 1990s, popularity increased in early 2000s

4. Isabella –

often shortened to Bella, Ella, or Belle – “Devoted to God”, “Beautiful” / popular since early 2000s

3. Charlotte –

“Free woman” / became popular in 2010

2. Amelia –

“Industrious”, “Striving” / became popular in early 2000s

1. Olivia –

often shortened to Livie or Liv -“Peace”, “Olive Tree” / popular in early 1900s, regained popularity in early 2000s

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