The Top Baby Names of 2024—And What They Say About Parenting Today
So today, I’m inviting you to press pause on the to-dos and join me for something fun, meaningful, and a little nostalgic:
✨A peek at the top baby names of 2024—and how they’ve evolved over the past 10, 50, and 100 years.
Because believe it or not, these names tell a deeper story about who we are as parents right now, in this moment. 💛
🎉 2024’s Top Baby Names Are In
According to the Social Security Administration, the top names so far this year are:
Girls
Olivia
Emma
Charlotte
Amelia
Sophia
Boys
Liam
Noah
Oliver
Elijah
Mateo
There’s a lyrical, international flavor here—modern, but not trendy for trendy’s sake. We’re seeing strength, softness, and a whole lot of heart.
➡️ And that tracks, doesn’t it? Parents today are seeking names that feel timeless but also meaningful.
👶 2014: Ten Years Ago
Let’s time-hop back a decade. The top names then?
Girls: Emma, Olivia, Sophia, Isabella, Ava
Boys: Noah, Liam, Mason, Jacob, William
You’ll notice overlap—and that’s not a bad thing.
It signals stability, affection, and names that feel like home.
If you’re raising a 10-year-old right now, you may hear 3 Emmas shout “Here!” at school drop-off, but there’s a reason it’s been a classic. It sings. 🎶
🕰️ 1974: Fifty Years Ago
Now things get even more interesting.
Girls: Jennifer, Amy, Michelle, Kimberly, Lisa
Boys: Michael, Jason, Christopher, James, David
These names are solid, familiar, and in many ways reflect a generation of kids who were raised in the dawn of suburbia and Saturday morning cartoons.
✨In sleep coaching, I often work with millennial parents whose own names came from this list
👑 1924: One Hundred Years Ago
Drumroll, please...
Girls: Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Betty, Margaret
Boys: Robert, John, William, James, Charles
These names feel vintage now—but they’re circling back in a big way (have you met a baby Betty or Arthur lately?). There's a pull toward the classic, the sturdy, the sweetly old-school.
Why?
Because when the world feels uncertain, we crave names that anchor us.
So, What Does All This Have to Do With Parenting Today?
Everything.
Choosing a name is often the first major parenting decision we make.
And whether we go bold, traditional, global, or nostalgic, we’re doing what all good parents do:
We’re looking ahead. Dreaming big. Grounding our kids in something meaningful.
Just like sleep routines, daily rhythms, and gentle boundaries—names are part of the identity we help shape.
Real Talk From a Sleep Coach
I’ve seen it all. And one thing I know for sure?
No matter what name is stitched on their lovie or printed on their preschool cubby tag, what our children need most is the steady, loving presence of us.
That means giving them sleep, structure, connection—and yes, maybe even a bedtime song that includes their name. (Bonus points if it rhymes. 😉)
Your Takeaway Today 💡
If you’re naming a baby, let this be your gentle reminder:
There’s no “perfect” name.
Choose one that feels like a hug—to you and your future child.
Know that every generation has its own flavor, and that’s something to celebrate.
And if you’re parenting a tiny human (no matter their name), remember…
You’re doing beautifully.
❤️ Want a Little More Support?
If your child Olivia (or Mateo or Dorothy or Ziggy) isn’t sleeping well right now… you don’t have to go it alone.
✨Let’s talk about how I can help your family sleep well.✨
Book a free call and let’s get you back to rested, rooted, and ready for whatever’s next.
Ready to Sleep Again? Let’s Do This.
If you’re thinking, “Okay, I kinda-sorta-maybe want to try this, but I still have questions,”—that’s what I’m here for.
Let’s start with an easy first step, schedule a Sleep Strategy Session so me, you and your partner can have an 1 hr long zoom session so I can properly assess the sleep situation and determine if you need one-on-one sleep coaching support.
Let’s get your baby sleeping—and get YOU your sanity back.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
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