The Meanings & Origins of 20 Most Common U.S. Names
The List Top of the ListEver wondered the meaning and history of your name? Look no further! We connected with Jennifer Moss from BabyNames.com, who shared the meanings of the 20 most common U.S. baby names, according to the Social Security Administration. Don’t see your name below? Visit BabyNames.com and search your name in the database!
Male
1. Liam
The meaning of the name Liam is Strong-willed Warrior. The origin of the name Liam is Irish. It is a shortened form of the name William.
2. Noah
The meaning of the name Noah is Rest, Peace. The origin of the name Noah is Hebrew. In the Bible, Noah was known for gathering animals “two by two”, and creating an ark of refuge for the great flood.
3. William
The meaning of the name William is Strong-willed Warrior. The origin of the name William is English. The name is an English variation of the German name Wilhelm.
4. James
The meaning of the name James is Supplanter. The origin of the name James is Hebrew.
5. Logan
The meaning of the name Logan is From the Hollow. The origin of the name Logan is Irish.
6. Benjamin
The meaning of the name Benjamin is Son of My Right Hand. The origin of the name Benjamin is Hebrew.
7. Mason
The meaning of the name Mason is Stone Worker, Brick Layer. The origin of the name Mason is French. Mason originated as an English occupational surname used for men who worked with stone or brick. The name originated from the same language roots as the verb "to make."
8. Elijah
The meaning of the name Elijah is The Lord is My God. The origin of the name Elijah is Hebrew.
9. Oliver
The meaning of the name Oliver is Descendant of the Ancestor. The origin of the name Oliver is English. Contrary to popular belief, Oliver is derived from the old Norse name Áleifr, meaning "ancestor's descendant." It has nothing to do with olives or olive trees.
10. Jacob
The meaning of the name Jacob is Supplanter. The origin of the name Jacob is Hebrew.
Female
1. Emma
The meaning of the name Emma is Universal. The origin of the name Emma is Latin. It can also be used as the diminutive form of Emily.
2. Olivia
The meaning of the name Olivia is Ancestor's Descendant. The origin of the name Olivia is English. It was derived from the male name, Oliver, which is derived from the old Norse name Áleifr. Olivia first appeared in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and has become popular ever since.
3. Ava
The meaning of the name Ava is Like a Bird. The origin of the name Ava is Latin. Originally, the name Ava was the diminutive version of the name Avis.
4. Isabella
The meaning of the name Isabella is God is My Oath. The origin of the name Isabella is Italian.
5. Sophia
The meaning of the name Sophia is Wisdom. The origin of the name Sophia is Greek.
6. Mia
The meaning of the name Mia is of the Sea or Bitter. The origin of the name Mia is Scandinavian. Mia is the diminutive form of Maria.
7. Charlotte
The meaning of the name Charlotte is Free. The origin of the name Charlotte is English and French. It is the feminine form of Charles, with which it shares the nicknames Charlie/Charley.
8. Amelia
The meaning of the name Amelia is Work. The origin of the name Amelia is Latin. Amelia originally comes from the name Amalia, which was derived from the Germanic name Amala. The root element Amal means "work."
9. Evelyn
The meaning of the name Evelyn is Beautiful Bird. The origin of the name Evelyn is English. The name Evelyn is a result of combining the name Eve with Lynn.
10. Abigail
The meaning of the name Abigail is Joy of the Father. The origin of the name Abigail is Hebrew.
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