Kids & Family
Pennsylvania's Most Popular Baby Names For 2017
The Social Security Administration's annual rankings of the most popular baby names is out. See PA's favorite names for newborns here.
For the first time since 2013, a new name for boys is the most popular baby name in America while the most popular baby name for girls holds steady. Liam and Emma are the top baby names in America for 2017, with Liam taking out Noah for the No. 1 spot while Emma enjoys its fourth year on the top.
The list of most popular baby names was announced by the Social Security Administration.
In Pennsylvania, Emma retained its crown as Pennsylvania’s most popular baby girl name in 2017 but Noah was dethroned by Liam.
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Here are the Pennsylvania’s top 5 baby boy names for 2017 and how many infants received it:
1. Liam: 718
2. Noah: 683
3. Logan: 670
4. Benjamin: 632
5. Mason: 616
Here are Pennsylvania’s top 5 baby girl names for 2017:
1. Emma: 778
2. Olivia: 666
3. Ava: 620
4. Charlotte: 506
5. Sophia: 498
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Nationally, the top 10 baby boy names for 2017 were:
- Liam
- Noah
- William
- James
- Logan
- Benjamin
- Mason
- Elijah
- Oliver
- Jacob
The top 10 baby girl names for 2017 were:
- Emma
- Olivia
- Ava
- Isabella
- Sophia
- Mia
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Evelyn
- Abigail
How popular is your name? Click here to find out.
The SSA began compiling the list in 1997, with names dating back to 1880. The administration also notes how popular culture influences baby names. In 2017, the SSA says parents seem to have been influenced by reality television.
Ensley was the fastest rising name on the girls' list while Wells was the fastest rising name on the boys' list. The SSA notes that the rise in Wells possibly has to do with a contestant on "The Bachelorette" named Wells.
Parents also chose the name Melania at an increasing rate in 2017, owing to the popularity of the first lady of the United States. The name "Dream" rose 840 spots for girls, thanks to Kardashian fame. Dream is the name Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna chose for their daughter.
The Villanova Wildcats, the NCAA basketball champions not only for 2018 but also for 2016, also seemed to have influenced parents. The SSA said the name "Nova" was a fast riser on the boys' list.
You can find the full list here.
Photo via Shutterstock.
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