Virginia’s Most Popular Baby Names For 2017

WASHINGTON, DC — 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 this month by the Social Security Administration.

In Virginia, the most popular baby name for girls was Olivia and the most popular baby name for boys was Liam. For Washington, D.C., parents, the top choice for a girl's name was Ava, while James was the favorite for a boy.

Here are Virginia's top 5 baby names for girls in 2017:

• Olivia
• Ava
• Emma
• Charlotte
• Isabella

Here are Virginia's top 5 baby names for boys in 2017:

• Liam
• William
• Noah
• James
• Benjamin

Here are Washington, DC's top 5 baby names for girls in 2017:

• Ava
• Olivia
• Eleanor
• Genesis
• Elizabeth

Here are Washington, DC's top 5 baby names for boys in 2017:

• James
• Henry
• William
• Noah
• Jacob

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The 2017 list includes a few more shake-ups, with two names falling off the top 10 on both the boys’ and girls’ list for the first time. Michael fell off the top 10 for the first time since World War II and landed at No. 12. On the girls' side, Emily dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since 1990.

For boys nationwide, the top 10 baby names for 2017 are:

• Liam
• Noah
• William
• James
• Logan
• Benjamin
• Mason
• Elijah
• Oliver
• Jacob

For girls, the top 10 baby names in the U.S. for 2017 are:

• Emma
• Olivia
• Ava
• Isabella
• Sophia
• Mia
• Charlotte
• Amelia
• Evelyn
• Abigail

How popular is your name? Click here to find out.

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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.

Image via Shutterstock