Naming a baby is an important decision that parents make, and many factors can influence their choices. Over time, certain names have become more popular than others, often due to cultural and societal trends, celebrity influence, and other factors. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been tracking the popularity of baby names in the United States for over 100 years, providing a fascinating look at naming trends and preferences over time. In this context, let's explore some of the most popular names in the US over the years, their meanings, and the factors that may have contributed to their popularity.

Most Famous Girl names in the US You'll Love (2023)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes data on popular baby names in the United States based on the names given to babies who were issued Social Security numbers in a given year. This data is based on applications for Social Security cards and includes names that were given to at least five babies in a given year.

The SSA has been publishing this data since 1997 and provides annual lists of the most popular baby names for boys and girls, as well as lists of names that have seen the largest increase or decrease in popularity over the previous year. The SSA also provides a tool on their website where users can search for the popularity of a specific name or see how the popularity of a name has changed over time. This tool includes data going back to the 1880s. According to the Social Security Administration's data on baby names in the United States, the most popular girl names from 1980 to 2021 (as of the latest available data) are as follows:

1980s:

Jessica - a Hebrew name meaning "God beholds." It was popularized by Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," which features a character named Jessica.
Jennifer - a Cornish name meaning "white wave." It was popularized in the 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, by actress Jennifer Aniston and singer Jennifer Lopez.
Amanda - a Latin name meaning "lovable." It was popularized in the 17th and 18th centuries through literature, including the play "Amanda" by English playwright Colley Cibber.
Ashley - an English name meaning "ash tree meadow." It was traditionally a male name, but became more popular for girls in the 1980s and 1990s, in part due to the character Ashley Abbott on the soap opera "The Young and the Restless."
Sarah - a Hebrew name meaning "princess." It is a biblical name, borne by the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac.
Stephanie - a Greek name meaning "crown" or "garland." It was popularized in the mid-20th century, and may have been influenced by the French name Stéphanie.
Nicole - a French name meaning "victorious people." It was popularized in the mid-20th century, and may have been influenced by the Greek name Nikolaos.
Elizabeth - a Hebrew name meaning "God is my oath." It is a biblical name, borne by several prominent figures including the mother of John the Baptist.
Heather - an English name referring to a type of flowering plant. It became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, possibly due to the character Heather McNamara in the film "Heathers."
Melissa - a Greek name meaning "bee." It was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s, and may have been influenced by the character Melissa in the TV series "The Partridge Family."

1990s:

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Jessica - a Hebrew name meaning "God beholds." It was popularized by Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," which features a character named Jessica.
Ashley - an English name meaning "ash tree meadow." It was traditionally a male name, but became more popular for girls in the 1980s and 1990s, in part due to the character Ashley Abbott on the soap opera "The Young and the Restless."
Emily - an English name meaning "rival." It was popularized in the 19th century through literature, including the poet Emily Dickinson.
Sarah - a Hebrew name meaning "princess." It is a biblical name, borne by the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac.
Samantha - an English name meaning "listener." It was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s, and may have been influenced by the TV show "Bewitched," which featured a character named Samantha.
Amanda - a Latin name meaning "lovable." It was popularized in the 17th and 18th centuries through literature, including the play "Amanda" by English playwright Colley Cibber.
Brittany - a place name referring to the region of France known as Bretagne or Brittany. It became popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and may have been influenced by the character Brittany Pierce on the TV show "Glee."
Megan - a Welsh name meaning "pearl." It was popularized in the 1980s and 1990s, and may have been influenced by the character Megan Wheeler on the TV show "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."
Taylor - an English name referring to a tailor or seamstress. It became popular in the 1990s, possibly due to the actress Taylor Swift.
Nicole - a French name meaning "victorious people." It was popularized in the mid-20th century, and may have been influenced by the Greek name Nikolaos.

2000s:

Emily - an English name meaning "rival." It was popularized in the 19th century through literature, including the poet Emily Dickinson.
Madison - an English name meaning "son of Matthew." It became popular in the 1980s and 1990s, possibly due to the character Madison on the TV show "Splash."
Emma - a Germanic name meaning "universal." It was popularized in the 19th century, particularly through the novel "Emma" by Jane Austen.
Olivia - a Latin name meaning "olive tree." It was popularized in the 20th century, particularly through the character Olivia Walton on the TV show "The Waltons."
Hannah - a Hebrew name meaning "grace" or "favor." It is a biblical name, borne by the mother of the prophet Samuel.
Abigail - a Hebrew name meaning "my father's joy." It is a biblical name, borne by the wife of King David.
Isabella - a Spanish and Italian name meaning "God is my oath." It was popularized in the 19th century through literature, including the novel "Isabella" by John Keats.
Ashley - an English name meaning "ash tree meadow." It was traditionally a male name, but became more popular for girls in the 1980s and 1990s, in part due to the character Ashley Abbott on the soap opera "The Young and the Restless."
Samantha - an English name meaning "listener." It was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s, and may have been influenced by the TV show "Bewitched," which featured a character named Samantha.
Elizabeth - a Hebrew name meaning "God is my oath." It is a biblical name, borne by several prominent figures including the mother of John the Baptist.

2010s:

Emma - a Germanic name meaning "universal." It was popularized in the 19th century, particularly through the novel "Emma" by Jane Austen.
Sophia - a Greek name meaning "wisdom." It has been a popular name throughout history and is often associated with wisdom and intelligence.
Olivia - a Latin name meaning "olive tree." It was popularized in the 20th century, particularly through the character Olivia Walton on the TV show "The Waltons."
Isabella - a Spanish and Italian name meaning "God is my oath." It was popularized in the 19th century through literature, including the novel "Isabella" by John Keats.
Ava - a Latin name meaning "bird." It became popular in the 20th century, and may have been influenced by the actress Ava Gardner.
Mia - a Scandinavian name meaning "mine" or "beloved." It became popular in the 20th century, and may have been influenced by the actress Mia Farrow.
Emily - an English name meaning "rival." It was popularized in the 19th century through literature, including the poet Emily Dickinson.
Abigail - a Hebrew name meaning "my father's joy." It is a biblical name, borne by the wife of King David.
Madison - an English name meaning "son of Matthew." It became popular in the 1980s and 1990s, possibly due to the character Madison on the TV show "Splash."
Charlotte - a French name meaning "free man." It was popularized in the 19th century through literature, including the novel "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte. It has also been used by several British royals, including Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.

2020s (as of 2021):

Emma - a Germanic name meaning "universal." It was popularized in the 19th century, particularly through the novel "Emma" by Jane Austen.
Olivia - a Latin name meaning "olive tree." It was popularized in the 20th century, particularly through the character Olivia Walton on the TV show "The Waltons."
Ava - a Latin name meaning "bird." It became popular in the 20th century, and may have been influenced by the actress Ava Gardner.
Charlotte - a French name meaning "free man." It was popularized in the 19th century through literature, including the novel "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte. It has also been used by several British royals, including Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.
Sophia - a Greek name meaning "wisdom." It has been a popular name throughout history and is often associated with wisdom and intelligence.
Amelia - a Germanic name meaning "work." It became popular in the 18th century, and may have been influenced by the character Amelia in the novel "Vicar of Wakefield" by Oliver Goldsmith.
Isabella - a Spanish and Italian name meaning "God is my oath." It was popularized in the 19th century through literature, including the novel "Isabella" by John Keats.
Mia - a Scandinavian name meaning "mine" or "beloved." It became popular in the 20th century, and may have been influenced by the actress Mia Farrow.
Evelyn - an English name meaning "wished for child." It was popularized in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and has recently regained popularity.
Harper - an English name meaning "harp player." It became popular in the 21st century, and may have been influenced by the author Harper Lee.

It's worth noting that the popularity of names can fluctuate over time, and some names that were once popular may become less common, while others that were less popular may become more popular.

2023 New Baby Names

Luna - Spanish for "moon"
Aurora - Latin for "dawn"
Juniper - Latin for "youthful"
Nova - Latin for "new"
Hazel - English for the hazelnut tree
Eloise - French for "famous warrior"
Lyra - Greek for "lyre" (a musical instrument)
Everly - English for "from the boar meadow"
Isla - Scottish for "island"
Aria - Italian for "air" or "song"
Seraphina - Hebrew for "burning ones" (referring to angels)
Adeline - German for "noble"
Zara - Arabic for "princess" or "flower"
Margot - French for "pearl"
Poppy - English for the flower of the same name
Gia - Italian for "God is gracious"
Freya - Norse for "goddess of love, fertility, and war"
Lila - Arabic for "night"
Elsie - Scottish for "pledged to God"
Olive - English for the olive tree
Rowan - Gaelic for "little redhead"
Emilia - Latin for "rival"
Clementine - Latin for "mild" or "merciful"
Astrid - Norse for "divinely beautiful"
Iris - Greek for "rainbow"
Maeve - Irish for "intoxicating"
Briar - English for "thorny bush"
Daphne - Greek for "laurel tree"
Juno - Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth
Ingrid - Norse for "beautiful" or "fair"
Ruby - English for the gemstone
Stella - Latin for "star"
Willa - English for "resolute protection"
Ada - German for "noble"
Estelle - French for "star"
Sadie - Hebrew for "princess"
Florence - Latin for "prosperous"
Genevieve - French for "white wave"
Maia - Greek for "great"
Tessa - Greek for "harvester"
Mila - Slavic for "gracious" or "dear"
Nova - Latin for "new"
Ophelia - Greek for "help" or "aid"
Ramona - Spanish for "wise protector"
Sage - Latin for "wise"
Talia - Hebrew for "dew from God"
Thea - Greek for "goddess"
Vada - German for "famous ruler"
Vera - Russian for "faith"
Yara - Arabic for "small butterfly"
Alina - Slavic for "bright" or "beautiful"
Autumn - English for the season
Beatrice - Latin for "she who brings happiness"
Calliope - Greek for "beautiful voice"
Dahlia - Swedish for "valley"
Eden - Hebrew for "delight"
Freya - Norse for "goddess of love, fertility, and war"
Gwendolyn - Welsh for "blessed ring"
Harper - English for "harp player"
Isadora - Greek for "gift of Isis"
Jade - Spanish for "stone of the side"
Kiera - Irish for "dark-haired"
Lillian - Latin for "lily"
Maren - Scandinavian for "sea"
Niamh - Irish for "bright"
Octavia - Latin for "eighth"
Penelope - Greek for "weaver"
Quinn - Irish for "wise"
Rosalie - Latin for "rose"
Sabrina - Celtic for "legendary princess"
Tahlia - Hebrew for "lamb"
Uma - Sanskrit for "splendor" or "tranquility"
Vivian - Latin for "alive"
Waverly - English for "meadow of quivering aspens"
Xanthe - Greek for "yellow" or "blonde"
Yvette - French for "yew tree"
Zella - Hebrew for "shadow"
Aurora - Latin for "dawn"
Lyra - Greek for "lyre" (a musical instrument)
Sia - Swahili for "star"
Cleo - Greek for "glory" or "fame"
Saskia - Dutch for "protector of mankind"
Noelle - French for "Christmas"
Sienna - Italian for "orange-red"
Livia - Latin for "blue"
Anais - French for "grace"
Daphne - Greek for "laurel tree"
Xanthe - Greek for "yellow"
Ayla - Hebrew for "oak tree"
Marigold - English for the flower of the same name
Clementine - Latin for "mild" or "merciful"
Vega - Arabic for "falling vulture"
Ines - Spanish for "pure"
Suri - Hebrew for "princess"
Coraline - French for "coral"
Yara - Arabic for "small butterfly"
Leilani - Hawaiian for "heavenly flower"
Alma - Spanish for "soul"
Zuri - Swahili for "good"
Isadora - Greek for "gift of Isis"
Arabella - Latin for "yielding to prayer"
Briar - English for "thorny bush"
Astrid - Norse for "divinely beautiful"
Evangeline - Greek for "bearer of good news"
Elara - Greek for "sparkling"
Eira - Welsh for "snow"
Soraya - Persian for "princess"
Niamh - Irish for "radiance" or "brightness"
Lysandra - Greek for "liberator of man"
Paloma - Spanish for "dove"

10 Tips for Naming Your Baby Girl

Naming a baby girl is an important decision and can be overwhelming at times. Here are some tips to help you choose a name for your baby girl-

Consider the meaning of the name: Choose a name that has a positive meaning that you would like your daughter to embody. Look up the meanings of different names and choose one that resonates with you.
Think about family names: Many families like to choose a name that has special meaning to their family. Consider using a family member's name or a variation of it for your baby girl.
Consider the popularity of the name: Take into account the popularity of the name you're considering. You may want to choose a unique name that your daughter won't share with many of her peers or you may want a popular name that is familiar and easy to pronounce.
Think about the sound and flow of the name: Consider how the name sounds when you say it out loud. Make sure it flows well with your last name and is easy to pronounce.
Consider the spelling and pronunciation of the name: Choose a name that is easy to spell and pronounce. This will save your daughter a lifetime of correcting people on the spelling or pronunciation of her name.
Consider the cultural background of the name: Many names have cultural significance and choosing a name that reflects your family's cultural heritage can be meaningful.
Avoid potential sources of teasing or misinterpretation: Think about how the name may be perceived by others. Avoid names that are likely to be misinterpreted or have negative connotations.
Consider future nicknames or diminutives: Think about any potential nicknames or diminutives that could come from the name you choose. Make sure you're comfortable with any shortened version of the name that may be used in the future.
Say the name out loud: Make sure you like the way the name sounds when you say it out loud. You will be saying your daughter's name many times throughout her life, so make sure it's a name you love.
Take your time: Naming a baby is a big decision, so take your time and don't feel rushed to make a decision. Discuss potential names with your partner or family members, and take the time to find a name that feels right for your baby girl.