Most Popular Baby Names

My parents had a name debate about what to name me before I was born. The first initial had to be an “L” after my late, great-grandmother, Lina. The abbreviated story: Dad wanted Lance. Mom wanted Lincoln (so my nickname would be “Link”). I still run the names through my head: “Link, it’s time for dinner!” and “Lance, it’s time for dinner.” An argument between my parents ensued. Dad won the argument. Either way, I would have ended up with an unusual name. I often wonder what life might have been like as Lincoln.

This brings me to my point. Parents use inspiration, family tradition, baby name books, pop- culture, or various other methods to influence the names they select for their children. Interestingly, the Social Security Administration announced their annual list of most popular baby names over the weekend. The most popular girl name was Isabella, which moved Emma out of first place from last year. The most popular boy name, Jacob, has been at the top of the list for the last 12 years. Since many of these parents end up calling their son “Jake” for short…my son will have to get used to having a very common name.

The 10 most popular girls’ names, in order, are

• Isabella
• Emma
• Olivia
• Sophia
• Ava
• Emily
• Madison
• Abigail
• Chloe
• Mia

The 10 most popular boys’ name, also in order, are:

• Jacob
• Ethan
• Michael
• Alexander
• William
• Joshua
• Daniel
• Jayden
• Noah
• Anthony

The Social Security Administration started compiling name lists in 1997, and as in years past, CNN reports “that the influence of pop culture is reflected in the names selected for newborns.”
Nope, no Lady Gaga yet on the top 100 list! However, the “boy’s name that climbed up the list the fastest is Cullen — the name of the lead character in the popular “Twilight” book/movie series. Cullen’s girlfriend in the books is Bella, short for Isabella.”

I am wondering what hoops, if any, you went through to select your child’s name…