Delaware’s Top Baby Names, Revealed

While Delaware is a small state, it has always been independent-thinking. This state's free-thinking nature is evident in their choice of baby names in 2023. Seven of the twenty names in the boys and girls lists are outside the national top ten. Carter, David, Levi, and Michael are not predicted to be in the top ten national list but were embraced by parents in Delaware. Furthermore, Harper, Leilani, and Nova are three unique girl's names in the state's most popular names for girls. We will take a closer look at the top ten baby names for boys and girls in Delaware and examine their history and origins.

Delaware's Top Baby Names For 2023: Overview

Ranked from most popular to least popular, here are the top ten baby names for boys and girls in Delaware. Liam, Noah, Charlotte, and Olivia are also the top names for babies on the national list.

Delaware's Top Baby Names For 2023: Boys

1. Liam

Liam originates from the Irish name “Uilliam,” a Gaelic form of William. The name William is of German origin and means “will” or “desire” and “helmet” or “protection.” So, Liam means “strong-willed protector” or “one who desires to protect.” This name has been popular for boys in the last twenty years. It is also at the top of baby name lists worldwide.

2. Noah

This Biblical name means “comfort” or “rest.” It is versatile and works well with various other names and surnames. Moreover, it is a simple name that is easy to pronounce with a strong Biblical and historical background, making it popular with parents around the world.

3. Lucas

Lucas, the Latinized version of the Greek name Loukâs, means “bringer of light.” This name has been in the top 100 boy's names since 1993 and remains consistently near the top of the list.

4. Elijah

This Old Testament name comes from the Hebrew word meaning “The Lord is my God.” While always popular around the world (there are many variations), it sprang to the top of the baby name charts in 2016.

5. Michael

Except for 1960, where the name came in at number two, Michael was the most popular boy's name in America from 1954 until 1998. Around since the Middle Ages, Michael has been one of the most common names in the world, but it fell off the baby name charts in the 21st century. It appears to be making a comeback.

6. Oliver

Oliver was first recorded in the United States in 1826 and became the most popular name for boys in 2021. Meaning “olive tree,” it is the third most popular name in 2023.

7. Levi

Often translated as “attached” or “joined,” Levi is another biblical name that has become popular with parents. In 2021, nearly ten thousand babies were named Levi, making it the twelfth most popular boys' name that year.

8. David

While not as common in recent years, David is the seventh most common name of all time. Its popularity peaked in 1955 when 86,311 babies were given the name. However, David rejoined the top 100 names in 2021 and appears to be gaining popularity again. Of Hebrew origin, the name means “beloved” or “gift from God.”

9. James

James is the Latin form of the Hebrew name Jacob. Meaning “substitute” or “supplanted,” the name has been popular since the 17th century.

10. Carter

A common family name as well as a unisex name, Carter is of Irish origin, meaning “someone who builds or drives carts.” It has been in the top forty baby names for most of this century.

Delaware's Top Baby Names For 2023: Girls

1. Charlotte

Like Emma (a Jane Austen novel), Olivia (William Shakespeare's character from the comedy Twelfth Night), and Harper (Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird), Charlotte is a literary name that is all the rage. Literary names are having a moment right now. With its association with Charlotte Bronte and the beloved children's novel Charlotte's Web, Charlotte is part of this trend. Moreover, this name is also popular with royalty like Princess Charlotte of Wales.

2. Olivia

The most popular name for girls in 2022, Olivia, is Oliver's feminine form and means “olive tree.” Liv, Ollie, and Livie are popular nicknames for girls with this name.

3. Amelia

Amelia is a variant of the Germanic word “amal,” meaning ” work.” The name is also associated with fertility. Popular in England in the 18th century, it is now one of the most popular names for girls worldwide.

4. Emma

Common in England after the Norman Conquest, this name was last popular in the 18th century. However, it made a strong comeback in the 21st century, where it has remained one of the most popular names for girls. This name is of German origin and means “whole” or “universal.”

5. Isabella

This name is the Spanish version of Elizabeth; Isabella means “God is my oath.” It was rare in America in the 20th century but began gaining popularity in 1998 and has remained one of the most popular girls' names.

6. Mia

In the top ten girl's names for over a decade, Mia is a shorter variation of the name Maria. Like Amelia, Mia is a name with the “mia” or “mea” sound that parents love right now. It is also a name that is easy to say and pairs well with other names and surnames.

7. Sophia

Sophia comes from the Greek word that means “wisdom.” Sofia, Sophie, and Sofie are common variations of this name, currently in America's top ten girls' names.

8. Harper

Originally an occupational name describing someone who played the harp, Harper is a unisex name that rose to popularity recently. While it is predominantly a girl's name now, it used to be more popular for boys. Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, is probably the most famous Harper.

9. Leilani

Leilani is a Hawaiian name that means “heavenly flowers.” While popular in Hawaii, the name peaked in the rest of the United States in 2021 when 3,460 babies were given the name that year. It was the sixty-seventh most popular girls' name in 2021 and is not on the top ten American list this year.

10. Nova

From the Latin word “Novus,” Nova means “new.” Nova is also a scientific term that refers to a star that has a sudden and temporary increase in brightness, so it is sometimes said to mean “bright, bursting star.” This name has not been in the American top ten and is unique to Delaware‘s favorite names list.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your baby's name is deeply personal; however, examining national and regional baby name lists can inspire your choices. Whether you choose a name steeped in family tradition or embrace one of today's trendier names, many beautiful and unique names exist. Reflect on your preferences and what you want the name to convey. Once you've made your decision, embrace it with confidence and excitement. Your baby's name is a special and meaningful gift.

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