Alaska’s Top Baby Names, Revealed

If you are searching for your perfect baby name, the top baby names of 2023 have been revealed. The Social Security Administration releases national and state data every year, including top ten name lists for boys and girls. We will take a closer look at the most popular baby names in Alaska for 2023 and see how they compare to the national trends.

Alaska's Top Baby Names For 2023

While most states have baby name lists that are similar to the national list, Alaska's list has a few regional choices that stand out. This year, six names made it to the top baby name list for Alaska, which did not appear in the top 10 names for the whole country. These names are Owen, Levi, Hazel, Eleanor, Isla, and Aurora.

Alaska's Top Baby Girl Names For 2023

Different from other states, Alaska's top baby girl names in 2023 are unique, with four names outside the national trends. Here are the top girl's names in Alaska in 2023.

1. Amelia

The name Amelia has its origins in the Germanic word “Amal,” which means “work.” This name was quite popular among the English aristocracy between the 17th and 18th centuries. Some famous fictional characters with the name Amelia include Amelia “Amy” Pond from the BBC series Doctor Who and Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo from The Princess Diaries.

2. Charlotte

Charlotte is the feminine version of Charles. Its origin is French, and it means “free” or “petite”. The name has been around since the 1300s and has been popular for girls, routinely ranking in the top 500 baby names. In the 21st century, it has become one of the top ten names for girls in America. However, since the 1980s, the name Charlotte has consistently been one of the most popular names for baby girls in England and Wales.

3. Ava

Ava is a name with many translations, including “bird-like” and “to breathe.” In the Persian language, the name means “voice” or “sound,” whereas in Hebrew it means “living.” Finally, some believe the name is linked to Eve or Eva, which also means “life” or “living one.”

4. Hazel

The name “Hazel” originated from the Old English word “hæsel,” which refers to the greenish-brown color and the hazel plant. In ancient Celtic religious beliefs, the hazel was considered a sacred plant. According to Irish legends, hazelnuts give the power of prophecy. Although Hazel is commonly used as a girl's name, it may also be a boy's name.

5. Eleanor

Eleanor is an old-fashioned name that has a long history. It originated from the French name “Aliénor” and the German name “Aldenor,” derived from the German word “aenor,” which means “Old North.” During the Middle Ages, the name was a popular choice for royalty. Despite being a vintage name, it has resurfaced as one of the most frequently used names for girls in the 21st century.

6. Olivia

Olivia is another popular girl's name that shares an A-sound ending with other trendy names like Ava and Amelia. It is the feminine form of the name Oliver and means “olive tree,” a symbol of peace. Many famous women bear the name Olivia, including actresses Olivia de Havilland, Olivia Wilde, and Olivia Munn.

7. Isla

While it is another simple girl's name that ends with an A-sound, Isla is not in the top ten baby names in the United States. However, Isla, typically pronounced “EYE-la,” is growing in popularity. Meaning “island,” it is another name likely inspired by Alaska's natural beauty and rugged landscape.

8. Sophia

Sophia is derived from the Greek word “σοφία,” which means “wisdom.” This name and its many variations were popular names for royal women during the medieval period. The Hagia Sophia, a grand basilica in Constantinople that shares this name, translates to “Holy Wisdom.”

9. Evelyn

From 1907 to 1930, the name Evelyn was popular in America, but it didn't make it to the top twenty names again until 2013. The name is related to Ava and Eve and means “life” or “living.” While Evelyn is more commonly given to girls, it can also be given to boys. Evelyn Waugh, an English author known for his novel Brideshead Revisited, is perhaps the most famous man with this name.

10. Aurora

Aurora is a unique name given to babies born in Alaska in 2023. The name means “dawn” and it might have something to do with the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, which can be seen in Alaska. The state is one of the best places in the world to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon. In mythology, Aurora was the Roman goddess of dawn, who would travel across the sky each morning, spreading dew on the earth.

Alaska's Top Baby Boy Names For 2023

When it comes to popular boy names in Alaska, only two are not on the national list. Here are the top ten names for boys born in Alaska in 2023.

1. Noah

Of all the Biblical names trending right now, Noah is the most popular. The name comes from the Hebrew word “noach,” meaning “rest” or “comfort.” While most people are familiar with the Biblical story of the flood, there is another story where Noah is responsible for planting the first vineyard and discovering fermentation.

2. Theodore

The name Theodore made it to the top ten baby names in America in 2021 and has stayed, most likely due to the popularity of its nicknames, Theo and Teddy. The name has a special meaning, “gift of God” or “God-given,” and was quite popular in the early 1900s after the election of the United States' 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt.

3. Oliver

Oliver is a name that means “olive tree” and was quite popular in medieval England, but its popularity declined over time. However, in the 19th century, the name was briefly revived by Charles Dickens's novel Oliver Twist. Fast forward to 2017, when the name made a strong comeback, breaking the top ten in the United States and showing no sign of declining.

4. Liam

The name Liam, which is of Irish origin, means “strong-willed protector” and has been a popular choice for baby names in recent years. This name is not only popular in America, but has also been one of the most commonly used names in England, Germany, Spain, and Sweden. Some famous men who share this name include Liam Neeson, Liam Gallagher, Liam Payne, and Liam Hemsworth.

5. William

Nearly a thousand years old, the name William is a classic name with a strong connection to British royalty. The name, meaning “strong-willed warrior,” was introduced to England by William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, during the time of the Norman Conquest. Moreover, Liam is an Irish variation of this classic name.

6. Elijah

Elijah is another popular Biblical name from 2023. The name is derived from the combination of two Hebrew words, El (God) and Yah (Jehovah), and translates to “Jehovah is my God.” The Biblical Elijah was a prophet who performed thirty-two miracles and was known as the prophet of fire. Since 2016, Elijah has been among the top ten choices for baby boy names.

7. Owen

Dating back to the Renaissance era, the name Owen has religious roots and was popular in Wales, where it was spelled Owain. In Ireland, the Celtic version of the name is Eoghan. Moreover, it has different interpretations, meaning “noble,” “useful,” or “well-born.” Nationally, the name ranks at #42 in 2023 but is the seventh most popular boy's name in the state of Alaska.

8. Levi

Levi is a Hebrew name that means “united” or “joined.” It is not among the top ten U.S. names, but interestingly, it has made it to Alaska's list. The name is also associated with the Hungarian name Levente, meaning “hero.” Although the name has always been popular among Jewish parents, it has recently gained more popularity and is ranked #12 on this year's top baby name list.

9. Benjamin

Benjamin is a name that comes from the Hebrew word “Binyamin,” which means “son of the south.” It is a Biblical name and was the name of the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, who played a significant role in Abrahamic religions. Although it is a rare name for girls, Benjamin can also be a given name for them.

10. James

James is a classic English name that has its origin in Hebrew. It is derived from the name Jacob, which means “supplanter.” James has been a popular choice for boys' names since the 1900s, always appearing in the top twenty. There are several variations of this name in different languages, such as Giacomo (Italian), Séamas (Irish), and Jacques (French).

In Summary

Alaska's most popular baby names are similar to the national trend, with a preference for Biblical and classic names. However, there are six names on the Alaskan list that are different from the national top ten. These names are Aurora, Isla, and Owen, among others. The naming preferences of each state reflect its unique identity. It is possible that parents in Alaska choose names for their children that are distinctive and reflect the state's independent spirit and resilience.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©B Calkins/Shutterstock.com.