Maine’s Top Baby Names, Revealed

The Social Security Administration releases data on the most popular baby names in the United States each year, including data for each state. Many state lists include names that fall outside of the top 10 nationally, revealing regional preferences and future naming trends.

Maine, the largest of the six New England states, is known for its vast forested areas and rocky Atlantic coast. While its list consists of both classic and modern names, Maine's list also reveals a preference for names that reflect its natural beauty. Names like Isla and Willow have long been associated with nature. Moreover, Jackson and Jack reflect the state's preference for traditional names that sound both modern and strong.

Seven of Maine's most popular baby names are not in the national top 10. We will examine the top 10 names for boys and girls in Maine, along with their origins and meanings.

Maine's Most Popular Boy Names of 2023

Maine's top 10 list of boy's baby names has much in common with the national list. However, Maine parents have chosen four names that are not in the top 10 nationally. These names are Jack, Owen, Jackson, and Everett. Both Jack and Jackson are becoming popular nationwide and may soon appear in the top 10 boys' names. On the other hand, Owen and Everett are less common choices. Nevertheless, they might reflect modern parents' preference for classic names that still have a contemporary sound.

Oliver

The name Oliver is of Latin origin and means “olive tree.” It stems from the Latin word “oliva,” which refers to the olive tree or its fruit. This Latin word is also the root of the feminine name Olivia, which is another trendy name right now. Furthermore, various cultures link the olive tree with peace and wisdom, which is why people often associate the name Oliver with these qualities.

Henry

In 2021, the name Henry made it to the top 10 list of baby names in America for the first time in over a century. This boy's name has its roots in the Germanic name Heimrich, which means “home ruler” or “estate ruler.” As French influence spread in medieval England, Heimrich was anglicized to Henri. This name eventually became Henry. Throughout history, British royalty embraced this strong boy's name. In fact, as many as eight English kings have borne this name.

Theodore

Theodore stems from the Greek name Theodoros, which is a compound of the Greek words “theos” (God) and “doron” (gift). As a result, Theodore translates to “gift from God” or “divine gift.” Although not a biblical name, it was once popular among Roman Catholics due to its association with numerous saints and two popes. Theodore is a name that has various language variations, such as Fyodor (Russian), Teodor (Czech), and Theodor (Danish).

Jack

Jack is a popular, classic name ranked 21st for boys in the United States. Although it was traditionally a nickname for John, Jack became a common given name in the 21st century, ranking in the top 50 names since 2000. Furthermore, this name's popularity is not limited to America. Jack currently appears in the top 10 boys' names in Ireland, Scotland, England, Australia, and New Zealand.

Owen

The name Owen originates from Welsh and Celtic culture. In Welsh, it is spelled Owain, while in Irish, it is Eoghan. Owen is the anglicized version of Owain, which means “young warrior” in Welsh. In contrast, the Irish name Eoghan translates to “well-born man” from Gaelic. Additionally, Eowyn and Owena are the feminine forms of this name.

Originating as a Welsh surname, it was popular during the Renaissance. During the 1990s, Irish parents made the name popular again. Since 2010, the name Owen has consistently ranked in the top 50 most popular boy's names in America. While not in the national top 10, Maine parents embraced the name. Actor Owen Wilson is likely the most well-known person with the first name Owen in the world today.

William

William is a Germanic name that has never fallen out of favor since it was introduced to England by William the Conqueror. This name stems from Wilhelm, which has roots in the Germanic words “wil” (will or desire) and “helm” (helmet of protection). The British royal family embraced the name due to its strong sound and meaning, with Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, being the most recent recipient of the name.

Liam

Liam is the Irish variation of William. It is the shortened version of the Irish name Uilliam, meaning “helmet of will.” Like the name William, Liam also translates to “strong-willed” or “protector.” Liam ranked as the second most popular name for baby boys in the United States from 2014 to 2016, but it rose to the top spot in 2017 and has remained there ever since. Not only is Liam the most popular name in America in 2023, but it is also the top boy name in twenty-one states, with over 20,000 babies receiving the name.

Lucas

Lucas is a Greek name meaning “man from Lucania,” a region in Southern Italy. The name Lucas also comes from a Latin word meaning “bringer of light.” According to the Social Security Administration's list, Lucas has been in the top 10 baby boy names in the United States since 2018. Feminine variants of the name include Luciana, Lucia, Lucinda, and Lucille. Additionally, Luka and Luca are gender-neutral forms of this popular name.

Jackson

While Jackson is more common as a family name, it is becoming increasingly popular as a given name. Meaning “son of Jack,” this name originated in medieval England. Furthermore, it shares its meaning with the name John, which translates to “God is gracious.” In Hebrew, “God's grace” is an alternative interpretation of the name Jackson. Many parents embrace Jackson as a modern version of John or Jack. In Maine, Jackson is a top 10 choice for parents, even though it is only ranked 41st nationwide for popular boy's names.

Everett

In the past, Everett was more familiar as a family name, but it is becoming more common as a given name. While Everett did not rank among the top 100 names for American boys in 2023, it was among the top 10 names for boys in Maine.

Moreover, Everett is a name of Germanic origin that means “brave” or “strong as a boar.” It stems from the family name Eberhard, where “eber” means “boar” and “hard” means “wild” or “strong.” Additionally, the name may also have Gaelic and Irish roots, meaning “granite.” Altogether, this unusual name is a name that reflects strength and bravery.

Maine's Most Popular Girl Names of 2023

Harper, Willow, and Isla are names that appear on Maine's list but not on the national top 10 for girls. However, parents may be choosing names for their daughters that reflect the state's natural beauty, such as Isla and Willow. Meanwhile, Harper is a unisex name that is currently trending for girls and may eventually show up in the top 10 nationally. Overall, Maine's parents, like many in the United States, embraced short and sweet girl names that end with an A-sound.

Charlotte

Charlotte, the feminine form of Charles, is a traditional girl's name that is currently the fifth most popular girl's name in the country. Parents in Maine made it the number one name in their state. This French name means “free man” or “petite.” In addition to being a favorite name among royal families, Charlotte has a long literary history. Charlotte Bronte, the author of “Jane Eyre,” and Charlotte Gilman Perkins, author of the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper,” are two well-known literary figures who share the name. Furthermore, “Charlotte's Web,” a 1952 children's book by E.B. White, features Charlotte A. Cavatica, a famous literary spider.

Olivia

Olivia was the most popular girl's name in the United States in 2023. However, it is number two on Maine's list. Like Oliver, it stems from the Latin word “oliva,” meaning “olive tree.” Parents are increasingly opting for names that offer multiple nickname options. This sweet, vintage name offers many nicknames, such as Ollie, Liv, Vivi, Livvy, and even Olive.

Evelyn

The name Evelyn has two possible origins. Some scholars suggest that it originates from the French family name Aveline. However, others believe that the name Evelyn is a combination of the Hebrew word “Eve,” which means “alive,” and the Welsh word “Lynn,” which means “lake.” The name was also more popular as a boy's name in the late 19th century, but in the 21st century, it has become a trendy name for girls. As with Olivia, it is another given name that offers a variety of nicknames, including Eve, Evie, and Lynn.

Harper

While more common as a family name, Harper has become a popular given name in the last two decades. While it was once popular as a boy's name, it is now more commonly used for girls. Harper is an occupational name that originated in England, Ireland, and Scotland. The name referred to someone who played the harp. Harp players were highly respected members of society during the Middle Ages. The resurgence of this name may be due to the posthumous release of Harper Lee's novel “Go Set a Watchman,” which was marketed as a sequel to her classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Ava

The name Ava has unclear origins, with possible roots in German, Latin, Persian, or Hebrew. Its meaning is “birdlike” or “lively.” Although it was never really out of the top 1,000 names for girls, it was not particularly popular throughout the 20th century. There was a slight increase in the name's usage midcentury due to the popularity of actress Ava Gardner, but the name dropped off in the early 1970s. However, between 1997 and 1999, the name surged up by 300 places and continued to climb in popularity. It is now in the top 10 names for girls and shows no sign of falling out of favor any time soon.

Emma

The name Emma, which means “whole” or “universe,” comes from the German word “ermen.” Emma has a long literary history. Jane Austen wrote a novel entitled Emma about a wealthy and independent woman who enjoys meddling in the affairs of others. Gustave Flaubert, a French writer, gave the name to the protagonist of his novel Madame Bovary.

Willow

Willow originates from the Old English word “welig,” meaning “willow tree.” In the late 19th century, botany-inspired names, such as Rose, Hazel, and Willow, became popular. Willow trees are known for their slimness and strength, which inspired the term “willowy.”

In 1998, the name Willow entered the top 1000 names in the United States, the same year the character Willow Rosenberg appeared on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” The name is currently in the top 50 names for girls, but it made Maine's top 10 list, possibly due to its association with natural beauty.

Amelia

The name Amelia has Latin origins but is derived from the Germanic root “Amal,” which means “work.” Historically, Amelia has been the feminine version of the name Emil. Similar to Ava and Olivia, Amelia has become one of the most popular names of this century, possibly because it shares the trending A-ending sound that many parents are fond of nowadays.

Isla

Like Willow, Isla is another nature-related name that parents in Maine embraced. Isla is Spanish for “island.” The name Isla is also linked to the River Isla in northeast Scotland. This unusual name is currently ranked number 38 in America, but Maine parents made it a top 10 name in their state.

Sophia

Sophia, from the Greek word for “wisdom,” was a popular name during the Middle Ages, especially among royalty. From 2011 to 2013, Sophia was the most popular name in the United States and remains in the top 10. Today, some of the most famous women with the name Sophia are director Sofia Coppola and actresses Sophia Loren and Sofia Vergara. Moreover, Sofie and Sophie are two popular Greek variations of this name.

In Summary

The state of Maine's top 10 baby names for boys and girls are a mix of traditional and modern choices. Though some names like Oliver and Olivia are popular across the country, Maine's parents have also opted for unique names such as Willow and Everett. Less common names like Jackson and Harper have been gaining popularity nationwide and may soon make it to the national top 10 list. Furthermore, parents in Maine also chose names that embody the state's natural beauty and represent bravery and strength.

Choosing a name for your baby is a deeply personal decision that requires careful consideration. Whether you opt for a traditional name or a more unique one, what matters most is that it holds a special meaning for you and your family.

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