Nebraska’s Top Baby Names, Revealed

One of the most fun and important steps in bringing a child into the world is choosing a name. Whether you're looking for something strong and classic, or unique and new, it helps to have options and examples.

If you're looking for top baby names in Nebraska in 2023, you're in the right place! Every year, the Social Security Administration lists the top baby names of the year, but because it can take them some time to compile the information, real-time reporting can be found at Names.org. Read on to learn the top baby boy and girl names for 2023 in the Cornhusker State.

Top 10 Baby Boy Names in Nebraska

The top baby boy names are very similar to last year. A few listed here don't make the cut to the Social Security Administration's top ten list nationwide, but that makes them all the more unique!

1. Henry

While many believe Henry to be of English or French origin, the name actually has German roots. It's derived from Heimeric, which means “house ruler.” However, the name Henry has grown in popularity throughout France and Ireland, so the exact origins of this spelling aren't fully known.

The name Henry has grown in popularity in the U.S., too. It was Nebraska's second most popular name in 2022, and it was also the seventh most popular name in the country last year.

2. Oliver

Oliver is another name that's grown in popularity over the past few years. Its meaning can also be traced back in history to Latin and French origin, as it's associated with an “olive tree.” The name signifies a symbol of friendship and peace as it refers to extending an olive branch, a common sign of peace.

This name was also the top name in 2022 in Nebraska, so it continues to stay strong in popularity. Additionally, this name was nationally the third most popular last year.

3. Liam

Liam is another name that consistently shows up in the top rankings, both in Nebraska and countrywide. It was #3 last year in the state and #1 nationally.

The name Liam has two possible derivatives. Some look at the name as an English counterpart to the longer name, William. Other sources believe the name has Irish roots and comes from the name Uilliam. Either way, the name has beautiful and strong meanings that include “helmet of will,” “protector,” “guardian,” and “strong-willed warrior.”

4. Theodore

A very traditional name, Theodore holds steady as the 4th most popular name in Nebraska year-over-year. It also rounds out the top ten nationally according to the SSA.

Theodore is a strong name that has Greek origins and means “gift of God.” Arguably the most popular Theodore in American history is Theodore Roosevelt, who also inspired the name of teddy bears. Popular nicknames for Theodore include Teddy, Ted, or even Theo.

5. Brooks

This name isn't necessarily a popular one nationwide as it doesn't make the top ten list. However, it moved up from number 14 last year to number 5 in 2023 in Nebraska.

Brooks originates from an old English name. Its meaning can be taken in different ways, but the name largely has to do with running water or a small stream. Some sources also report that this name means “dweller by the brook.” There are popular celebrities that also have Brooks as their last name, including actor/director Mel Brooks and singer/songwriter Garth Brooks.

6. William

Similar to Liam, William is a traditional and popular name in the state and nationwide. It held the number 9 spot last year in Nebraska and comes in at #6 nationally.

While the name is most commonly seen in English, it actually originates from the Germanic name Wilhelm. Broken down, Wilhelm means “resolute protector.” It's also thought to be a name that means “determined” and “strong-willed.”

7. Leo

Leo is another name that's more popular in Nebraska than it is nationally. It's not on the national list of baby boy names for 2022, but it moved from the #12 position to #7 in the past year in Nebraska, indicating that it continues to grow in popularity.

Leo is a name that has a strong and lengthy history. It's derived from the Latin word lion and is often considered to mean “lion-hearted” or “brave.” It's also a shorter take on names like Leonardo, Leon, or Leopold.

8. Jack

The name Jack has several different meanings and dates back centuries. The origin of the name is thought to be from medieval England. It's also been seen as a variation of several other names, including John, Jacob, and Jackson. Additionally, it's seen as a nickname for the old French name Jacques.

Jack isn't in the top ten names nationally, but it continues to stay strong across the state of Nebraska, holding the #8 spot two years in a row.

9. Owen

With Welsh origin, Owen is a strong name that means “noble-born,” “well-born,” or even “youthful.” This name was derived from the Welsh name Owain. It's also believed to have Celtic or Irish roots as a variation of the name Ewen.

As part of the top ten for two years in a row, Owen continues to be a popular name in Nebraska. However, it's not as popular nationwide. It doesn't make the cut to the SSA's top 10 list for 2022.

10. Noah

Rounding out the top 10 list of popular boy's names in Nebraska is Noah. This name was ranked #7 last year and continues to hold strong. It's also incredibly popular nationally as it was the second most popular male name in 2022.

Noah is widely known as a Biblical name and has a Hebrew origin. The name Noach in Hebrew stands for “rest.” It also has different spellings in other languages, but is a popular name worldwide. Interestingly, this name is also growing in popularity for girls and is considered gender-neutral.

Top 10 Baby Girl Names in Nebraska

The top ten girls' names for 2023 are very similar to 2022's list. But there are a few changes and a few that are more popular in this state than they are nationally. Let's take a look!

1. Olivia

Similar to Oliver, Olivia has a Latin origin and means “olive tree.” These two names are actually very close in similarity and meaning as Olivia is gernally considered the feminine version of the popular boys' name. It's thought that the earliest recording of the name Olivia dates back to England in the 13th century.

Olivia is a name that continues to stay strong in popularity both in Nebraska and across the nation. It's the SSA's top name for 2022 and was also Nebraska's second-most popular name last year.

2. Charlotte

While the exact origins of this name aren't clear, it's thought to be a derivative of the male name, Charles. Some believe it has Germanic roots while others believe it has French origin and means “petite” or “free man.” Either way, the name traces back in history to many female royalty members who held this name. Popular nicknames include Charlie, Lotta, or Lottie.

This is another name that has grown in popularity over the past few years and continues to stay strong. It was the most popular name in Nebraska in 2022 and the third most popular nationwide.

3. Amelia

Amelia is a name that originates from the Latin word “Aemilia.” A variation of this name, Amalia, also goes back to German roots. This German name means “work” and the name is thought to mean that the child will be a hard worker. A common variation of this name that you may also see is Emilia.

This name is also an incredibly popular one across the nation. It was ranked as the fourth most popular name in 2022 and moved up from the #8 spot in Nebraska last year.

4. Eleanor

Eleanor is a name that's quite popular in Nebraska but doesn't make the top ten nationally. Last year, it was ranked #12 in Nebraska, so it clearly continues to grow in popularity in this state.

As a strong and traditional name, Eleanor is believed to have been derived from the Greek name Helen. It's often taken to mean “shining light” or simply “light.” Some believe it also means “light-hearted.” A common nickname for Eleanor is Ellie.

5. Evelyn

While the exact origins of the name Evelyn aren't clear, it's thought to have a British origin and mean “desired” or “island.” Some also believe this name means “wished for,” making it a sweet and meaningful name for parents.

Evelyn was a largely popular name in the late 19th century, but declined as the 1900s moved on. However, it's obviously made its way back around for parents today. Evelyn was the ninth most popular name in the country last year and remains strong as the fifth-most popular in Nebraska year-over-year.

6. Harper

Harper is a name that continues to show up in the top ten in Nebraska over the past few years. It's not in the SSA's top ten, however.

This name has a mixed origin story but is largely thought to be of English descent as a person who plays the harp. Harper also began as a popular last name in English, Irish, and Scottish history. However, it didn't show up on the Social Security Administration's list of popular names until 2004.

7. Ava

Like many other names on this list, Ava doesn't have a specific origin. However, many believe it comes from the Latin word Avis, which means “bird.” This name is also popular worldwide and has different meanings in different languages.

Ava has been on the SSA's top ten list since 2005 and last year it ranked as the seventh-most popular, just like in Nebraska.

8. Nora

Nora is another name that doesn't make the SSA's top ten list. However, it moved from the #16 spot to the #8 spot this year in Nebraska, so it continues to be a popular choice in the state.

This name is also popular for its positive meaning. Even though Nora is thought to be of Irish origin, the name itself is essentially a shortened name from other popular names throughout time. In Latin, the name Honora means “honor,” and in Greek, the name Eleanora means “light.” Either way, Nora is sure to be a beautiful name full of hope.

9. Emma

With its German origin of “whole” or “universal,” Emma is a name that's been used for centuries. It's believed to derive from the German word “ermen” but was largely popular in Victorian England. Additionally, this is a name that's stood the test of time and continues to ebb and flow in popularity.

In Nebraska, Emma moved down slightly from the #3 spot to the #9 spot over the past year. However, it's currently ranked as the SSA's second-most popular name nationwide.

10. Hazel

Hazel is a unique name that originates from the Hazel tree. It was given as a surname for many years before it gained popularity as a baby name in the late 1800s. It was already a word that was used to describe a kind of tree and a shade of brown, but over time, it's grown in popularity as a sweet baby girl's name.

While Hazel doesn't make the top ten on the SSA's 2022 list of popular names, it has remained in the top ten in Nebraska over the past couple of years.

Final Thoughts

While some of the names discussed here are popular countrywide, a few are uniquely popular in the state of Nebraska. One thing is clear, however. Traditional and short, easy-to-pronounce names remain popular into the 2020s.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com.