During 2023, South Carolina became a popular place to move to and was ranked as the fastest-growing state. As of July 2023, it had a population of 5,373,555 residents. Furthermore, there are around 60,000 births each year. If you are living in South Carolina and preparing to start a family, you might be wondering what the perfect baby name would be for your new little bundle of joy. Naming a baby can be quite a challenge, but don’t worry, we are here to help you find that perfect name. According to the Social Security Administrator (SSA), the top baby names for 2023 in South Carolina are as follows:
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South Carolina’s Top 10 Baby Girl Names
Olivia
Oliva is a Czech, Spanish, Italian, Malagasy, and Portuguese surname that means “olive.” In Latin, Oliva means “olive tree.” In Christian customs, olive oil is reserved, and the olive branch is known as peace globally. Since ancient Greece, olive leaves have been used to crown heroes. In the Bible, it is a special name given to baby girls that has a biblical and spiritual meaning. Places of rest, anointing, and new beginnings are some of the biblical meanings. Additionally, the spiritual meanings mean growth, peace, and light. Olivia was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Liv, Livie, and Oliv.
Ava
Ava is of Hebrew origin, which means “birdlike and lively.” Ava’s ancestry might derive from the Germanic root “avi,” which means “desired.” However, it might be an alternative to the Biblical name Eve, which means “to live.” Ava was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Av, Avie, and Ava-bug.
Charlotte
Charlotte dates back to the 14th century and is of Italian or French origin. It means “petite” or “free man” and is the feminine version of Charles. It became a popular name for princes, duchesses, and queens. Those with the name Charlotte are considered creative and brave. The personality is considered intelligent with grace and strength. Charlotte was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Char, Lola, and Lottie.
Amelia
The graceful name Amelia has gained popularity over the past few years. Amelia means “hardworking” or “industrious” and is a privileged name among royalty. It is of Hebrew origin and comes from the name “Amala.” Popular nicknames include Millie and Amy. Interestingly, Amelia is a unisex name, and in 2021, 1 out of 232,581 boys and 1 out of 137 girls were named Amelia. Amelia was also included in the top 10 national list.
Emma
Emma is of German origin and was used as early as the seventh century. This sweet name symbolizes names starting with “ermen.” This exquisite name means “universe” or “whole.” During the 20th century, the name became well-known in the United States, and since 2002, it has raked in the top five names. Furthermore, the name means “my God has answered” or “all containing” in Hebrew. In the Bible, it can also be connected to Emanuel, which means “God with us.” The name Emma is also the royal name of Queen Emma, who married King Ethelred in 1002. The personality traits are passion, warmth, and kindness. Emma was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Emy, Mae, and Emy.
Harper
Harper's origin dates back to the medieval era, when queens and kings had devoted harp players. Its meaning is someone who plays the harp. Furthermore, in Ireland, England, and Scotland the name progressed into a surname. Angels were frequently shown with harps as their instruments in art and the Bible. The name Harper was in the top 10 by 2015. Popular nicknames include Harpie and Harp.
Isabella
Isabella is a timeless and elegant name that has become quite a popular choice over the years. It is a Spanish and Italian divergence of the name Elizabeth and comes from the name Elisheba in Hebrew, which means “God is my oath” or “devoted to God.” Isabella was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Bella, Izzy, and Ella.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a powerful name that originates from Hebrew and means “God is my oath or “God’s promise. In the New Testament, John the Baptist’s mother is Elizabeth in the Bible. Elizabeth has become a popular name for girls in Australia, England, Canada, Moscow, Russia, Wales, Scotland, Belarus and Ukraine. It is a prevailing name for royalty, saints, nobles, and fictional characters. Popular nicknames include Liz and Lizzy.
Evelyn
The name Evelyn originated from the Hebrew name Eve or Chawwah which means life, a desired child, and strength. It is believed to be a combination of Lynne and Eve. Evelyn is a unisex name and can be used as a first name and surname. Evelyn was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Eva, Evie, or E.
Nova
Nova is a growing name that means “new,” and it originated from the Latin word “novus.” People began using the name in the 19th century. By 2017, it had reached the top 100, and by 2020, it was the 38th most-liked girl name in the United States, given to 4,940 babies.
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South Carolina’s Top 10 Baby Boy Names
William
The most popular boy’s name is William. This powerful name is famous for conquerors and kings. In 1066, it was first announced to England by William the Conqueror. It originates from German origin. William means protection, will, helmet, resolute protector, and desire. In the United States, William has steadily been in the top 20 since 1900. Furthermore, according to the Social Security Administration database, William has been in the top 10 baby boy names for the first 75 years. Biblical meanings include king, fortune, and protection, and spiritual meanings include resolute protector, Lord is my shield and God is my strength. William was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Liam, Bill, Will, and Willy.
Noah
This booming name descends from the Hebrew word “noach” which means “comfort” and “rest.” The name Noah appears in the civilizations of the Abrahamic religions. Noah’s story begins in the Bible in the First Testament book of Genesis, Baha'i writings, and the Quran. In addition, he has also been mentioned in the New Testament and many other Bible books. Regardless of your religion the name Noah is very popular. The name Noah became popular in the 1980s by 2006 it made the top 15 list of baby names. Additionally, it became the number 1 boy’s name in the United States between 2013 and 2016, hitting a high of 19,144 in 2016. Noah was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Nojo, Noey-Bear and Noe-Bug.
Liam
The name Liam originated in Ireland and is a shortened version of the Name William. It means “protection” or “helmet of will.” To further add the name also refers to a strong-willed warrior and in Hebrew means “my nation” or “my people.”Liam is known as the shortened version of William. The personalities of those with the name Liam are known to be outgoing and full of energy. Liam was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Lee and Liamster.
James
James is a Biblical and traditional name and one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. The name James means “replacer” or substitute. The name James derives from the Latin name Jacomus which means “may God protect.” For most of the 20th century, James was the 5th most common baby boy name. According to the census records 1940-1960 is when it peaked. Additionally, in Australia, James was the eighth most common name in 2013. James was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Jamie and Jay.
Elijah
Elijah means “Yahweh is my God.” This famous name originates from the Hebrew name Eliyyahu. In the Bible Elijah was a real prophet and well-known for promoting the spirit and worship of God. The name Elijah symbolizes salvation and hope. The name Elijah reached the top 20 in 2010 and by 2020 the name ranked in the top 4 in America. Elijah was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Lija-Pie, E-Jay, and Jah.
Oliver
Oliver is a popular name from the medieval times. It comes from the French and Latin words for “olive” and means “ancestor’s descendants.” In 2020 the number of births with the name was 14,147 ranking the name Oliver 3rd on the list. Additionally, this name has become even more popular since the movie Harry Potter which features the character named Oliver. Oliver was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Ollie and Oli-O.
Asher
The name Asher originated from Hebrew and means “happy one”, “blessed” or “abundance.” This name was traditionally a boy’s name however, today it is a unisex name. The name Asher was first seen in the Old Testament in the book of Genesis. Popular nicknames include Ashy and Ash.
John
John originated from the Hebrew name Yohannan which means “God is gracious.” The name releases the feeling of strength and kindness. Between 1900 and 1923 John ranked 1st on the baby boy's name list in the United States. The personality of the name John is believed to be creative, honest, determined, and courageous. Popular nicknames include Jack, Jock, and Jo.
Samuel
The name Samuel originated from the Hebrew name Shemu’el which means “name of God” or “God has heard.” This name was first seen in the Old Testament of the Bible in the books 1 and 2 Samuel. Popular nicknames include Sam, Sami, and Ams.
Lucas
Lucus originates from the Latin form of the Greek name which means bringer of light. The shortened version of Lucas is Luke. Furthermore, in 2018 Lucas made it into the top 10 baby names list. The SSA also mentioned that there were 11, 281 babies named Lucas in 2020 in the United States. Lucas was also included in the top 10 national list. Popular nicknames include Luke, Lou, and Luca.
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