Virginia’s Top Baby Names For 2023: Revealed

Each year, the Social Security Administration releases data on the top baby names in America. In addition, each state has its list of the top ten baby names. While most states typically follow the national baby naming trends, there are always a few popular regional choices that appear outside the national top ten list.

We will examine the top ten baby names for Virginia in 2023 and explore how their list compares to the national naming trends. We will also reveal the meaning and origins of these popular baby names. Finally, we will delve into the prevalence of these names both historically and in recent times. So, let us look at the top ten baby names for girls and boys in the state of Virginia.

What Are the Top Baby Names For 2023 In Virginia?

Over the past five years, Liam, Noah, Charlotte, and Olivia have consistently been the most popular baby names throughout the United States. This trend is also apparent in Virginia, where these names continue to dominate the top baby names list for 2023. However, Virginia has some unique baby names that are yet to be found among the national top ten. Below is the list of the most popular baby names in Virginia for 2023.

Virginia's Top Ten Baby Girl Names For 2023

Virginia's top ten girl names closely resemble the national list. However, two names are in their top ten that are less popular nationally: the classic, slightly old-fashioned names of Eleanor and Elizabeth.

1. Charlotte

Charlotte is a popular name for baby girls that has been in vogue for several years now. The name, which is the feminine version of Charles, was a common name for royal babies, gaining popularity as early as the 14th century. Meaning “free man” or “petite,” Charlotte made a resurgence in the 18th century when King George III of England married Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. It is likely that the birth of Princess Charlotte of Wales in 2015 also played a role in the return of this classic name for baby girls.

2. Olivia

The name Olivia originates from the Latin word “olive” and was a popular choice for baby girls in the 18th century. Furthermore, this name is associated with the olive branch, a symbol of peace that is also linked to the Greek goddess Athena. William Shakespeare boosted the popularity of the name by featuring a character named Olivia in his play Twelfth Night. In the play, Olivia is a wealthy noblewoman who attracts many suitors. This name's popularity saw a resurgence in the 1990s and it continues to remain popular.

3. Emma

Meaning “universe” or “whole,” Emma was a popular name between 1880 and 1941 when the name fell out of vogue. It resurged in the 2000s after Rachel and Ross, two characters on the television series Friends, named their baby Emma. This girl's name peaked in 2008 when it was that year's most popular baby name, but it has remained in the top girl names ever since. The name's resurgence may also be due to the popularity of actresses like Emma Stone and Emma Thompson.

4. Ava

Originating from the Latin word “Avis,” which means “bird-like,” this popular girl's name may also be linked to the Hebrew name “Havva,” meaning “life.” Other sources state that the name is from the Persian word “Āvā,” meaning “voice” or “sound.” Ava Gardner was a popular actress in the 1950s who contributed to the mid-century popularity of this girl's name. However, the name fell out of fashion in the 1970s. Since the 1990s, it has grown in popularity. For the past decade, this name consistently appears in the top ten names for girls.

5. Amelia

The name Amelia came into popularity in the 18th century after King George II and King George III named their daughters Amelia. The name is derived from the Latin word “Amal,” meaning “work” or “fertility.” Amelia has consistently been a top choice for baby names in both the United Kingdom and the United States since 2010. Moreover, it is associated with several well-known fictional characters, such as Amelia Bedelia, the main character of a children's book series written by Peggy Parish, and Detective Amelia Peabody, the protagonist of Elizabeth Peters' detective novels set in Egypt.

6. Sophia

Sophia, which comes from the Greek word for “wisdom,” was the top baby name in America from 2011 until 2013. Originally, the name's popularity was due to St. Sophia, a saint in the Greek Orthodox church, who had three daughters named Faith, Hope, and Love. Since the Middle Ages, this name has been associated with beauty and grace. Finally, the French form of the name is the less popular name Sophie.

7. Isabella

Isabella is a name with Italian and Spanish roots that is a variation of the name Elizabeth. It means “pledged to God” and is also a variation of the Hebrew name “Elisheba” which means “God is my oath.” The name was not very popular in the 20th century, but it suddenly rose in popularity in 1998, making its way to the top 100 baby names in America. Its popularity skyrocketed in the following years, especially after the release of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight book series in 2005. Since then, Isabella has consistently remained one of the top ten girl's names each year.

8. Elizabeth

Coming in the top ten right after Isabella, its Hebrew, Italian, and Spanish variation, Elizabeth is one of the top girl's names in Virginia this year. However, this is a state favorite as this name is outside the top ten girl's names in the United States. However, Elizabeth is ranked #41 in America in 2023. Also meaning “pledged to God,” this classic name has been popular since the 18th century. It also has many pet names associated with it, including Bess, Libby, Betty, and, of course, Liz.

9. Eleanor

Another state favorite, Eleanor, is ranked #31 in the 2023 national baby names list. Originating in Old French, this vintage name was once popular with the English aristocracy. While the name has no assigned meaning, some linguists believe it means “light” from the Persian word “el nour,” meaning “radiance.” Several prominent female leaders throughout history have shared the name Eleanor, such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, a medieval queen, and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

10. Mia

Often appearing as a nickname for Amelia or Miriam, Mia has become a popular girl's name in its own right. Meaning “mine,” the name has both an Italian and Scandinavian origin. In the United States, the name Mia was uncommon until the 1960s. However, it gained popularity when the actress Mia Farrow rose to fame. Other famous ladies with this name include Mia Tyler, the daughter of Aerosmith lead singer Stephen Tyler, and English actress and model Mia Goth.

Virginia's Top Ten Baby Boy Names For 2023

Like the national charts, Liam and Noah dominate Virginia's boys' names. However, their list also has the name Jackson, a name not found in the national top ten. Here are the top ten baby boy names for Virginia in 2023.

1. Liam

Liam, meaning “guardian,” is a variation of the Irish name Ulliam, which was an Irish twist on the English name William. William was introduced to Ireland by William the Conqueror during his 11th-century invasion of the United Kingdom. During the Irish diaspora, the name spread around the world and began to appear in the United States. Since 2017, Liam has held the top spot for baby boy names in America.

2. Noah

Originating from Hebrew and meaning “rest” or “peace,” Noah is technically a gender-neutral name, but it is most often used for boys. (When the name is given to girls, it is usually spelled “Noa.”) Biblical names have been trending for several years now. In fact, Noah unseated Jacob as the most popular name for boys in 2013 and has since remained in the top five boy's names.

3. Oliver

Like Olivia, the name Oliver means “olive tree,” and the olive branch is often seen as a symbol of peace. Initially, the name was popular in medieval England after the “Song of Roland,” an epic French poem about the adventures of a knight, captured people's imaginations. In the poem, Oliver is Roland's closest confidant. After falling out of favor for decades, the name suddenly became popular worldwide and broke into the top 100 American baby names in 2009.

4. James

An offshoot of the Hebrew name Jacob, James shares its meaning with that name as both names mean “supplanter.” In the 20th century, it remained consistently in the top 100 boys names in America. This classic name entered the top ten boy's name charts in 2014 and shows no signs of dropping. Not only is it a traditional boy's name that parents love, but it also pairs well with other popular boy's names like Noah.

5. William

Long associated with rulers, the name William means “strong protector” or “strong-willed warrior.” The name has roots in the Germanic name Wilhelm and has been popular in the United Kingdom since the 11th century. Throughout the 20th century, William was in the top 100 boy's names in America. Additionally, for seventy-five years, the name was in the top ten baby names. The name is both classic and trendy, with a strong meaning.

6. Henry

From the French name Henri and the German name Heimrich, the name Henry means “home-ruler.” Eight English kings were named Henry, the most famous of whom was Henry VIII, who had six wives, two of whom were beheaded for not giving birth to sons. A recent royal to have the name is Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. While he is best known by one of Henry's common nicknames, Prince Harry's birth name is actually Henry.

7. Elijah

Another popular biblical name is Elijah, meaning “the Lord is my God.” This Old Testament name appears in the First and Second Book of Kings. This ancient name first appeared in the top 100 baby names in America in 1995. In 2016, the name appeared in the top ten and has remained there.

8. Theodore

This name, with Greek origins, means “divine gift” or “gift from God.” Popular in the Middle Ages, the name Theodore was especially popular among Catholic and Eastern Orthodox families. However, the name remained near the bottom of the top 1000 names until the 2010s. Theodore appeared as the 23rd most popular name in 2020 and cracked the top ten this year, ranking at number ten nationally.

9. Lucas

The name Lucas is associated with light because it is the Latin form of a Greek name meaning “bringer of light.” In the Middle Ages, the name was popular because of St. Luke the Evangelist, who may have written the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts. While a very old name, Lucas has been in the top ten baby names for boys in America since 2018.

10. Jackson

Meaning “son of Jack,” Jackson is more popular in Virginia than the name is nationally. In 2023, Jackson was the 22nd most popular boy name in America, but it is number ten in Virginia. Until the 1990s, the name was uncommon, but in the 21st century, it began appearing in the top 100 names. The nicknames Jack and Jax have become popular, and they are common nicknames for Jackson, which might explain some of this name's current popularity.

In Summary

While the top ten baby names in Virginia closely follow the national trends, their list does have a few surprises. Regional favorites include Jackson, Elizabeth, and Eleanor. Overall, the list highlights current baby name trends that focus on classic, strong names with a long history. Also, biblical names continue to trend. Whether you're seeking a popular name or an uncommon one for your child, there are many wonderful options available.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Onjira Leibe/Shutterstock.com.