full size Confused Baby
Credit: iStockphoto

The name you give your newborn will define them for the rest of their lives, and many believe the meaning behind the name helps to determine what kind of person they will grow to be. We’re only a few short weeks into 2013, but BabyCenter is already starting to round up the most popular baby names amongst their community of new moms. This year’s list features a mix of old and new, but some of the most popular names from 2012 are still near the top. 

Boys

Mason makes a comeback to #1 after falling to #4 in 2012, but this French favorite has earned its stripes after soaring to #7 in 2010 (it came in at #20 in 2009). It seems parents love the idea of their little one working with his hands — either that, or they got the idea from Kourtney Kardashian!

The #2 slot goes to Noah, the Biblical favorite that has remained in the top 5 for the past five years. Ethan is another Hebrew name meaning “strong and firm” that has remained popular, taking the #3 slot so far in 2013, after its 2-year stint at #1 in 2009 and 2010. Liam has bounced around the top 10 for the past few years and fallen to #4 this year. Lastly, Jack comes in at #5.

The rest of the list includes many classics like #9 William, #25 Henry, and #26 Daniel, but the letters “j” and “x” seem to be popular with names like #17 Julian and #36 Jaxon. Both have missed ranking in the top 50 until this year.


Girls

Emma remains at #1 for the third year in a row, once again showing up #6 Emily and its Latin variant #10 Amelia. This name is noted for its soft, feminine pronunciation, and it seems that the name meaning “universal” has once again become universally the best!

Sophia has taken #2, reclaiming its 2010 position after two years at #3 — and #3 Isabella makes a slow climb back to the top after two years at #1 in 2009 and 2010. The nature-inspired name Olivia (meaning “olive tree” in Greek) drops to #4 this year, while #5 Mia continues to climb since coming in at #13 in both 2009 and 2010.

Three-letter names are continuing to grow in popularity as we see #5 Mia, #7 Ava, and #23 Zoe, as well as four letter names with #8 Ella, #12 Lily, and #27 Aria. Parents seem to be skipping the possibility of a nickname with these short and sweet names.
 
See the full top 40 list at BabyCenter.


Want more Loop du Loop? Like us on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter!