I always like the state-by-state baby name list more than the national Top 10. The national list tells you what America picked. The state list tells you where a name feels especially at home.
The latest state-level baby name data shows a country still deeply in love with soft classics, vintage revivals, and short, friendly names that feel easy to say in real life.
Top Baby Names in Each State
| State | Top Girl Name | Top Boy Name | Name Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Charlotte | John | John feels wonderfully direct here. No trend-chasing, just a strong classic. |
| Alaska | Charlotte | Noah | Charlotte and Noah make a balanced pair: polished, biblical, familiar. |
| Arizona | Olivia | Liam | Very national-feeling choices, but still soft and sunny together. |
| Arkansas | Charlotte | Liam | Charlotte adds a little old-South elegance beside modern favorite Liam. |
| California | Olivia | Liam | California stays close to the national favorites, with a lively multicultural feel in the wider list. |
| Colorado | Charlotte | Liam | A clean, mainstream pairing with plenty of mountain-state polish. |
| Connecticut | Charlotte | Noah | This feels very Northeast: tailored, classic, not fussy. |
| Delaware | Mia | Noah | Mia gives Delaware’s list a warmer, shorter sound than Charlotte-heavy states. |
| District of Columbia | Emma | Noah | Emma and Noah are both gentle, highly familiar, and hard to mispronounce. |
| Florida | Olivia | Liam | Florida keeps the national favorites, but names like Mia and Lucas add extra brightness. |
| Georgia | Amelia | Liam | Amelia has quietly become one of the strongest Southern girl names. |
| Hawaii | Isla | Elijah | Isla, pronounced EYE-luh, feels especially fitting here, though some people may first read it as “Iz-la.” |
| Idaho | Charlotte | Oliver | Charlotte and Oliver both have storybook charm, but not in a costume-y way. |
| Illinois | Olivia | Liam | A big-state list that mirrors national taste pretty closely. |
| Indiana | Charlotte | Oliver | This pair feels soft, traditional, and very wearable. |
| Iowa | Charlotte | Oliver | Iowa’s top names lean cozy-classic rather than flashy. |
| Kansas | Charlotte | Theodore | Theodore gives Kansas a more vintage boy-name edge. Theo is sleek, while Teddy is warmer. |
| Kentucky | Amelia | Oliver | Amelia and Oliver sound literary without feeling too polished for everyday life. |
| Louisiana | Amelia | Noah | Amelia has a romantic softness that works beautifully beside Louisiana’s naming style. |
| Maine | Charlotte | Theodore | Maine’s list feels cottagey in the best way: Charlotte, Amelia, Eleanor, Violet, Theodore. |
| Maryland | Ailany | Liam | Ailany is the standout. Pronunciation may vary, but eye-LAH-nee is a helpful cue. |
| Massachusetts | Charlotte | Noah | Very classic, very current, and very hard to argue with. |
| Michigan | Charlotte | Theodore | Michigan’s top pair has serious vintage energy, but both names still feel fresh on babies. |
| Minnesota | Charlotte | Theodore | Minnesota is leaning hard into gentle old-fashioned names. |
| Mississippi | Amelia | James | This might be one of my favorite pairings on the map. Amelia and James feel traditional, but not stiff. |
| Missouri | Charlotte | Oliver | Charlotte and Oliver have the same polished storybook rhythm. |
| Montana | Charlotte | Oliver | Lucy, Lainey, Nora, Henry, and Hudson give Montana’s broader list a warmer, outdoorsy feel. |
| Nebraska | Charlotte | Liam | Charlotte and Liam are safe in a good way: familiar, easy, and widely liked. |
| Nevada | Olivia | Liam | Nevada’s wider list has a strong multicultural feel, with names like Mia, Isabella, Mateo, and Santiago. |
| New Hampshire | Charlotte | Theodore | Maeve appearing high gives this state list a stylish, slightly literary twist. |
| New Jersey | Emma | Liam | Emma feels especially at home beside Mia, Olivia, Sophia, and Isabella. |
| New Mexico | Mia | Noah | Mia and Noah are short, warm, and cross-cultural. |
| New York | Emma | Noah | New York’s list feels traditional but not sleepy. |
| North Carolina | Amelia | Noah | Amelia continues its Southern strength here, paired with steady, biblical Noah. |
| North Dakota | Charlotte | Liam | Lainey ranking high gives this list a sweet country-pop sparkle. |
| Ohio | Charlotte | Oliver | A very modern-classic state pairing. Nothing shocking, but both names are genuinely handsome. |
| Oklahoma | Olivia | Liam | Olivia and Liam still have serious staying power in the middle of the country. |
| Oregon | Charlotte | Oliver | Oregon’s top names are softer and more vintage than you might expect. |
| Pennsylvania | Charlotte | Noah | This list has a strong classic core: Charlotte, Sophia, Olivia, Amelia, Emma, Noah, Liam, Theodore. |
| Rhode Island | Charlotte | Noah | Small state, very polished taste. Luca appearing high adds a nice Italian note. |
| South Carolina | Charlotte | Noah | Charlotte feels especially natural in the Carolinas, maybe because it reads both graceful and grounded. |
| South Dakota | Lainey | Oliver | Lainey is one of the most personality-filled girl winners. It feels casual, sunny, and very now. |
| Tennessee | Charlotte | Noah | Tennessee’s top names lean familiar, with no wild swings at number one. |
| Texas | Emma | Liam | Texas is always interesting because Spanish-friendly favorites sit right beside Liam and Noah. |
| Utah | Emma | Oliver | Lucy and Jack also ranking high gives Utah’s list a bright, nickname-friendly style. |
| Vermont | Charlotte | Oliver | Vermont’s list may be the coziest: Charlotte, Evelyn, Eleanor, Nora, Oliver, Theodore, Henry, Cooper. |
| Virginia | Charlotte | Liam | A classic Southern-meets-national pairing. |
| Washington | Olivia | Noah | Washington goes with smooth, high-ranking national favorites. |
| West Virginia | Charlotte | Waylon | Waylon is the big boy-name surprise. It has country music roots and a rugged, surname-style feel. |
| Wisconsin | Charlotte | Oliver | Wisconsin loves the vintage set: Charlotte, Eleanor, Sophia, Evelyn, Oliver, Theodore, Henry. |
| Wyoming | Aurora | Theodore | Aurora and Theodore are dramatic in a good way. Aurora may need a pronunciation cue for little kids: uh-ROAR-uh. |
Girl Names That Ruled the State Lists
Charlotte
Charlotte is the name of the year at the state level. Pronounced SHAR-luht, it has French roots and a royal, literary feel, but it is not too precious. Charlie and Lottie give it two very different nickname moods.
I think Charlotte works because it lets parents have it both ways: formal birth certificate name, friendly everyday nickname.
Good middle name ideas: Charlotte Mae, Charlotte Elise, Charlotte June
Sibling ideas: Henry, Eleanor, Theodore, Lucy
Olivia
Olivia is still one of America’s strongest girl names. Pronounced oh-LIV-ee-uh, it has Shakespearean roots and that liquid V sound parents have loved for years.
The honest warning: Olivia is popular enough that your child may meet another Olivia in class. That does not make it a bad name. It just means parents should choose it because they truly love it, not because it feels rare.
Good middle name ideas: Olivia Claire, Olivia Simone, Olivia Jane
Sounds like alternatives: Livia, Alivia, Olive, Viola
Amelia
Amelia, pronounced uh-MEEL-yuh, has become a Southern favorite and a national classic at the same time. It feels vintage, capable, and warm.
I’ve always liked that Amelia sounds gentle but has a built-in adventurous streak thanks to Amelia Earhart.
Good middle name ideas: Amelia Rose, Amelia Kate, Amelia Josephine
Sibling ideas: Clara, Henry, Alice, Theodore
Emma
Emma is short, clear, and nearly impossible to spell wrong. Pronounced EM-uh, it has Germanic roots and a long literary history.
Some parents avoid it because it has been popular for so long, but that is also the point. Emma is not trendy in the quick-burn sense. It has become part of the modern classic set.
Good middle name ideas: Emma Caroline, Emma Violet, Emma Louise
Sounds like alternatives: Gemma, Ella, Emilia
Mia
Mia, pronounced MEE-uh, is one of the strongest short girl names in the U.S. It works across languages, feels warm rather than plain, and pairs easily with longer surnames.
Mia can come from Maria, but many parents now use it as a standalone name. Fair warning: because it is so short, it can sound abrupt with a one-syllable last name. Mia Rose Smith may feel a little clipped, while Mia Josephine Smith has more shape.
Good middle name ideas: Mia Celeste, Mia Juliette, Mia Noelle
Sibling ideas: Leo, Sofia, Luca, Elena
Ailany
Ailany is one of the most eye-catching girl winners on the state map. Pronunciation may differ by family, but eye-LAH-nee is a helpful likely guide. It sits near names like Ailani, Leilani, and Naylani, all part of the flowing, vowel-rich style that has been rising.
This one looks pretty on paper, but I would give people a pronunciation cue early. Ailany may be read as AY-luh-nee, eye-LAN-ee, or eye-LAH-nee depending on the reader.
Good middle name ideas: Ailany Rose, Ailany Sofia, Ailany Mae
Sounds like alternatives: Ailani, Leilani, Alani, Naylani
Lainey
Lainey, pronounced LAY-nee, has a bright, country-pop feel, especially with singer Lainey Wilson making the name more visible.
It can stand alone, though some parents may prefer Elaine, Delaney, or Elaina on the birth certificate with Lainey as the everyday name.
Good middle name ideas: Lainey Kate, Lainey Brooke, Lainey June
Sounds like alternatives: Laney, Delaney, Elaina, Lacey
Isla
Isla is pronounced EYE-luh. The spelling is Scottish, and the silent S still trips people up in English-speaking areas.
I love Isla, but I would not choose it without accepting a few corrections. Once people learn it, though, it tends to stick.
Good middle name ideas: Isla Maeve, Isla June, Isla Noelle
Sounds like alternatives: Ayla, Ila, Lila, Iris
Aurora
Aurora is one of the most dramatic girl winners. Pronounced uh-ROAR-uh, it comes from the Roman goddess of dawn and also brings in the northern lights connection.
The only practical issue is mouthfeel. Some children may find Aurora tricky to say at first. Rory is a cute nickname if you want something easier.
Good middle name ideas: Aurora Jane, Aurora Celeste, Aurora Mae
Sibling ideas: Orion, Luna, Theodore, Violet
Boy Names That Ruled the State Lists
Liam
Liam is still one of the strongest boy names in America. Pronounced LEE-um, it began as an Irish short form of William and now feels fully independent.
Some parents worry Liam is too common, and that is fair. But it is popular for a reason: it is short, strong, gentle, and works with almost any surname.
Good middle name ideas: Liam Alexander, Liam Brooks, Liam Theodore
Sounds like alternatives: Leo, Luca, Ian, Callum
Noah
Noah, pronounced NOH-uh, is one of the softest long-running boy favorites. It is biblical, familiar, and easy to use across many communities.
I like Noah because it does not need a nickname. It already feels complete. The downside is popularity, especially in states where it ranks first or near first.
Good middle name ideas: Noah James, Noah Elias, Noah Bennett
Sibling ideas: Emma, Levi, Grace, Jonah
Oliver
Oliver, pronounced AH-liv-er, has become the friendly vintage boy name parents keep returning to. It has literary charm, the easy nickname Ollie, and a softer sound than many traditional boy names.
Oliver pairs especially well with short middle names because the first name already has three syllables.
Good middle name ideas: Oliver Jack, Oliver Miles, Oliver Reid
Sounds like alternatives: Oscar, Arthur, Everett, Felix
Theodore
Theodore is the vintage comeback king. Pronounced THEE-uh-dor, it means “gift of God” from Greek roots. Theo feels sleek and modern, while Teddy feels warm and old-soul.
This is one of those names where the nickname can change the whole vibe. Theo is city-smart. Teddy is cuddly. Theodore in full is grand.
Good middle name ideas: Theodore James, Theodore Grant, Theodore Ellis
Sibling ideas: Charlotte, Henry, Eleanor, Alice
John
John feels wonderfully direct now. Pronounced JAHN, it is one of the simplest classics, and that simplicity almost makes it feel bold again.
John does not perform. It just stands there, steady and clean. I would pair it with a more distinctive middle if the surname is common.
Good middle name ideas: John Everett, John Silas, John Theodore
Sounds like alternatives: Jack, Jude, James, Joel
James
James, pronounced JAYMZ, is royal, biblical, literary, and still very usable.
James has also become more common as a middle name for girls, but it remains one of the strongest boy first names. Jim and Jimmy feel retro; Jamie feels softer and more unisex.
Good middle name ideas: James Wilder, James Henry, James Elliott
Sibling ideas: Amelia, William, Clara, Margaret
Elijah
Elijah, pronounced ee-LY-juh, has Hebrew roots and a warm biblical sound. It feels more lyrical than John or James but still grounded.
The nickname Eli is a major bonus. It makes Elijah feel approachable from toddler years to adulthood.
Good middle name ideas: Elijah Kai, Elijah James, Elijah Mateo
Sounds like alternatives: Elias, Eli, Isaiah, Josiah
Waylon
Waylon is one of the boldest boy winners on the map. Pronounced WAY-lun, it has country music ties through Waylon Jennings and fits the rugged surname-name trend.
Fair warning: Waylon has a very specific style. If you love polished classics like Theodore and Henry, Waylon may feel too cowboy. But if you like Wyatt, Weston, Brooks, and Hudson, it probably lands perfectly.
Good middle name ideas: Waylon James, Waylon Reed, Waylon Thomas
Sibling ideas: Lainey, Wyatt, Harper, Beau
Mateo
Mateo appears strongly in several Southwest and big-state lists. Pronounced mah-TAY-oh, it is the Spanish and Italian form of Matthew.
Mateo is one of the best examples of a name that feels international but still easy for English speakers. It has warmth, rhythm, and style.
Good middle name ideas: Mateo Cruz, Mateo James, Mateo Elias
Sounds like alternatives: Matteo, Matias, Santiago, Luca
Santiago
Santiago, pronounced sahn-tee-AH-go, is the Spanish form of Saint James and carries a rich place-name and pilgrimage history.
This one has presence. I would pair it with a short middle name unless the surname is very brief.
Good middle name ideas: Santiago Lee, Santiago Cruz, Santiago Jude
Sounds like alternatives: Diego, Mateo, Sebastian, Thiago
What This Says About Baby Name Style Right Now
The state lists are not full of shocking names. That is the interesting part.
Parents are choosing names that feel safe, but not flat. Charlotte, Amelia, Oliver, Theodore, Noah, Henry, Emma, and James all have history behind them. The newer-feeling names, like Ailany, Lainey, Mateo, Santiago, and Waylon, bring in regional flavor, cultural identity, or a more casual sound.
The big pattern is not “everyone wants unique names.” It is more specific than that. Parents seem to want names that feel recognizable but personally meaningful. A name can be popular nationally and still feel exactly right in one family.
