How to choose a baby name with meaning
A name stays with a child for life, so many parents look at three things: what it means, where it comes from and how common it is. This tracker puts all three on one page. Open any name to read its meaning, see nicknames and spelling variants used across Europe and the English-speaking world, hear it spoken in different accents, and view a chart of its rank across thirty years.
How to read the popularity trend
- 📊 RankPosition among baby names in the United States, where 1 is the most common. A bigger number means a rarer name.
- ▲ RisingThe name climbed the ranking compared with 2010.
- ▼ FallingThe name lost ground compared with 2010.
- ● SteadyLittle change over the last decade.
Tips for picking a name
- 🗣️ Say it aloudSay the full name with your surname, and write it out to check the flow.
- 🌍 Think internationalHear it in British, French, Italian or Swedish accents if family lives abroad.
- 💬 Check nicknamesFriends and family will use them, so make sure you like them too.
- ♥ Build a shortlistTap the heart on any name, then copy your shortlist to share with your partner.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the meaning of a baby name?
Type the name in the search box, then open its card to see the meaning, origin, nicknames and variants.
What does a rising name mean?
A rising name has moved up the popularity ranking compared with ten years earlier, so more babies are being given it.
Can I search by meaning?
Yes. Searching words like light, strong or moon also matches names whose meaning contains them.
Can I hear how a name is pronounced?
Yes. Press the speaker button on any name and choose an accent: American, British, French, Italian, Swedish, German or Spanish. The voice comes from your device, so the available accents depend on your browser.
Can I add my own preferred names?
Yes. Press “Add your name”, enter the name, meaning and origin, and it joins the list and your shortlist. Your names and shortlist are saved in this browser.
Where does the ranking data come from?
The ranks shown are approximate United States figures, rounded for easy comparison. For exact official numbers, check the Social Security Administration baby names pages. Other countries publish their own lists, such as the ONS in England and Wales and Statistics Sweden.