SOCIAL SECURITY

News Release

Social Security Delivers the Most Popular Baby Names for 2005

Emily and Jacob Remain the Apple of Moms’ (and Dads’) Eye For Seventh Straight Year

(Printer friendly version)

In what has become a Mother’s Day tradition, Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the top baby names in the United States for 2005.

“Based on all Social Security card applications for children born last year, Emily and Jacob are the most popular baby names for the seventh year in a row,” said Commissioner Barnhart. “I invite everybody to visit our website to view the new list and take advantage of the valuable information and services offered by Social Security.”

Please click on the Most Popular Baby Names link at Social Security’s website -- www.socialsecurity.gov -- to see the top baby names for 2005. The top ten boys and girls names for 2005 are:

Emily has been the most popular female name each year since 1996. Jacob has been the top male name since 1999. New to the top ten this year are Ava and Anthony.

In addition to a list of the 1,000 most popular baby names for 2005, there is a list of the most popular baby names for each state. Also, there is a list of the top 100 names for twins born in 2005. Jacob and Joshua are the most popular twin’s names.

It is now easier to find information for babies, children and parents on the Social Security website. And there are links to other government websites that offer valuable information about pregnancy, caring for newborns and programs and services for families.

Social Security started compiling baby name lists in 1997. Today, the Social Security website offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880.

Social Security’s website -- www.socialsecurity.gov -- has a variety of online services that allow people to access information and conduct business with Social Security from the convenience of their computers at any time.

Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and limited resources who need assistance paying for their Medicare prescription drug costs can go to www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp to apply online for extra help. And those who qualify after the May 15^th enrollment deadline can continue to enroll in a plan for the remainder of 2006 without being penalized.

People also can apply online for Social Security retirement, spouse’s and disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. Other online services allow people to find out if they may be eligible for benefits or locate their local Social Security office. Individuals who are receiving benefits may use the website to change their address or request a replacement Medicare card. As more and more people conduct business via the Internet, these online services save significant time and effort.

In addition, Social Security offers online benefits planners at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners. Each planner--retirement, disability and survivors--contains valuable information about the benefits available and factors that can affect people. The planner’s three online calculators also allow individuals to compute estimates of their future retirement benefits and current disability and survivors benefits.

The website also offers a wealth of information about all Social Security programs through online publications and a “Frequently Asked Questions” section.

# # #

SSA Press Office 440 Altmeyer Building 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235
410-965-8904 FAX 410-966-9973