Press Release (En español)
For Immediate Release
press.office@ssa.gov
Emma and Noah Once Again Social Security's Most Popular Baby Names for 2015
For the second year in a row, Emma and Noah are America's most popular baby names. This marks the third year at number one for Noah and the second for Emma. There are two new names in the top 10 this year—Benjamin and Harper, the first time either name has ever reached such heights. Like a name, Social Security is with you through life's journey. For future parents who need some inspiration and help with naming their baby, Social Security is unveiling a new baby names quiz at Social Security Matters, the agency's interactive blog located at http://blog.socialsecurity.gov. At the blog, people can find information on retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, online services, and much more. It also is a place where the public can engage in conversations with the agency about what matters most.
Here are the top 10 boys and girls names for 2015:
| Boys | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1. Noah | 1. Emma |
| 2. Liam | 2. Olivia |
| 3. Mason | 3. Sophia |
| 4. Jacob | 4. Ava |
| 5. William | 5. Isabella |
| 6. Ethan | 6. Mia |
| 7. James | 7. Abigail |
| 8. Alexander | 8. Emily |
| 9. Michael | 9. Charlotte |
| 10. Benjamin | 10. Harper |
For all the top baby names of 2015, to check out the new quiz, and to find where your own name ranks, go to Social Security's website, www.socialsecurity.gov.
As she does each year on Baby Names Day, Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin encourages everyone to visit the agency's website, have fun with the baby names list, and create a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov. my Social Security is a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries can have instant access to their benefit verification letter, payment history, and complete earnings record by establishing a my Social Security account. Beneficiaries also can change their address, start or change direct deposit information, and print a replacement SSA-1099 online. People receiving Social Security can request a replacement Medicare card online.
Individuals age 18 and older who are not receiving benefits can also sign up for a my Social Security account to get their personalized online Social Security Statement. The online Statement provides workers with secure and convenient access to their Social Security earnings and benefit information, and estimates of future benefits they can use to plan for their retirement.
The agency began compiling the baby name list in 1997, with names dating back to 1880. At the time of a child's birth, parents supply the name to the agency when applying for a child's Social Security card, thus making Social Security America's source for the most popular baby names.
Each year, the list reveals the effect of pop-culture on naming trends. This year's winners for biggest jump in popularity in the Top 1,000 are Alaia and Riaan.
Alaia jumped 2,012 spots on the girls' side to number 664, from number 2,676 in 2014. Perhaps this can be attributed to high fashion designer Azzedine Alaia, or maybe it is because of Alaia Baldwin, the model/daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin.
Riaan increased 1,360 spots for the boys, from number 2,286 in 2014 to number 926. Of Indian origin, it is also the name of the young son of a well-known Bollywood actor, Riteish Deshmukh.
The second fastest riser for girls was Meilani. If you have ever watched MTV's "Jersey Shore," and maybe even if you haven't, you've heard of Jenni "JWoww" Farley. She gave birth to daughter Meilani in 2014. On a different American shore, out in Hawaii, is another well-known Meilani--Bethany Meilani Hamilton, the professional surfer whose story of surviving a shark attack was documented in the movie "Soul Surfer."
For boys, it was Huxley (a brave new comeback for the late science fiction writer?).
Some other notable names in the top 10 biggest increase category, and some possible reasons for their newfound popularity:
- Omari and Jabari for boys. Omari Hardwick is an actor, known for his roles in "Sparkle," "The A-Team," and BET Network's "Being Mary Jane." He currently stars in "Power," a popular cable TV series. Jabari Parker is a professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks. He was the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft out of Duke.
- Adaline and Zelda for girls. "The Age of Adaline" is a 2015 fantasy film starring Blake Lively, Harrison Ford, Michiel Huisman, and Ellen Burstyn. As for Zelda, maybe the legend continues to grow?
Please visit www.socialsecurity.gov to view the entire list.