Most popular baby names of 2026 revealed, according to new data

Published October 21, 2026 11:24 AM MST

The top baby names are in, with BabyCenter’s latest annual report revealing the most popular baby names of 2026.

The report, published Tuesday, draws on data from more than 350,000 babies born in 2026 to parents registered on the BabyCenter app. 

Most popular baby names of 2026

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According to the data, Olivia retained her position as the most popular girls’ name, while Noah continued to lead the boys’ rankings. 

Eliana’s rise was one of the most notable shifts among girls. After debuting last year at No. 7, it jumped 5 spots this year, to No. 2.

Other girls’ names gaining ground included Elsie, which climbed 23 spots; Evangeline, up 50; Elodie, up 87; Elaine, up 143; and Esme, up 222.

Olivia retained the top spot for girls, while Noah remained the most popular boys’ name in BabyCenter’s 2026 rankings. (Credit: Getty Images)

Magnolia was the only new addition to the girls’ top 100 in 2026. On the boys’ side, Stetson, Archer, Milo and Dean entered the top 100. Dean’s return was particularly notable, as the name last enjoyed its peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.

Elias entered the boys’ top 10 for the first time at No. 7, while Leo returned to the top 10 after dropping out last year.

Some longtime favorites lost ground. Leah fell 22 places and Brooklyn dropped 29 spots among girls’ names. Christian declined 31 places and Ryan fell 64 spots among boys’ names, taking them out of the top 100.

Most popular baby names of 2026

See the full report here.

Most popular baby names last year

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The new name findings similarly mirror the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) findings released in May.

RELATED: Most popular baby names in US revealed: See the list

According to the data, Olivia and Liam were America's most popular baby names for 2025 – the seventh consecutive year both names held the top spot. 

The baby names were drawn from Social Security card applications submitted at birth.

The Source: The information for this story was provided by BabyCenter’s proprietary name data, sourced from more than 350,000 babies born in 2026 to parents registered on the BabyCenter app. Because names are submitted in real time, BabyCenter is able to spot emerging trends before the Social Security Administration releases its annual list. This story was reported from Los Angeles. Previous FOX Local reporting contributed.

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