BabyCenter released its 2026 baby name rankings, offering an early look at naming trends before official Social Security Administration data arrives. The Social Security Administration's official list, based on actual birth certificates, typically publishes months into the new year.
Olivia topped the girls' chart and Noah led the boys' chart for 2026. Olivia held the #1 spot for girls in 2025 as well, while Noah ranked #2 for boys that year.
Five names debuted in BabyCenter's top 100 this year: Magnolia, Milo, Dean, Archer, and Stetson. Evelyn rejoined the top 10 after falling off in 2024.
Long names are gaining ground. According to BabyCenter's report, 29% of the top girl names and 31% of the top boy names have seven or more letters. Just 21% have four letters or fewer. The trend may reflect parents choosing names that work on adult resumes while offering cute nickname options for children.
The letter E leads for girls, appearing as the first initial in 15% of BabyCenter's top 100 girl names. The letter J ranks highest for boys at 14%.
Western-inspired names continued climbing. BabyCenter noted big jumps for Stetson, Wilder, Callahan, Sadie, and Sutton. Names containing X also saw heavy use this year, according to BabyCenter's Steph Coffield.
Greek mythology names are rising. Odysseus jumped 1,456 spots on BabyCenter's charts, likely due to the recent movie. Atlas, Ares, Evander, Daphne, and Gaia are also climbing the rankings.