The Most Popular Unique Baby Names in Every State
Like everything else, baby names go through trends. In the '70s and '80s, there were multiple Jennifers or Michaels in every class. The '90s and '00s brought Madisons and Masons. The '10s? Aidens and Sophias. While 2016 data from the Social Security Administration found that the top names across the country were Liam, Emma, Noah and Ava, there are more than a few unconventional names bubbling up, too.
Alaska: Anastasia and Leon
Perhaps parents fondly remember the 1997 movie "Anastasia" (or love the current Broadway adaptation). Well, this name can be traced back to the 4th century. Leon also goes way back, adapted from the Greek word for "lion" before becoming widely used in Europe from the Middle Ages-on.
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Alabama: Kadence and Cornelius
Kadence is an alternate spelling of Cadence, a name derived from the musical term. The "K" spelling won over parents like Tony Hawk, who gave the name to his daughter in 2008. Cornelius has roots in ancient Rome as a family name, then became widely used in England in the 16th century.
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Arkansas: Averie and Keagan
Another alternate spelling spiking in popularity is Averie (a take on "Avery"). In 2016, it rose to the #416 most popular name for girls, rising over 500 spots since 2004. Keagan is a more traditional name with Irish roots, meaning "a thinker."
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Arizona: Scarlette and Alvaro
Yep, another alternate spelling rises in popularity, perhaps as a response to just how popular the name Scarlett has become. Alvaro is a Spanish name with German roots that's, not surprisingly, more popular in Spain (where it's the #7 name for boys) than it is in the U.S.
California: Angela and Andy
Angela and Andy aren't unusual names: We can rattle off many celebrities and pop culture characters with these names. However, they're in that "old-fashioned but not old-timey" space that makes these names not as trendy as, say, Ava and Violet.
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Colorado: Jazlyn and Augustine
It's hard to trace the origins of Jazlyn, since it's just so new. Some have hypothesized that it's a new take on "Jocelyn" while others think it's a form of "Jasmine." Augustine isn't so difficult to research: It's derived from the Roman name Augustus and was the name of two saints.
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Connecticut: Giada and Nico
You may have a hunch that the popularity of Giada is perhaps inspired by the cheery Food Network star, you may not know that the name is the Italian form of "Jade." As for Nico, this short and sweet name is often considered a shortened version of the more-used Nicholas (and the less-used Nicodemus).
Delaware: Sydney and Shawn
Sydney is another version of Sidney, a traditionally male name until the '90s, when it made the jump for popular female names (usually with the "Sydney" spelling). Shawn is also a name that can go for both boys and girls, but is usually more popular for boys. This version is an alternate spelling of the traditional Irish name Sean and first became popular in the 1970s.
Florida: Antonella and Felipe
Antonella is an Italian name related to "Anthony" and "Antonius." Though a traditional name, it was virtually unheard of in the United States 50 years ago, with only 8 babies per million given this name. Felipe has always been a tad more popular, though it has steadily grown in usage since the '80s.
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Georgia: Ansley and Kyrie
Ansley is another version of the English name Ainsley, which referred to two towns: Annesley and Ansley. Kyrie can be traced back to Greek origins, though many might have been inspired to choose this name after the basketball star Kyrie Irving.
Hawaii: Kiana and Reign
Kiana is the lovely Hawaiian form of Diana, though it's also often used as the feminine form of the Irish name Kian. Reign is a dashing name that brings to mind kings and queens — and to some, perhaps, the son of Kourtney Kardashian.
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Iowa: Alyvia and Carver
For those who loved the name "Olivia" but bristled at its newfound popularity comes this spelling variation. Carver is a bit more straightforward, an English name that used to refer to wood carvers.
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Idaho: Jaylee and Mccoy
Jaylee is one of those names that are so new, they don't quite have a meaning yet. (Some have surmised that it's just another version of Kaylee, Caylee, Baylee, and other -lee names.) Mccoy is a bit older, with the first instances of this name recorded in 1871.
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Illinois: Milani and Niam
The origins of Milani are up for debate: It could be a form of the Italian city of Milan, or a version of Melanie. Niam has clearer roots as a Hindu name meaning "contribution of God."
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Indiana: Lincoln and Lyndon
Though we, of course, think of President Lincoln, this name has even older roots as the name of an English city. Though it's often used as a boys' name, it is growing in popularity for girls. Lyndon also is connected to President Lyndon B. Johnson, yet it again connects back to merry old England, meaning "linden tree hill."
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Kansas: Hayden and Dayton
Hayden can go for a boy or girl, perhaps inspired by Hayden Panettiere or Hayden Christensen. Though they're close in popularity for both boys and girls, it's slightly more popular for girls. Dayton might recall the city in Ohio, but experts attribute its success to the on-trend ending.
Kentucky: Raylynn and Memphis
Raylynn's another version of the popular Raelynn, which builds upon the English name Rae (itself a short form of Rachel). Memphis is another one of those trendy location-inspired names, but not just for the Tennessee city. Memphis was also the city and capital of ancient Egypt.
Louisiana: Jolie and Tahj
Whether inspired by Angelina or the always-flattering French translation ("pretty"), Jolie is winning over Louisiana parents. Tahj is a variation of Taj, a name perhaps chosen because of the majestic Taj Mahal.
Massachusetts: Eleni and Harry
Eleni is related to Elena, a Greek variation of Helen that's also popular in Greece. Harry isn't an unusual name, but is on here because it is perhaps not as on-trend as Liam (the top name in Louisiana). We, of course, immediately think of Prince Harry and Harry Connick, Jr.
Maryland: Drew and Damari
Drew isn't so unusual, even when used as a girl's name. After all, Drew Barrymore has been famous since her E.T. days. Damari is thought to have been a variation of the popular name Amari — another name that was traditionally used for boys but also has been given to girls.
Maine: Raegan and Alden
Raegan's a variation on Reagan, with experts attributing its popularity to the increasingly common use of "ae" (like in the names Navaeh and Janae). Alden is an English name that translated to "old," but has been given new life thanks to Alden Ehrenreich, the actor who will play Hans Solo in 2018's installment of the "Star Wars" saga.
Michigan: Layan and Ali
Layan is a lovely name of Arabic origin that means "soft, gentle." Ali also is Arabic in origin, and is often associated with the great late Muhammad Ali.
Minnesota: Ingrid and Imran
The Norse name Ingrid is one of the top 100 names in Sweden, and has been growing among United States parents who might want to pay homage to the glamorous Ingrid Bergman. Imran is the Arabic form of Amran, a name traditionally associated with the father of the Virgin Mary.
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Missouri: Letty and Brett
Letty is an adorably vintage name that's a derivative of Lettice — not as in "lettuce" but as in the Medieval form of Letitia. Brett is a common name for either gender, but tends to be used more often for boys (possibly inspired by Brett Favre).
Mississippi: Destinee and Kaiden
Destinee is another version of Destiny, a name that coincidentally hit its peak around the same time as Destiny's Child. Kaiden is another version of the popular Kaden, though this spelling might be spiking in popularity after Kaiden Alenko, a character in the game Mass Effect.
Montana: Finley and Sterling
Once a traditional "boy" name, there are now two female Finleys for every male of the same name. The sudden change might have been due to Angie Harmon and Lisa Marie Presley using the name for their daughters. Sterling was formerly a Scottish surname (derived from the city of Stirling) but also could be popular due to its traditional English meaning for "excellent."
North Carolina: Neriah and Juelz
Though there is little data explaining how this traditional Hebrew boys' name made the jump to the girls' list, some North Carolina parents are happily embracing Neriah for their daughters. Juelz is a variation of the French name Jules.
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North Dakota: Briella and Beckett
Parents who want something a little different than Gabriella (but still like the name) opt for the shortened version of their name of choice. Beckett is another pleasant "B" name, associated with playwright Samuel Beckett and a favorite in Hollywood.
Nebraska: Rory and Barrett
Rory might be the name of choice for those who loved "Gilmore Girls" and wanted to live a bit like Lorelai. Traditionally used for boys, it reached new heights in popularity on girls' lists in 2016. Barrett is a German name that translates to "bear strength," and might be a favorite of parents wishing to pay homage to wrestler Wade Barrett.
New Hampshire: Delaney and Brady
Delaney is most often an Irish surname, but works beautifully as a girl's name. Speaking of surnames, Brady is one associated with that fun 1970s TV family, but has grown as a first name for boys.
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New Jersey: Aadhya and Kiaan
Aadhya is a melodic Hindi name that translates to "original power" from Sanskrit. Kiann is also derived from Hindu, meaning "grace of God."
New Mexico: Estrella and Zachariah
Estrella is an out-of-this world name of Spanish origin that means "star." Zachariah is a version of the biblical name Zechariah, which referred to one of the kings of Israel.
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Nevada: Roselyn and Romeo
Roselyn is a vintage name that made a comeback after falling completely off the charts around 1954. The Italian name of Romeo is very well-known from the age-old Shakespearean love story, but came back into consciousness as a baby name back in 2002 after Victoria and David Beckham gave their son this romantic name.
New York: Rachel and Aron
Rachel isn't an entirely uncommon name, though we can't help but wonder if renewed interest in Friends is leading to its resurgence in popularity. Aron is another version of Aaron, the timeless Hebrew name.
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Ohio: Corinne and Clifford
There hasn't been a time when Corinne hasn't been popular, but trendier names have pushed it further down the list. (Especially thanks to the rise of Cora.) Clifford also has always hung around popular name lists, albeit further down during the heyday of Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Oklahoma: Spencer and Baker
Spencer is a great name for girls and boys, associated with Princess Diana (it was her maiden name) and classic film star Spencer Tracy. Though Kelsey Grammar used the name for his daughter in the 1980s, it's been slow to crack the top 1000 girl's names until this year. Baker is like Carver, a name once associated with an occupation and a surname that's gaining traction as a first name.
Oregon: Magnolia and Koda
We associate Magnolia not just with the beautiful flower, but with Joanna Gaines' lifestyle/decor shop in Waco. (We've watched way too much Fixer Upper.) Regardless of origin, this floral name is a nice change of pace from Violet and Daisy. Koda is a Japanese surname that occasionally rises in popularity — the last time was in 2004.
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Pennsylvania: Carmella and Leroy
Carmella is another version of Carmela, a name that still manages to inspire images of Tony Soprano's wife. Though Carmella/Carmela has Italian and Spanish roots, it actually is another form of the Hebrew name Carmel (which means "garden"). Leroy is another old-timey name that's been rediscovered. It's last surge in popularity was during the 1940s.
Rhode Island: Gia and Armani
Gia is the short version of Gianna, which is the short version of Giovanna, the feminine form of the classic Italian name Giovanni. All of these mean the same thing: "God's gift." (Gia was also chosen by Matt Damon for his daughter.) Armani is an Italian surname most associated with the designer Giorgio Armani and reflects a general trend in using brand names (like Chanel).
South Carolina: Charleston and Coleman
Charleston might be the most picturesque city in the state, so it's no surprise that parents might choose it for their baby. It is usually used for boys, but some parents are following the lead of Joey Lawrence and using it for their daughters. Coleman had been a popular name up until the '60s, but made a comeback. Some experts say the Coleman boom is because it's often a surname and that it's so easy to shorten into a nickname.
South Dakota: Berkley and Brooks
There isn't a ton of info on Berkley, as it's often used for boys as a different version of Barclay or Berkeley. Perhaps parents love this name for girls since it's a less common -ley ending name? For boys, Brooks could be another take on trendy Brooklyn or a repurposed surname.
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Tennessee: Briley and Deangelo
Briley is a version of the popular name Riley. Though on the whole, Briley has declined in popularity nationwide, it has a stronghold in Tennessee. Deangelo takes inspiration from Italy and can mean "son of Angelo" or "from the angels." Or it could be an homage to R&B star D'Angelo.
Texas: Arleth and Gael
Arleth is so new that there isn't a lot of information about this name, but it could've been borrowed from German culture (where it means "free man") or French culture (it's the diminutive of Charlotte). We'd bet it's the latter. Gael is not just a popular name in Texas, it's also trending in Wales, Brittany, and Spain. Actor Gael Garcia Bernal might have inspired more than a few of these name choices.
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Utah: Quincy and Beckham
Quincy is another traditionally-boy name that's starting to be used more frequently for girls, maybe as a quirkier alternative to Quinn. Beckham is likely inspired by the handsome soccer star David Beckham.
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Virginia: Soraya and Camren
Soraya is a name with Persian roots, often used as an alternative to names like Sarah, Zahara and Zara. Camren is an alternate spelling of the always-popular Cameron.
Vermont: Isla and August
Isla (which means "island") has been climbing the baby name charts for years, possibly inspired by the actress Isla Fisher or the Harry Potter character Isla Black Hitchens. August is a popular name in many cultures as a form of Augustus, Augustine or the French name Auguste.
Washington: Kristina and Bastian
Kristina is the Scandinavian version of Christina that last trended in the late '80s, though today more parents opt to use the full name rather than Kristy or Kris. Bastian is a shortened form of Sebastian and also is the name of a character in The Neverending Story.
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Wisconsin: Bernadette and Jordy
Last popular in the '40s, Bernadette has been rediscovered by Wisconsin parents. Whether the inspiration was Bernadette Peters or the character on The Big Bang Theory, it's a lovely name with a strong meaning: "Brave as a bear." Jordy is a shortened version of the name Jordan.
West Virginia: Paislee and Branson
Paislee is an alternate spelling of the very popular Paisley, a name that refers to a town in Scotland or the timeless pattern. Branson is also a "place" name that also means "son of the raven."
Wyoming: Aspen and Bridger
Yep, this "place" name trend isn't really going away. Aspen first became popular in the early '90s, but has been slowly climbing the charts much like skiiers reach the summit of the mountains in the famed ski resort town of the same name. Bridger means "lives near the bridge," but could also be a repurposed surname.
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