Alabama's most popular baby names in 2020

In the state of Alabama, the year 2020 saw a surge in popular baby names. Topping the list for baby girls were Ava, Olivia, and Emma, with each name holding a strong presence in the state's history and culture.

For baby boys, the top names were William, James, and John, reflecting a traditional and timeless approach to naming. These names have been popular in Alabama for generations, and their continued prevalence in 2020 showcases the enduring appeal of classic monikers. As a historian and expert on names, it is fascinating to see how certain names continue to hold significance and meaning in our society.

Most popular baby girl names in Alabama in 2020

According to the latest data from Alabama, the top 5 most popular baby girl names in 2020 are Ava, Olivia, Emma, Charlotte, and Harper. Ava is the most popular name with 256 babies being named Ava, followed by Olivia with 239, Emma with 225, Charlotte with 199, and Harper with 192. These names have been trending in popularity in recent years, and they continue to be popular choices among parents in Alabama. It is interesting to note that these names are classic and timeless, yet they also have a modern and trendy flair, making them appealing to a wide range of parents.

Ava

256 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Ava
The name Ava is of uncertain origin and meaning. It is believed to possibly be a variation of the name Eve or a shortened form of the name Aveline. Some sources suggest that it may also have Germanic roots and mean "desired" or "life" in Hebrew. However, the true meaning of the name Ava remains unknown.
Olivia

239 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Olivia
The name Olivia is of Latin origin and means "olive tree". It is a feminine name that has been popular in English-speaking countries since the 18th century. The olive tree is a symbol of peace and fertility, and the name Olivia has been associated with these qualities.
Emma

225 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Emma
The name Emma is of German origin and means "universal" or "whole". It is a popular name in many countries and has been used since medieval times. The name has been associated with strength, beauty, and intelligence.
Charlotte

199 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Charlotte
Charlotte is a female given name, a female form of the male name Charlot, a diminutive of Charles. It is of French origin meaning "free man" or "petite".
Harper

192 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Harper
Harper is a unisex name of English origin. Its meaning is "harp player" or "one who plays the harp". It was originally a surname but has gained popularity as a given name in recent years.
Amelia
191 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Amelia
The name Amelia is of Latin origin and means "work of the Lord" or "industrious".
Elizabeth
170 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my oath" or "my God is abundance". It is a name that has been popular for centuries and has been borne by many notable figures in history and literature.
Evelyn
155 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Evelyn
The name Evelyn is of English origin and is derived from the French name Aveline, which means "hazelnut". It is also believed to have roots in the Germanic name Avelina, which means "wished-for child" or "longed-for child". Overall, the name Evelyn is associated with sweetness, charm, and grace.
Paisley
146 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Paisley
The name Paisley is of Scottish origin and is derived from the name of a town in Scotland. The meaning of the name is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the Old British word "baslec," which means "basilica" or "church." It is also thought to be related to the word "pais," which means "servant" or "child." Overall, the exact meaning of the name Paisley is unknown.
Isabella
140 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Isabella
The name Isabella is of Italian and Spanish origin and means "God is my oath" or "devoted to God". It is a variant of the name Elizabeth.
Mary
135 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Mary
Mary is a feminine given name that has been used in various cultures and languages throughout history. The meaning and origin of the name are uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the Hebrew name Miriam, which means "bitter" or "rebellious". The name Mary is popular in Christian cultures due to its association with the mother of Jesus Christ.
Ella
133 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Ella
The name Ella is of German origin and means "all, completely; fairy maiden". It is a short form of the name Eleanor or Ellen.
Avery
126 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Avery
The name Avery is of English origin and has multiple meanings. It can mean "ruler of the elves" or "wise". It is a unisex name, meaning it can be given to both boys and girls.
Abigail
113 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Abigail
The name Abigail means "my father's joy" or "source of joy" in Hebrew.
Sophia
110 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Sophia
The name Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek.
Layla
106 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Layla
The name Layla means "night" or "dark beauty."
Mia
106 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Mia
The name Mia is of Scandinavian and Italian origin. It is derived from the Scandinavian name Maja, which means "bitter" or "sea of bitterness". In Italian, Mia means "mine" or "my".
Anna
105 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Anna
The name Anna is of Hebrew origin and means "grace" or "favor". It is a simple and classic name that has been popular for centuries.
Caroline
103 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Caroline
Caroline is a feminine given name that has been derived from the masculine name Carolus, which is a Latinized form of Charles. The name Caroline means "free woman" or "song of happiness".
Madison
102 baby girls born in Alabama (2020) named Madison
The name Madison is of English origin and has two possible meanings. One interpretation is that it means "son of Matthew," while another suggests it means "gift of God." It became a popular name for girls in the 1980s and 1990s, likely due to its association with the character Madison in the movie "Splash."

Most popular baby boy names in Alabama in 2020

Based on the data for 2020, the most popular baby boy names in Alabama are William, James, John, Elijah, and Noah. William is the most popular name with 366 babies given that name, followed by James with 304 babies, John with 267 babies, Elijah with 254 babies, and Noah with 243 babies. These names have been popular for many years and have a strong historical significance, as they are often associated with biblical figures and historical figures. It is interesting to note that these names have remained popular over time and continue to be a popular choice for parents in Alabama.

William

366 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named William
The name William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
James

304 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
John

267 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named John
The name John is of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious". It is a very common name and has been used for centuries. People with this name are often known for their kindness and generosity.
Elijah

254 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Elijah
The name Elijah is of Hebrew origin and means "my God is Yahweh". It is a biblical name and is associated with the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament.
Noah

243 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Noah
The name Noah is of Hebrew origin and means "rest" or "comfort". It is famously associated with the biblical character who built an ark to save his family and animals from a great flood.
Liam
207 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Liam
The name Liam is of Irish origin and is a shortened form of the name Uilliam, which is the Irish version of the name William. The name Liam means "strong-willed warrior" or "protector".
Mason
187 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Mason
The name Mason is of English origin and means "worker in stone". It is often associated with the occupation of stonemasonry and is a popular surname that has been used as a first name since the 19th century. The name has a strong and masculine sound to it and is often chosen for boys.
Oliver
183 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Oliver
Oliver is a name of English origin, derived from the Old French name Olivier. The name is believed to mean "olive tree" or "olive branch". It has been a popular name in England since the Middle Ages and has gained popularity in other English-speaking countries over time.
Henry
173 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Henry
The name Henry means "ruler of the household" or "estate ruler". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name for centuries.
Jackson
166 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Jackson
The name Jackson is of English origin and means "son of Jack". It is a common surname that has been used as a first name since the 19th century.
Samuel
162 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Samuel
The name Samuel means "heard by God" or "asked of God". It is of Hebrew origin and is a biblical name. Samuel was a prophet and judge in the Old Testament of the Bible.
Jaxon
160 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Jaxon
The name Jaxon is a modern variant of the name Jackson, which means "son of Jack". It is a combination of the name Jack, which is a diminutive of John, and the suffix "-son", which means "son of". Therefore, the name Jaxon can be interpreted to mean "son of John" or "son of Jack".
Asher
157 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Asher
The name Asher is of Hebrew origin and means "happy" or "blessed". It is also associated with the idea of good fortune and prosperity.
Grayson
156 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Grayson
Grayson is a name of English origin and means "son of the steward" or "son of the grey-haired one".
Levi
153 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Levi
The name Levi is of Hebrew origin and means "joined" or "attached". It is also associated with the biblical figure Levi, one of the 12 sons of Jacob and the patriarch of the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel.
Michael
146 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Michael
The name Michael means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew. It is a biblical name that is often associated with the archangel Michael, who is considered to be a protector and warrior in many religious traditions. The name has been popular throughout history and is still commonly used today.
Carter
145 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Carter
The name Carter is of English origin and means "one who transports goods by cart". It is a surname that has been used as a given name since the 19th century. It is a popular name for boys in the United States.
Benjamin
134 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Benjamin
The name Benjamin means "son of the right hand" or "favored son" in Hebrew.
Charles
133 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Charles
The name Charles means "free man" or "strong man" and is of Germanic origin. It was a popular name among European royalty and has been commonly used throughout history.
Wyatt
131 baby boys born in Alabama (2020) named Wyatt
The name Wyatt is of English origin and means "brave in war".