Most parents probably set out to choose the perfect name for their child. Sources of inspiration are endless and range from classic movies and unique names to anything that simply sounds beautiful.
One place to start the search for the right name is the Social Security Administration, which has been keeping track of names given to every child born in the U.S. every year since 1880.
To identify the 21st century’s most popular baby girl names in each state, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the top 1,000 girl names from the Social Security Administration for each state and for each year from 2001 to 2019.
Baby girls born between 2001 and 2019 had a good chance of being named Emma. As of 2019, this has been the century’s most popular name in 32 states – from Alaska and Hawaii to Maine and New Hampshire. Isabella is second for being the most popular since 2001 in seven states.
Emma was among the most popular names in the U.S. as early as the 1880s, when the SSA started keeping records. It slowly declined in popularity and did not even rank among the 200 most popular names after the 1920s. The name made a grand re-entrance in the 1990s, quickly increasing in popularity again. Emma was the third most popular name of the 2000s. It has been in the top three every year since 2003.
Isabella made its debut among the most popular names in the 1990s. Before then, the name was more popular under the Isabel or Isabelle variations.
Parents try to choose what they consider the best name for their child. And in some cases, that means a unique name instead of a popular one — these are the 30 most uncommon baby names of the last 100 years.
To identify the 21st century’s most popular girl names in each state, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the top 1,000 girl names from the Social Security Administration for each state and for each year from 2001 to 2019. The SSA has been tracking the most popular names each year beginning in 1880. The dataset includes 25,578,836 female births between 2001 and 2019, the latest year for which data is available.
Alabama
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.57%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 5,799 (out of 370,234)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 407 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Alaska
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 2.06%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 910 (out of 44,274)
> Most popular in: 2004 with 62 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Arizona
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Isabella
> Pct. of girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 1.25%
> Girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 7,741 (out of 617,981)
> Most popular in: 2010 with 556 baby girls named Isabella
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which is a form of Elizabeth.
Arkansas
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.57%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 3,479 (out of 221,414)
> Most popular in: 2007 with 223 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
California
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Isabella
> Pct. of girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 1.19%
> Girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 48,442 (out of 4,065,903)
> Most popular in: 2010 with 3,370 baby girls named Isabella
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which is a form of Elizabeth.
Colorado
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.24%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 5,585 (out of 449,350)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 357 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Connecticut
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Olivia
> Pct. of girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 1.87%
> Girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 4,586 (out of 245,077)
> Most popular in: 2004 with 303 baby girls named Olivia
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Latin origin, derived from the word “oliva,” meaning “olive tree.”
Delaware
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Olivia
> Pct. of girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 1.95%
> Girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 1,043 (out of 53,352)
> Most popular in: 2008 with 69 baby girls named Olivia
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Latin origin, derived from the word “oliva,” meaning “olive tree.”
Florida
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Isabella
> Pct. of girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 1.64%
> Girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 25,892 (out of 1,578,294)
> Most popular in: 2010 with 1,837 baby girls named Isabella
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which is a form of Elizabeth.
Georgia
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Madison
> Pct. of girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 1.17%
> Girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 10,929 (out of 932,630)
> Most popular in: 2001 with 817 baby girls named Madison
> Meaning and origin: The name is of English origin, meaning “good” or “child of Maud.” It was first popular as a last name.
Hawaii
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.61%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1,007 (out of 62,621)
> Most popular in: 2017 with 73 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Idaho
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.86%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 2,285 (out of 123,111)
> Most popular in: 2006 with 151 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Illinois
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Olivia
> Pct. of girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 1.28%
> Girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 15,107 (out of 1,180,676)
> Most popular in: 2014 with 905 baby girls named Olivia
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Latin origin, derived from the word “oliva,” meaning “olive tree.”
Indiana
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.56%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 9,250 (out of 592,483)
> Most popular in: 2004 with 674 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Iowa
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.85%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 4,601 (out of 248,621)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 384 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Kansas
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.63%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 4,059 (out of 249,275)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 280 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Kentucky
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.67%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 5,996 (out of 359,249)
> Most popular in: 2005 with 389 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Louisiana
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Madison
> Pct. of girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 1.37%
> Girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 5,283 (out of 384,670)
> Most popular in: 2002 with 520 baby girls named Madison
> Meaning and origin: The name is of English origin, meaning “good” or “child of Maud.” It was first popular as a last name.
Maine
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 2.47%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1,835 (out of 74,194)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 146 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Maryland
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Madison
> Pct. of girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 1.22%
> Girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 5,581 (out of 459,117)
> Most popular in: 2004 with 431 baby girls named Madison
> Meaning and origin: The name is of English origin, meaning “good” or “child of Maud.” It was first popular as a last name.
Massachusetts
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Olivia
> Pct. of girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 1.73%
> Girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 8,866 (out of 511,924)
> Most popular in: 2002 with 594 baby girls named Olivia
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Latin origin, derived from the word “oliva,” meaning “olive tree.”
Michigan
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.42%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 11,872 (out of 835,174)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 895 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Minnesota
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.51%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 7,147 (out of 472,840)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 617 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Mississippi
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Madison
> Pct. of girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 1.70%
> Girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 3,679 (out of 216,308)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 303 baby girls named Madison
> Meaning and origin: The name is of English origin, meaning “good” or “child of Maud.” It was first popular as a last name.
Missouri
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.58%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 8,319 (out of 525,752)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 635 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Montana
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 2.18%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1,174 (out of 53,883)
> Most popular in: 2013 with 84 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Nebraska
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.76%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 2,689 (out of 152,690)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 207 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Nevada
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Isabella
> Pct. of girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 1.46%
> Girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 3,042 (out of 208,017)
> Most popular in: 2009 with 242 baby girls named Isabella
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which is a form of Elizabeth.
New Hampshire
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 2.42%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1,860 (out of 76,956)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 152 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
New Jersey
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Isabella
> Pct. of girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 1.47%
> Girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 10,727 (out of 731,187)
> Most popular in: 2010 with 749 baby girls named Isabella
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which is a form of Elizabeth.
New Mexico
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Isabella
> Pct. of girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 1.47%
> Girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 2,052 (out of 139,719)
> Most popular in: 2009 with 161 baby girls named Isabella
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which is a form of Elizabeth.
New York
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Isabella
> Pct. of girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 1.23%
> Girls named Isabella, 2001-2019: 21,831 (out of 1,770,337)
> Most popular in: 2010 with 1,524 baby girls named Isabella
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, which is a form of Elizabeth.
North Carolina
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.33%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 11,439 (out of 858,330)
> Most popular in: 2004 with 725 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
North Dakota
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 2.31%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1,222 (out of 52,934)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 93 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Ohio
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.49%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 15,367 (out of 1,032,569)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 1,179 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Oklahoma
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.49%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 4,708 (out of 316,128)
> Most popular in: 2008 with 289 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Oregon
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.55%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 4,546 (out of 293,163)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 290 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Pennsylvania
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.50%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 15,298 (out of 1,017,414)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 1,014 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Rhode Island
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Olivia
> Pct. of girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 2.37%
> Girls named Olivia, 2001-2019: 1,458 (out of 61,422)
> Most popular in: 2005 with 97 baby girls named Olivia
> Meaning and origin: The name is of Latin origin, derived from the word “oliva,” meaning “olive tree.”
South Carolina
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Madison
> Pct. of girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 1.49%
> Girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 5,034 (out of 337,552)
> Most popular in: 2006 with 391 baby girls named Madison
> Meaning and origin: The name is of English origin, meaning “good” or “child of Maud.” It was first popular as a last name.
South Dakota
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 2.01%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1,175 (out of 58,470)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 88 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Tennessee
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.54%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 8,971 (out of 581,785)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 601 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Texas
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.04%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 31,964 (out of 3,068,345)
> Most popular in: 2017 with 2,308 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Utah
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.49%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 5,097 (out of 342,587)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 391 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Vermont
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 3.15%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 806 (out of 25,603)
> Most popular in: 2004 with 72 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Virginia
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.29%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 8,929 (out of 694,210)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 614 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Washington
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.39%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 8,010 (out of 575,944)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 555 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
West Virginia
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Madison
> Pct. of girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 2.00%
> Girls named Madison, 2001-2019: 2,494 (out of 124,936)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 243 baby girls named Madison
> Meaning and origin: The name is of English origin, meaning “good” or “child of Maud.” It was first popular as a last name.
Wisconsin
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 1.58%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 7,155 (out of 453,241)
> Most popular in: 2003 with 563 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”
Wyoming
> Most popular girl’s name, 2001-2019: Emma
> Pct. of girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 2.60%
> Girls named Emma, 2001-2019: 600 (out of 23,067)
> Most popular in: 2011 with 43 baby girls named Emma
> Meaning and origin: Derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning “whole” or “universal.”