Here we are again, predicting some popularity for Part 3 of the Thanksgiving ABCs of popular names series! To sum up this series once more, we’re reviewing and possibly predicting future popularity for the most popular names for each letter of the alphabet. The difference in popularity for each letter can also approach popularity from a sound standpoint, giving us a wonderful understanding of which sounds and initials are in and which are out. I hope you’ve been enjoying this series so far, and if you’re new here, have checked out my other two parts of this four part series. Now, at last, let’s begin with N-Z girl names!
Nora- A cute and traditional moniker, Nora has begun to shift into the next big modern classic thanks to the revival of vintage Eleanor. Nora exudes the same familiarity and class as Emma or Claire, but her slight vintage twist still remains unlike more acclimated modern classics that have adapted more to become tied to contemporary associations. Nora is an Irish name that means “light,” a wonderful and optimistic choice for these trying times, and for that very reason I think that parents will adore her and continue to use her, raising her from her current rank of #29.
Olivia- A pretty Latin name that adds a dramatic Shakespearean tweak to the highly demanded Oliv- sound, Olivia is a worldwide sensation at #1 in the US, Scotland, and England too, and ranks in the top ten in 5 countries not including those that she takes the crown for. Olivia is one adored baby name, and with a fluid Latin sound, nicknames Ollie and Livvy, and the peaceful meaning “Olive tree,” in addition to the clear preference for vowel initials in girl names, it’s not hard to determine why parents find themselves swooning over this stunner. In the most current data, Olivia snatched the crown from Emma, which shocked me due to the esteemed ruler’s five year dynasty, but I would guess that Olivia might stay at #1, following in the footsteps of her European popularity.
Penelope- This Greek modern adaptation of 80s favorite Stephanie is undeniably adorable with her variety of cute nicknames and vintage short forms, some of which include Lola, Penny, Nellie, and Poppy. As many names have, Penelope endured significant celebaby use before she was launched from the 900s to the top 50, the most notable and likely most influential being Kourtney Kardashian’s little girl, Penelope Disick, and now the name has leaped to #22. Penelope has climbed father and farther up, without taking any dips along the way, which could suggest that she will continue to explore the upper regions of the 20s or even crack the top 20 next year.
Quinn- A once unisex name that has migrated to the girls, Quinn is spunky with a little sass and has a unique sound thanks to her very distinct initial. Quinn is an Irish name that comes from the also Irish surname O Cuinn, and means “descendant of Conn,” a fun and almost oddly personal meaning for a daughter to Connor. She currently sits at #83, a name promising to become the next Rylee/Riley/Ryleigh or Peyton sensation, and I doubt that her popularity will drop anytime soon, as I can see parents eagerly promoting her to one of the most popular ‘mostly girl, but some boy’ names because of her lively sound.
Riley- Riley is a combination of our adoration for the masculine Ry- sound of Ryan and the feminine -ley ending of Emily and Kaylee, making the name sound appropriate for both genders. However, Riley earns the most popular name for the initial R for the girls, as the Ry- sound is typically thought of as more masculine and therefore less girl names start with Ry- or R in general. This Irish name has been descending since 2016, which is no surprise given her high popularity in the past, and will likely soon be replaced by Finley or another traditionally masculine name that blends a boyish first syllable with a more feminine second.
Sophia- A soft and delicate name that carries elements of the bright and spunky Sophie but offers a more dramatic and feminine full form, Sophia is a win-win for many families, and that’s not considering the potential of Sofia for a multicultural family who wants to have a name that is familiar to both sides of the family. Sophia is derived from a word in Greek, sophia, which means “wisdom,” a terrific and primarily positive meaning for most families who want an empowering and meaningful name for their daughter. Sophia actually won over the whole country, as she earned the #1 crown for 3 years, from 2011 to 2013, and has fallen and risen in an awkward pattern since, so I’m not quite sure where she might go next.
Taylor- Playful and cheery, this occupational surname has captivated parents for both their daughters and their sons, but the girl Taylor earns the top T name award, despite the initial T being startlingly rare for girls. This name literally means “tailor,” as it’s simply an attractive respelling of the word tailor, and is a name that fits well with 2000s and 90s favorites Madison and Morgan, being a top ten name in the 90s which unfortunately lends itself to feeling dated. For this very reason, I would say that Taylor won’t climb past her current spot of #134 in 2020, and will likely disappear within the next few decades.
Unique- Unsurprisingly, U isn’t an initial that parents typically go for, hence the lack of U names in the top 1000 (zero, to be specific, U all really need to use more U names), so I had to do a little digging to find out that the most popular U name for girls is Unique (the irony, oh the irony!) 107 little baby girls were given this name in 2019 alone, but the name has actually seen more impressive numbers in the past, at #789 in 1996 in the top 1000. Since Unique had a small stint in the 90s and her numbers have been dropping ever since, I’m suspecting that Unique will never again, at least for the next 80 years or so, see the top 1000.
Victoria- Frilly and regal, Victoria feels poised and graceful for a little girl, and shockingly well-loved as well. Victoria is the feminine variation of the name Victor, which is a Latin name, and as a result means “victory,” a lovely and confident meaning to instill in any baby, particularly because of the thought of the British Queen Victoria, a regal and diplomatic figure that brings an element of grace to the name. Victoria currently ranks at #25, and has actually fallen in recent years, namely 4, so I believe that she will continue to drop, as she doesn’t align with very many trends of today.
Willow- Influenced by the nature name craze, celebaby mania, and the boy names ending in -o soaring alongside Harlow and Marlow, Willow feels like a blend of forty different trends, and brings along all of the spelling and pronunciation conveniences of a word name to the table as well. Powerful yet serene, Willow suits a variety of personalities and can translate well into adulthood in addition to her touching and thoroughly botanical meaning “willow tree.” Willow has just begun her long uphill climb to the top, fascinating parents and becoming the name of more and more baby girls, and I know she won’t stop now, maybe even hitting the top 20 in a few years, although it is a sizeable leap from her current spot of #46.
Ximena- An international choice that is growing in popularity in Hispanic and Latino communities, Ximena’s exotic and different appearance and frilly -mena ending are sure to push her far. Ximena is a feminine form of the Spanish male name Ximeno, and therefore means “son,” which may or may not be an appropriate meaning for a daughter if significant and accurate meaning matters to you. Ximena, pronounced hey-may-nuh, currently stands at #128, a sound sister to Helena and surprisingly popular for how unfamiliar many people are with the name, so I would predict that Ximena will rise in popularity as more families embrace their heritage in their baby naming.
Yaretzi- Yaretzi is an unusual and beautiful name stemming from the Aztec language that has an appealing sound, as she’s pronounced yuh-ret-zee, accompanied by the most lovely meaning I think I’ve ever heard. This name means “you will always be loved,” an endearing first gift to give your baby girl and a sweet promise. Yaretzi actually peaked at #302 in 2012, making her a sort of dated name in theory, despite the fact that some people have never heard of her before, which makes it impossible for her to be perceived as dated by the masses, so I’m very torn on this one, but will have to go with her continuing to drop.
Zoey- Although the brutal battle between Zoe and Zoey persists, with the two just a mere 7 spots apart, Zoey with an extra -y prevails, the more anglicized version. Zoe is the original name, which is Greek and fits with Daphne and Aphrodite, while Zoey makes more grammatical sense to Americans and English speaking countries, but both names mean “life,” which is hopeful and sweet. Zoey was most popular in 2012, when she appeared in the top 20 for the first and so far last time, so I can’t help but suspect that she’s a little too far past her prime and will slowly recede in use.
Sincerely,
~Delphina Moon
Any other potential series ideas? What are your favorite names from this list? I’d be happy to hear them! Submit my form to get your ideas on Coming Up.