Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

"Twilight" Inspires Top Baby Names


By

Jaya Saxena

Published May 8, 2010

Modified May 8, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jaya Saxena

Published May 8, 2010

Modified May 8, 2010


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Because every parent wants their child to be named after an obsessive teenage girl, a buff werewolf of an overbearing, sparkly vampire, baby names inspired by the "Twilight" book series are continuing to rise in popularity, according to the Social Security Administration. Though "Isabella" and "Jacob" have been on the most popular since 2004, they became the 1st choices last year, beating out "Emma" and "Ethan." So apparently Edith Wharton and Jane Austen aren't best sellers amongst moms-to-be?

"Cullen," the last name of the vampire Isabella finds herself so hopelessly attracted to, saw the biggest boost in popularity last year, rising from 782nd to 485th place on the list. "Edward" has stayed around 140 for the past few years, but "Jasper" and "Emmett" the adopted brothers of Edward in the series, jumped about 200 spots each last year. In 2008, "Sophia" beat out "Isabella" for the most popular baby name in New York state, but the new state data released on May 14th will determine whether New York has come down with vampire fever like the rest of the country.

Tagged

cullen

edward

isabella

jacob

names

popular names

Twilight


Jaya Saxena

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says

Police said they're searching for a person of interest.

By

Ryan Kost

and

Elizabeth Kim

Published Oct 17, 2026 at 1:16 p.m. ET

Modified Oct 17, 2026 at 4:10 p.m. ET


Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home

Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.

By

Ryan Kost

News

Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home

Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.

By

Ryan Kost


Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.

By

Catalina Gonella

Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.

By

Willow Higgins

Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn

By

Rosemary Misdary


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .