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These were the most popular baby names in NYC last year, new data shows
By
Liam Quigley
Published Dec 27, 2024
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By
Liam Quigley
Published Dec 27, 2024
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Emma and Liam are statistically more likely to eventually run New York.
There were almost 100,000 babies born in New York City in 2023, according to data the New York City health department released on Friday. Of those babies, 743 were named Liam and 382 were named Emma.
The data largely echoes choices parents in the city made in 2022, when Liam and Emma also held the top spots. The names have reigned supreme in the city since 2016 and 2017, respectively, health officials said.
Nationally, Liam also held the top spot, while Emma was second to Olivia, according to federal data. Noah was in second place both nationally and in New York City.
There were some new names on the top 10 list for 2023. Sofia crawled its way back, while Isabella and Amelia — perennial top 10s — were more favored in 2023 than prior years.
For boys, David moved up to third place, ripping the title from Ethan, which fell to seventh place.
Michael, which bitterly held one of the top spots for a staggering 26 years, is also back on the leaderboard, in ninth place. It shares that rank with Muhammad, which made it to the top 10 for the first time ever.
Nearly 40,000 of the Big Apple babies entered the world in Manhattan. Brooklyn was in second place, with 22,297 new New Yorkers.
Children who share their names with geographic locations include 110 kids named Cairo, 133 named Phoenix, 109 named London and 116 named Brooklyn.
Some old-school names are also making a comeback, according to the birth certificate data. Fifteen kids were named Miriam and another 56 will grow up as Eleanors.
Other kids were named after elements of the natural world, including 45 Violets, 116 Sapphires, 78 Gemmas, and 100 Sages.
“Our youngest New Yorkers are what make our city so special,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said in a statement. “With your presence, our city is a more joyful, brighter place for the new year and beyond.”
You can see the complete list of top baby names in New York City here.
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Liam Quigley
Liam Quigley is a reporter covering parks & sanitation for Gothamist and WNYC. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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