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Here are last year's top baby names in New York City
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Dec 26, 2023
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Noam Galai/Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Dec 26, 2023
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Emma. Mia. Liam. Noah. Among the nearly 100,000 babies born in New York City in 2022, these names reigned supreme, according to a report released by the city health department on Tuesday.
A good chunk of the names that made this year’s list are repeats, like the top names: 388 Emmas and 739 Liams were born in the city in 2022, according to the health department. Officials also noted that Sophia, the fourth-most popular name, and Sofia, which was bumped off the top 10 in 2022's list, would take the top spot if they were counted as a single name.
But that doesn’t mean there weren’t any surprises – or hints of trends to come. Health officials noted an uptick in names relating to nature – think Luna, Iris or Sage – and those relating to royalty – like Princess, Majesty and even Khaleesi, which references a popular “Game of Thrones” character. Many names also reflected aspirations and good qualities, such as Serenity, Maverick and Artist.
“The [names] are a real reflection of what’s going on for people in the most fundamental way when it comes to birth,” said Gretchen Van Wye, assistant commissioner of the city’s Bureau of Vital Statistics. “We are seeing what parents are thinking.”
“We put this out every year because people ask us for it and they really enjoy it,” Van Wye said. “Babies – our newest New Yorkers – bring a lot of excitement and hope for us, especially at this time of year.”
There were 99,459 recorded births in 2022, and nearly 40% of them – 39,320 – took place in Manhattan. Every time a baby is born in one of the five boroughs, the presiding doctor, nurse or midwife reports the data to the city’s birth records. This data is then used to compile a list of the most popular baby names each year.
The full list of the most popular baby names can be found here.
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new york city
Health and Science
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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