While this year brought a big shakeup at the top of the boys' charts, the more interesting story is what names are rising fast on the charts—and what's tanking. The fastest risers may give an indication of the latest trends (or a pop culture phenomenon at work).
Top risers for girls include Daleyza (up a whopping 3130 spots), a name invented by reality star Larry Hernandez of Larrymania; Marjorie (up 735 places), which may be riding on the coattails of Game of Thrones' version of Princess Di, Margaery; Lennon, the former Beatles' surname gone girls' name; and the celeb favorite Everly/Everleigh—both spellings were among the top risers for girls. Two of my favorites among the girls' high-riser lists are Freya, the Scandinavian goddess, and Mabel, Bruce Willis' pick for his nearly two-year-old.
On the boys' hot list is Jayceon (up 845 spots), a creative spelling of standby Jason; place name Milan (up 650), picked by Shakira for her son; mythological name Atlas (up 614); and the other Jason/Jay "creative" alternative, Jayse.
Among my favorites on the boys' high rise list, you'll find a pair of title names, Duke and Deacon, and the Scandinavian royal name Magnus, a favorite of celebrities and a literally great name.
And of course, what goes up must come down! The boys' name biggest losers were all creative spellings of popular names: Austyn, Masen, Trevon, Jaidyn and Bently. (Unfortunately for those who hate creative spellings, there were plenty of oddly spelled names among the up-and-comers, too.) The girls' name losers were a mixed bag: Litzy, a Mexican nickname popularized by a pop songstress, old-lady name Geraldine, plus Marisa, Taraji and Adley.
You can view the whole list of movers and shakers on the Social Security Administration site. Tell me: What is your favorite on these lists? And where do you stand on the whole creative spelling thing?
Keep watching this blog for more updates on the baby name list (you can like me on Facebook to ensure you're always in the know)! And if you're still looking for the perfect baby name, check out our baby name finder!
