New York City’s Most Popular Baby Names in 2024: A Changing Landscape
In a surprising shift from recent years, the New York City Health Department has revealed that Noah and Mia have claimed the top spots as the most popular baby names across the five boroughs in 2024. This marks a significant change in the city’s naming trends, as Liam and Emma—which had dominated the number one positions since 2016 and 2017 respectively—were unexpectedly displaced to second place. Among the 65,222 babies born in the Big Apple last year, parents chose the name Noah 722 times and Mia 422 times, signaling new preferences among New York families. Completing the top three were Sophia and Ethan, while David and Leah secured fourth place, and Lucas and Isabella rounded out the fifth position in this annual naming showcase that reflects the city’s evolving identity.
The appearance of Muhammad in the tenth position for boys’ names represents a continuing trend, as this name barely made the list for the second consecutive year. This development is particularly interesting when considering Muhammad’s status as the most common name for baby boys in England and Wales in 2023, suggesting a growing international influence on New York City’s naming practices. On the girls’ side, Esther claimed the tenth spot, exemplifying a broader resurgence of vintage names that experts attribute to their nostalgic appeal. As naming consultant Colleen Slagen observed, “I think vintage names evoke a sense of nostalgia. I get a lot of clients who pull out their family tree, looking to grandparents and great-grandparents for name inspiration… Nursing homes and graveyards would be great sources of name inspiration.” This connection to the past seems to resonate with modern parents seeking meaningful names with historical roots.
Another significant trend identified by the Health Department was the increasing popularity of gender-neutral names. Options like Angel, Riley, Cameron, Charlie, Jordyn, Jordan, Amari, Remy, and Remi appeared frequently among New York City newborns in 2024, reflecting broader societal shifts toward greater gender fluidity and less rigid naming conventions. This trend aligns with changing perspectives on gender expression and indicates that many New York parents are embracing more flexible approaches to naming their children. The rise of these gender-neutral options adds another dimension to the city’s already diverse naming landscape, further illustrating how personal naming choices often mirror larger cultural movements and evolving social attitudes.
The annual baby name list serves as more than just a curiosity—it offers a window into the cultural makeup and values of New York City. As Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse noted, “Every year, our list of the most popular baby names serves as a reminder of who we are as a city and who the next generation of New Yorkers will be.” This sentiment highlights how naming trends can function as cultural indicators, reflecting both current influences and aspirations for the future. The diverse mix of traditional, modern, international, and vintage names that populate the 2024 list showcases New York’s characteristic blend of cultural traditions and forward-thinking attitudes, painting a portrait of a city that honors its multicultural heritage while embracing change.
For those interested in the complete rankings, the Health Department’s 2024 list reveals that after the top names of Noah and Mia, the full top ten for girls continued with Emma, Sophia, Leah, Isabella, Zoe, Olivia, Chloe, Sofia, and Esther. For boys, the complete list following Noah included Liam, Ethan, David, Lucas, Jacob, Joseph, Aiden, Dylan, and Muhammad. These names represent a fascinating mix of biblical influences (Noah, Ethan, David, Jacob, Joseph, Esther), classic European names (Emma, Sophia, Isabella, Olivia), and international contributions (Muhammad), creating a tapestry that reflects New York’s position as a global crossroads where different cultural naming traditions converge and intermingle with contemporary American preferences.
As Dr. Morse concluded in her statement about the 2024 baby name announcement, “We love to see so many little New Yorkers bringing hope and joy into the city. As we enter the new year, we recommit ourselves to creating a New York City where our children can live long, healthy lives.” This sentiment underscores how these names represent not just labels but real children who embody the future of the city. Each Noah, Mia, Liam, and Emma will grow up shaped by their New York experience, contributing to the next chapter of the city’s ongoing story. The naming patterns of today offer a glimpse into tomorrow’s New York—one that continues to evolve while maintaining its distinctive character as one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse urban centers.
