Popular Baby Names for 2013

OK, 2013 is more than half way over but if you are expecting a little one this year (like some of my friends are) you probably want to know, what are the popular baby names?  Do you follow the pack or are you an individual?

When we were expecting my husband and I had some rules when it came to names.
1.  Easy to pronounce
2.  Not too popular or common (we didn't want 3-5 kids in their class with the same name)
3.  Nothing too trendy but still somewhat different
4. How will it translate into a nickname?
5. No strange spelling

Not too bad, right? But it was tough!

In the USA, top 5 girls' names are:
1. Sophia
2. Emma
3. Isabella
4. Olivia
5. Ava

 

So with girls, the very feminine and vowel names are still very popular.  I think we will start to see parents going in a different direction (I would) and opt for more gender neutral names like: Blair, Quinn, Lane, Wynne, Shae, Harper and Wren.

In the USA, top 5 boys' names are:
1. Jacob
2. Mason
3.Ethan
4. Noah
5. William


 
So with the boys' names, the main stays - David, John, Jack, Billy etc...will still be popular but we will start to see some old Hollywood  names for boys like: Monroe, Gable, Flynn and Brando and trend that I think might not last too long but it adds some sophistication to the usual.

These have been the top picks for a few years now, the order has changed somewhat but these have been very popular.

I think with the Royal baby's birth, we will likely see a rise in the name George.  It is a classic!

Want to know how popular your choice will be? There are some great sites like nametrends.net and babynamewizard.com

If you want to know how the name you have chosen will be received, my advice ask a stranger (like a cashier or a server at a restaurant) they will be honest and unbiased.  Family and friends will either try to sway or even pressure you into picking something else or they just won't be honest with you.

Also, if you have decided on a name, don't share it !  Especially with any other expecting parents, I know countless people who have had their name swiped.  I was a baby whose parents had the 'perfect name' picked and they told my aunt and uncle who were also expecting (just a few months before my arrival) and they stole the name!  My parents still talk about it whenever the topic of baby names arises, they still get hot under the collar about it and I'm 36 now!

Also think about how it will work with your last name especially if you have an usual last name.  My married name is very short and has a harsh sound to it and works better with longer first names. 

Also if you want a really unusual name or a very old fashioned name that you don't think is going to come back into style maybe keep it as a middle name - having Mildred or Flower for your first name could be a lot of carry with you as you come and grow in the world....