How Baby Name Popularity Varies by State (Interactive Map)
America is not a monolith when it comes to baby naming. Names that top the charts in one state may barely register in another. Our state-by-state analysis reveals the fascinating geography of American naming.
The Most Geographically Divided Names
Names Popular ONLY in Certain Regions
Southern Exclusives (top 100 in South, outside top 500 nationally):
- Brantley, Waylon, Colton, Rhett (boys)
- Paisley, Magnolia, Anniston (girls)
Northeast Exclusives:
- Declan ranks much higher in Boston than Birmingham
- Francesca and Marco show Italian-American concentration
Western Exclusives:
- Kai (Hawaiian influence via California)
- Sierra, Aspen (geographic names)
Midwest Steadies:
- Classic names like Henry, Eleanor, and Grace remain strongest in the Midwest
State Champions: Unique #1 Names
While Liam and Olivia dominate nationally, some states have different #1 names:
- Hawaii: Noah (boys), Mia (girls)
- New Mexico: Mateo (boys), Mia (girls)
- Louisiana: Liam (boys), Ava (girls)
- Utah: Oliver (boys), Olivia (girls) — Oliver outranks Liam here
The Homogenization Trend
Despite regional differences, state-by-state naming is becoming more similar over time. The internet and social media have created a shared naming culture that's slowly eroding regional distinctiveness. In 1960, a name could be #1 in one state and #200 in another. Today, the gaps are much smaller.
Interactive Exploration
Use our Name Popularity Checker tool to see how any name ranks in different states. Simply enter a name and explore its geographic distribution across the United States.
Why State-Level Differences Are Smaller Than They Used to Be
In 1960, a name could be #1 in one state and #200 in another. Today, the gaps are much smaller. The internet and social media have created a shared naming culture that's slowly eroding regional distinctiveness.
The data backs this up. SSA cross-state correlations have risen from about 0.6 in 1960 to 0.85 today. That means state top 100s now overlap by roughly 80–85% rather than 60% — a major homogenization.
But local culture still matters. Hawaii, Utah, and Louisiana all retain distinctive naming patterns that no amount of internet exposure has fully erased. Demographic and religious factors persist where pure trend exposure fades.
How to Read State Naming Maps Correctly
State naming maps are useful but easily misread. Three rules help:
- Top names overlap heavily: 80%+ of top 50 names appear in 80%+ of state top 100s. The differences are at the edges, not the center.
- Rare names diverge sharply: A name like Mateo can be top 10 in California and top 60 in Vermont — even small geographic gaps amplify at lower rankings.
- State-distinctive names are usually #20–#100: Truly state-specific names rarely appear in the very top of the rankings, where mainstream names dominate.
The most informative comparison isn't 'which name is #1 in each state' — it's 'which names rank dramatically higher in this state than nationally.' Those are the names that tell you something real about state culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do baby names really vary that much between US states?
Less than they used to, more than parents assume. State top 100s now overlap by roughly 80–85%, up from 60% in 1960. The internet has homogenized naming, but Hawaii, Utah, Louisiana, and a few others retain distinctive cultures. The differences are usually at ranks 20–100, not at the very top — most state #1 names match the national top 5.
Best US state for parents picking a name with strong regional identity?
Hawaii (Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Islander naming traditions), Louisiana (French, Creole, and Cajun heritage), Utah (LDS family-distinctive naming), and Texas (cowboy and Hispanic blended). These four states have the most identifiable regional naming cultures. Picking from a state's distinctive names tells the world you embrace local identity rather than blending into national trends.
Which state's #1 name surprises people most?
Hawaii's. Where Liam dominates 47 states, Hawaii's #1 boy name is often Noah — a small but real signal of demographic and cultural divergence. Hawaii's top 10 also includes Kai (Hawaiian, 'sea'), which doesn't crack the national top 100. The state's combination of Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, and Pacific Islander populations produces a top 10 that looks unlike any other state's.
Best way to compare baby name popularity across states?
Use SSA's state-level data tool, which lets you check any name's rank in any state for any year. The most useful comparison is 'this name is rank X in my state but rank Y nationally' — the gap tells you whether your name choice is locally common or regionally distinctive. Names ranked 50+ places higher in your state than nationally signal genuine regional concentration.
Are state baby name maps actually accurate?
Yes, with caveats. SSA data is the gold standard — it's based on actual birth registrations, not surveys. The accuracy concerns are sample size (small states have noisier data, especially below rank 100) and the 1–2 year publication lag. Recent rankings can shift slightly when finalized. For ranks above 100 in small states, treat the data as approximate, not exact.
Why does Louisiana have so many French-origin baby names?
Living French and Creole heritage. Louisiana's Acadian and Creole communities have continuous French linguistic and naming traditions dating back to the 1700s. Names like Beau, Antoine, Marcel, Camille, and Genevieve appear in Louisiana top 100s at 3–5x the national rate. The pattern has weakened since 1900 but remains the strongest French naming culture in the US.
Best states to look at for international or unusual baby names?
Hawaii, California, New York, and New Jersey all show the highest international-name diversity. These states have the largest immigrant populations and the most cultural exchange in their state cultures. SSA data shows roughly 30% of all US international-origin name registrations come from these four states combined, despite their having only 22% of total US births.
How do I find names that are popular in my state but unique nationally?
Cross-reference your state's SSA top 100 against the national top 500. Names ranked in your state's top 100 but outside the national top 500 are state-distinctive. These give you 'common where you live' plus 'rare nationally' — a useful combination for parents who want local rooting plus broader distinctiveness. The list is small (usually 5–15 names per state) but informative.
Are state naming differences likely to disappear entirely?
Probably not. Internet exposure has homogenized trend names, but demographic factors (Hispanic populations, religious cultures, immigrant communities) won't vanish. Hawaii will still have Hawaiian-origin names; Utah will still have LDS-influenced naming; Louisiana will still favor French heritage. State naming differences are likely to settle around 80% overlap — present, but smaller than today's.
Best states for parents who want a name common everywhere?
Suburban states with average demographics: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, and Colorado. Their top 100s closely mirror the national top 100, so a name popular here is popular almost everywhere. If you want maximum portability — a name your child can carry to any state without it feeling regional — these state lists are the best reference points.
Why are state naming patterns less divergent than they used to be?
Internet, especially Pinterest, Instagram, and naming blogs. Parents in rural Mississippi now have the same naming inspiration sources as parents in Manhattan. National media — celebrity births, royal babies, popular TV shows — drive naming uniformly across states. The mechanisms that historically produced regional variation (limited information, small social circles) have weakened dramatically.
Best state to research baby names if I'm naming for cross-country mobility?
Use national SSA data rather than any single state. If your child might grow up in multiple states or attend college elsewhere, a nationally-popular name will travel better than a state-distinctive one. Mia, Liam, Olivia, Sebastian, and Charlotte all rank in the top 30 in nearly every state — choosing from this group ensures the name doesn't feel out of place anywhere your family ends up.