The 20 Most Popular Baby Girl Names in America

Whether folks have a little girl on the way and need some baby-naming inspiration or they're curious about how popular their name choice is with other parents, look no further: The Social Security office has just released its annual list of most popular baby names of the year! Seriously, for baby name nerds like us, this is Christmas! Want to know which names made the list? Well, look no further …

Read on to see which baby girl names everyone will be talking about. 

We're pretty sure we've seen quite a few of these girl names before (hello, Sophia and Ella!) … but it's interesting to see how some others have risen in popularity (Princess Charlotte might have something to do with that!) and others have slightly fallen. It's nice to see a pretty name like Avery getting its just due, and Evelyn has wonderful vintage charm.  

Even if none of these girl names makes the list for baby girl, there's plenty of inspiration to be had here. And there are so many variations on these popular names! Parents who hope to avoid more popular names like Emma, Olivia, or Ava, might choose Emerson, Olena, or Ada instead. 

Read on as we count down the most popular baby girls names in America!

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20. Chloe

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This cute name dropped three spots from 17th to 20th this year — but it's still a hot baby name choice. Chloe originated as a summer epithet of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility. Fun fact: 0.3858 percent of all females in the USA born in 2016 were named Chloe.

More from CafeMom: The 20 Most Popular Baby Boy Names in America

19. Grace

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Still in 19th place, the name Grace was made popular by 17th-century Puritans, who bestowed it in reference to God's favor and love toward mankind.

18. Scarlett

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Frankly, my dear, Scarlett doesn't give a dang that she wasn't on the top 20 list last year, because she is now! 

17. Ella

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Ella's been on this list before — last year this chic and pretty name was slightly less popular, ranking at #18. It's a classic that's here to stay!

16. Avery

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Yet another unisex name, Avery, like Ashley and Courtney, took the historical path of surname, then male name, then female name. Unlike those other two names, however, it's still popular for boys. Such a cute name, either way!

15. Madison

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Another unisex name, Madison was at the very top of the charts a few years ago and it's still holding strong.

14. Sofia

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Not quite as popular as the "Sophia" spelling, Sofia is a pretty variation that's just as popular today as it was last year. 

13. Elizabeth

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Derived from the Hebrew elīsheba' (God is my oath), Elizabeth is one of those classic names that will always be beautiful. (And so many nicknames!) In case you're wondering, 0.4943 percent of all females born in 2016 were named Elizabeth.

12. Evelyn

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Climbing up a whopping three spots since last year's ranking, Evelyn can also be a boy's or girl's name, though it hasn't been popular in the US for boys since the 1800s.

11. Amelia

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Last year Amelia ranked one spot lower, at #12. It's the perfect name for an adventurous girl, don't you think?

10. Harper

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Launching the top 10 for the second year in a row is Harper — which can actually be a boy's or girl's name. Either way, it's adorable!

9. Emily

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Emily "sounds like bells ringing," writes a commenter on BabyNameWizard.com. We agree! This popular baby name has been a fixture on the charts for years. According to Baby Name Wizard, it's from the Latin Aemilia, which is from Aemilius, an old Roman family name probably derived from aemulus (trying to equal or excel, rival).

8. Abigail

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Abigail comes from the Hebrew Avigayil, which is derived from avigayil (father of exaltation, father is rejoicing). So sweet. This beautiful name dropped one spot from last year's list.

7. Charlotte

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Charlotte is a feminine version of Charles — we love the nickname "Charlie" for a girl! With Princess Charlotte the apple of the world's eye, we don't see this name dropping off in popularity any time soon.

6. Mia

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Mia, a Danish and Swedish pet form of Maria, was #6 last year, too. It's such a pretty name!

5. Isabella

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And now we start the top 5 countdown once again with a name fit for a queen, Isabella!

4. Sophia

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Claiming spot #3 last year, Sophia is still a top contender for daughters around the country! Sophia is directly derived from the Greek word sophia, meaning wisdom and skill. 

3. Ava

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Glamorous Ava is also a top baby name in Canada, Scotland, Australia, and Ireland.

2. Olivia

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Olivia, the name of Shakespeare's beautiful heiress in Twelfth Night,  comes in second once again. 

1. Emma

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And for the third year in a row, we have our top baby girl name in America! With the root of Emma meaning "strength," it really is a lovely name for a baby girl.