Inspiration strikes in the most unusual of places and when it comes to choosing a baby name, a simple glance at a U.S. map might be all the inspiration you need. While not all fifty states are baby-name worthy, just include state capitals and a little bit of out-of-the-box, creative thinking and inspiration can be found almost everywhere. Here are some ideas to help you choose a name by state preference.
Our baby name popularity ranking information is gleaned from the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, that uses data compiled from social security card applications for births that occurred in the United States after the year 1879.
More from Mom.com: Baby Girl Names Based on U.S. States
Baby boy names and unisex names inspired by US states
Love sports? Choose a baby name inspired by your favorite state's team
Choosing a name by state team preferences is another way to go if you’re stuck on which baby name to choose. Here are a few sources of inspiration if you’re one of the almost 80 million Americans who will tune in to watch live sports this year.
Larry
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #889
Meaning: Crowned with Laurel
Larry Island is a place in Alabama and also the first name of one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Boston Celtics’ Larry Bird.
Bird was nicknamed “the hick from French Lick,” referring to a town in Southern Indiana. After remaining in the top 200 baby boy names, the name Larry began to dip in popularity shortly after Bird retired from basketball in 1992.
Boston
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #617
Meaning: Town by the woods
Yankees fans, look away — this isn’t the name for you. In 2022 the baby name Boston ranked as the 617th most popular name given to boys, which ironically is also the zip code for Greater Boston.
What makes this a great name for Boston sports-loving families, is that Boston professional teams have won 12 championships collectively and have made it to league finalist status an additional 12 times. In fact, Boston’s professional teams had arguably the most successful decade in sports history from 2000 to 2010. So, if you’re a Boston super fan and you don’t name your baby Boston, your other option is likely going to be Brady.
Angel
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #62
Meaning: Messenger
With over 30 national championships, Los Angeles also deserves a spot on the list of notable sports cities. Look to the “The City of Angels” as inspiration for a baby boy name if you love all things L.A. and want to bestow onto your little one, a baby name inspired by the cosmos.
Cooper
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #53
Meaning: Barrel maker
Sports fans will recognized Cooperstown, NY as the home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. So if you’re seeking to choose a name by state attractions, this is the baby name for you. As the most selective sports Hall, the Baseball Hall of Fame recognizes just 1.7% of baseball players. The shortened version of Cooperstown, Cooper, was originally an occupational surname name from Middle English.
Choosing a baby name is a very personal decision, and one that can sometimes cause strife among families. If you are facing backlash from family members on your baby name choice, or you and your partners’ family are at odds over the decision, there are ways to respectfully tell others to back off.
“Make it clear that the two of you are united, so you can avoid inviting any further confusion over power dynamics,” clinical psychologist and author Chloe Carmichael told Newsweek. “For example, say: ‘We really appreciate your desire to share ideas for names. We’ll let you know once we’ve settled on our choice. Thanks again for offering your ideas.'”
