Every year, expecting parents all over the world prepare for the arrival of their new child by choosing a baby name. For some, this is an easy task, and for others, it is an agonizing endeavor. A name is something that
will be used to identify your child for the rest of their lives. Will it have positive or negative connotations? Will it help them be successful, popular, environmentally conscious, or smart?
There is a lot to consider when naming a child but recent findings from data cruncher and economist Steven Leavitt, author of "Freakonomics" suggest that names have very little to do with how a child will turn out.
Each year, there are names that rise to the top of the heap as the most popular baby names. Here are the most popular baby boy names for 2006:
Boys
1. Aiden - Celtic, meaning "fire". Aiden was in the top 10 list for 2005, but with a different spelling: Aidan.
2. Jacob - Hebrew, meaning "the supplanter". The most popular Jacob is probably from the bible. Jacob, the son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, had his name changed to Israel and was the father of the 12 Tribes of Israel.
3. Ethan - Hebrew, meaning "strong, firm". Ethan has been a surprise in the top ten for the last 5 years. It's possible some of it's popularity has come from the Mission Impossible movies with their main character, Ethan Hunt.
4. Ryan - Gaelic, meaning "little king". Female versions of Ryan are Reagan or Regan. Until the 20th century, Ryan was traditionally a surname.
5. Matthew - Hebrew meaning "gift of God". Matthew has consistently been one of the top ten baby names since 1970 when it came it at number 10. In the 80's it rose to number 3 where it stayed through the 90's. Starting in 2000, it has started to slide back down the chart.
6. Jack - English, form of John which means "God is Gracious". Jack follows a new trend of single syllable names for boys. Nearly 20% of boys names are just one syllable, while only 6% of girls names are.
7. Noah - Hebrew, meaning "rest, comfort". Noah is probably one of the biggest movers onto the top 10 most popular baby names. In 2005, it was 23rd on the list and in 2004, it was 29th.
There is a lot to consider when naming a child but recent findings from data cruncher and economist Steven Leavitt, author of "Freakonomics" suggest that names have very little to do with how a child will turn out.
Each year, there are names that rise to the top of the heap as the most popular baby names. Here are the most popular baby boy names for 2006:
Boys
1. Aiden - Celtic, meaning "fire". Aiden was in the top 10 list for 2005, but with a different spelling: Aidan.
2. Jacob - Hebrew, meaning "the supplanter". The most popular Jacob is probably from the bible. Jacob, the son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, had his name changed to Israel and was the father of the 12 Tribes of Israel.
3. Ethan - Hebrew, meaning "strong, firm". Ethan has been a surprise in the top ten for the last 5 years. It's possible some of it's popularity has come from the Mission Impossible movies with their main character, Ethan Hunt.
4. Ryan - Gaelic, meaning "little king". Female versions of Ryan are Reagan or Regan. Until the 20th century, Ryan was traditionally a surname.
5. Matthew - Hebrew meaning "gift of God". Matthew has consistently been one of the top ten baby names since 1970 when it came it at number 10. In the 80's it rose to number 3 where it stayed through the 90's. Starting in 2000, it has started to slide back down the chart.
6. Jack - English, form of John which means "God is Gracious". Jack follows a new trend of single syllable names for boys. Nearly 20% of boys names are just one syllable, while only 6% of girls names are.
7. Noah - Hebrew, meaning "rest, comfort". Noah is probably one of the biggest movers onto the top 10 most popular baby names. In 2005, it was 23rd on the list and in 2004, it was 29th.
Top Resources for Finding Your Babies' Name
Finding the name you will assigning to your child both on the playground and for the board room or the world stage is a challenge. These top baby name directories will make the...
Things to Remember when Naming a Baby
Simple tried-and-true tips to keep in mind when naming that new bundle of joy.
Celebrity Baby Names Not an Influence on Popular Baby Naming
Recent celebrity baby names are getting more unsual and unique. However, America could really care less. Traditional names have a long shelf life.
Kate Walsh Starts a Baby Name Craze
Kate Walsh, otherwise known as Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd on the hit ABC show Grey's Anatomy, has started a new baby name craze. Well, officially the character she portray...
Type in Your Comments Below
Renee B
12/26/2006
These top ten lists are always fun!! My boys names are NOT on the list this year. :)
Amy Brantley
12/20/2006
I think the name Logan is very pretty.
Comments 1 - 2 (of 2)