The Art of Naming

While the national "royalty" of Olivia and Liam remains steady, the regional data tells a much more nuanced story about where we are heading and where we are holding on.

Here is an expanded look at how naming styles are shifting across the country.

The 2024 State Naming Report: Regional Identity & National Trends

1. The "Mini-Empire" of Charlotte

If you live on the East Coast or in the Midwest, you are likely in the Charlotte Belt. While Olivia is #1 nationally, Charlotte actually conquered the top spot in 19 different states for 2024, including:

• The Northeast: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts.

• The Heartland: Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan.

• The South: Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina.

Vibe Check: This is "Quiet Luxury." These states are leaning into names that feel inherited, polished, and timeless—a classic evolution of traditional naming.

2. The Rise of the "Vibrational" Three-Letter Name

In high-population hubs like California, New York, and Texas, brevity and sound are becoming more important than long, formal lineages.

• The Trend: Mia has claimed the #1 spot in states like Connecticut and New Jersey.

• The Energy: These parents are favoring "airy" phonetic profiles—names that are short, vowel-heavy, and lack hard consonants. It’s about a name that feels like a quick spark of energy.

3. The Great Surname Swap

One of the most distinct regional differences is how we use last names as first names.

• The Southern/Red State Lean: In states like Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina, there is a massive preference for names like Waylon, Stetson, and Walker. These feel rooted in rugged, rural imagery and family heritage.

• The Coastal/Blue State Lean: Conversely, more urban coastal states are opting for "occupational" or "international" surnames like Callum, Felix, or Otto, which lean more toward a worldly, eclectic vibe.

4. The "Hispanic Influence" Powerhouse

The rise of Mateo is one of the most significant data points of 2024.

• The Data: Mateo is now a Top 10 name nationally, but its power is concentrated in states like California, New Mexico, and Arizona, where it often holds the #1 or #2 spot.

• Similarity: Interestingly, this trend is crossing cultural lines. Non-Hispanic parents are increasingly drawn to the name's rhythmic, "O-ending" sound, similar to the rising popularity of Leo and Theo.

5. Western Rebels & Vintage Revivals

The Mountain West continues to be the country's naming laboratory.

• Wyoming: The only state where Emma held onto the #1 spot for 2024.

• Idaho: A true outlier where Hazel—a vintage botanical name—beat out heavyweights like Olivia to take the #2 spot.

• The Takeaway: While the rest of the country looks for the "next big thing," the West is finding beauty in a "Vintage Frontier" aesthetic.

Conclusion: What’s Your Naming Vibe?

As the 2024 data shows, naming a child is no longer just about following a national list—it’s about choosing a "vibe" that reflects your geography, your values, and the energy you want to put into the world. Whether you’re drawn to the regal stability of the East Coast, the rugged surnames of the South, or the celestial minimalism of the West, your choice tells a story.

Are you a "Quiet Luxury" traditionalist or a "Cosmic Frontier" trailblazer?

[Click here to take our 2-minute Name Quiz and discover your unique naming style!]