It’s taken six decades, but I’m finally, officially, unequivocally popular.
At least my name is. In Pennsylvania. This year anyway.
That’s right, the name Charlotte topped the list of most popular names for girls in our state in 2023, according to statistics recently released by the Social Security Administration. I am the winner. The big cheese. Number Uno.
In 2023, 559 babies named Charlotte were born in Pennsylvania. (I’m eagerly awaiting more people to join the ranks when the 2024 figures are released – a veritable army of little Charlottes, all waiting for second-rate quips like “Hey Charlotte, where’s your web?”)
Following on the heels of the Charlottes are squads of Olivias, Emmas, Sophias and Amelias. Right behind them are Avas, Isabellas and Evelyns. Harper, Mia and Nora perform well. And there are more than 200 each of Scarletts, Violets, Lunas and Lucies.
Walk a little further down the list and you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve walked into a mossy British village circa 1900. There are Maeves galore (191), as well as Lillians (201), Eleanors (219), and Penelopes (214).
Of course, more contemporary-sounding names abound as well. Brooklyn, Mackenzie and Skylar all break the 100+ mark.
But where are the Tiffanies, you may ask? Where are the Ashleys, the Jennifers? The Jessica’s and Sarah’s? (OK, at 114, Sarah is still on the list, the 168th most popular name in PA.)
The names that were extremely popular in the 1980s have disappeared into relative obscurity. And forget Amy, Kim, and Michelle: They’re debating knee replacement options and getting ready to collect Social Security.
Baby names – especially girl names – come and go at a fascinating rate. And the tide is turning with every generation. What were once considered old lady names (I’m looking at you, Hazel, 197, and Josephine, 178) are now adorable baby names.
Could I, once the only Charlotte in classrooms full of Debbies, Lisas and Lindas, have ever predicted that there would be so many of me?
What is it in the spirit of the times that makes one name rise, that captures the imagination of an entire generation? Movies, books and TV shows certainly play a role. Perhaps the desire to look nothing like your parents’ generation. To be a little different (but not too different).
However, when I look at the list of boys’ names, I get a completely different vibe. And that atmosphere is called: “What is the best Biblical name I can use without going crazy?” A whopping 691 families in Pennsylvania named their son Noah last year. All those Noahs were closely followed by 435 Benjamins, 431 Jameses, and 370 Elias. And let’s not forget John, Levi, Joseph, Daniel, Asher, Samuel, Matthew, Gabriel, David, Luke, Isaac… they all come to over 200 each. Not to mention over 170 brand new Isaiahs, Silases and Micahs.
Perhaps more obscure Biblical girl names will become the new trend in the coming years. Step aside, my army of Charlottes. I feel Rahab, Zipporah and Dorcas coming after you.
Charlotte is a columnist for The Times. You can reach her at charlottelatvala@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared in Beaver County Times: Latvala: Names say a lot about the times we live in
