Choosing your child's name can be exciting, but it can also be difficult as it is one of the most important choices that you will make in relation to your new baby.
After all, it is something that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
New parents often find themselves with many options or they know right away what their choice will be.
When deciding what names to give children, parents often start by considering one or more of the following as inspiration: • Family member or other namesake • Maiden name of the mother or grandmother • A name with a special meaning • Biblical or religious names • Popular or trendy names • A unique name • A name that can be easily shortened into a nickname When choosing a name it might be useful to know what baby names are currently popular and what they mean.
This list includes the origin and meanings of the 20 most popular names for baby girls and boys in 2011 in order of popularity according to the Social Security Administration.
Boys Jacob: A biblical name originating in the Old Testament meaning "one who follows on another's heels" or "taking the place of another".
According to the Old Testament, Jacob was the second born in a set of twins to Isaac and Rebekah.
Alternate English Spelling: Jaycob, Jakob Mason: A name derived from an English surname for a stoneworker or brick mason.
The dictionary defines mason as a person skilled in building with stone.
Alternate English Spelling: Mayson William: Derived from the German name Willhelm which was a combination of will (desire) and helm (helmet or protection).
Jayden: This name became common in the United States in the 1990's.
Jayden is possibly derived from the Hebrew word jadon meaning "thankful" or "he will judge".
Alternative English Spelling: Jaden, Jaydon, Jadon, Jaiden, Jadyn Noah: A biblical name from the Old Testament derived from the Hebrew word meaning, "rest and comfort.
" Michael: Another biblical name, Michael comes for the Hebrew name Mikha'el meaning, "who is like God".
Michael appears as an archangel in the New Testament.
Alternative English Spelling: Micheal Ethan: The meaning of Ethan in Hebrew is "solid and enduring".
A biblical name appearing in the Old Testament.
Alexander: From the Greek name Alexandros meaning, "defender of men.
" Aiden: Popular in Ireland in the 7th Century, meaning "little fire".
Alternative English Spelling: Aden, Ayden, Aydan Daniel: Another biblical name appearing in the Old Testament.
From the Hebrew name Daniyyel meaning, "God is my judge" or "the Lord is my judge".
Girls Sophia: A Greek word meaning, "wisdom or wise".
Alternative English Spelling: Sofia Isabella: Isabella is a combination of the Hebrew names Elizabeth and Isabel meaning, "devoted to God".
Alternative English Spelling: Isabela, Emma: Emma is derived from the Germanic word ermen meaning, "whole or universal".
Olivia: Olivia comes from the Latin word oliva meaning, "olive".
It could have been intended to be the feminine version of the name Oliver.
Alternative English Spelling: Olyvia Ava: Ava is a variation of the name Eve.
Alternative English Spelling: Eva Emily: Derived from the Latin name Aemilia.
Aemilila may possibly be from the Latin word aemulus meaning "rival" or "emulating".
Other possible translations include, charming, flatter or eager.
Emily was the most popular girls name from 1996-2007.
Alternative English Spelling: Emile, Emilie Abigail: A biblical name from the Old Testament meaning, "my father is joy"," joy of the father" or "father in rejoicing".
Alternative English Spelling: Abigayle, Abigale Madison: Madison is derived from an English surname meaning, "son of Maud" or "son of the mighty warrior".
Although, it's meaning is masculine, it has become a popular unisex name.
Alternative English Spelling: Maddison, Madisyn, Madyson Mia: Mia is thought to be the nickname for the name Maria in many different languages including Danish, Swedish and Italian.
Popular definitions of the name include, "wished for child", "mine" and "bitter".
Chloe: Chloe comes from the Greek word meaning, "young green shoot".
Chloe is also used in the New Testament.
Alternative English Spelling: Khloe While these names are currently popular, they all date back generations and have strong meanings and origins from a variety of languages and cultures.