These names have stood the test of time, being crowned the most popular baby names for girls and boys in the past 100 years. People will know how to spell and pronounce them, and you may even have a favorite relative who shares the name. Read on for the top 10 classic names for boys and girls, according to the Social Security Administration, along with name origin and what each name means.
Top 10 Classic Baby Names for Girls
Mary
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beloved
Patricia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Noble
Jennifer
Origin: English
Meaning: White wave
Linda
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Pretty
Elizabeth
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My God is an oath
Barbara
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Stranger, foreigner
Susan
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lily
Jessica
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God beholds
Sarah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Princess
Karen
Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: Pure
Top 10 Classic Baby Names for Boys
James
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Supplanter
John
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is gracious
Robert
Origin: English
Meaning: Bright fame
Michael
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Who is like God?
William
Origin: German
Meaning: Strong-willed warrior
David
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beloved
Richard
Origin: German
Meaning: Strong ruler
Joseph
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God will increase
Thomas
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Twin
Charles
Origin: English
Meaning: Free man
—Eva Ingvarson Cerise
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