Each year, the Office of the Chief Actuary of Social Security publishes a list of the most popular names. It has become something of a Mother’s Day tradition. This list compilation started in 1997.

The list is derived from 4.2 million applications for Social Security cards in 2006. You can go to the Social Security site and see the top 1,000 names plus the most popular baby names by state.

Most amazing baby name influencer: Pope Francis – spell it 2 ways Francis and Frances

The best boy names of 2006

1.jacob – Hebrew – Meaning: Impersonated

2.Michael – Meaning: Who is like God?

3. Joshua – HMeaning: God rescues

4.Ethan – Hebrew – Meaning: Strong, firm, impetuous

5. Matthew – Hebrew – Meaning: Gift of God

6.Daniel – Hebrew – Meaning: God is my judge

7. Christopher – Greek – Meaning: Bearer of Christ

8. Andrew – Greek – Meaning; Warrior Man

9. Anthony -Latin

10. William – Germanic – Meaning: Will, desire, protection

The best girl names for 2006

1. Emile – Latin – Meaning: Rival, emulating

2. Emma – German – Meaning; All that contains, universal

3.Madison – Spanish – Meaning: Son of Maud

4. Elizabeth – Meaning: God is my vote

5.Ava – germanic – also hebrew – meaning “life”

6. Abigail -Meaning: Father in rejoicing

7. Olive – Spanish – Meaning: army of elves

8. Anne – Meaning: Grace, favor

9. Sofia – Greek – Meaning: Wisdom

10. Samantha – Aramaic – Meaning: Listener

Baby Name Trends for 2007 63% of 5,000 voters preferred a unique name. 19% named the baby after a family member. Names from the Bible came in third with 10%. So the movement away from the traditional and popular to the “unique”.

Baby Naming Tips

  • Always consider the baby’s last name. Say the two names together, how does it sound?
  • If the baby’s last name is long… how many syllables? A short first name will probably sound balanced.
  • If the baby’s last name is short… a long name will sound good
  • A name that will last the baby’s lifetime… one day that name will be on a resume.
  • Common names… your child may go to school known as John P or Mary H
  • Middle names…often honor a family member. But check the initials: Gregory Oliver Dalton becomes GOD
  • Name meaning…check it out. It may be important to your child.