The Name Almanac

Baby Names

Naming an actual baby is different from browsing pretty lists: the name has to survive the playground, the resume, and fifty years of being said out loud. These guides bring the data into the decision — what the current top-100 really looks like, how crowded a name will be in your child's kindergarten class, name styles from classic to newly minted, and honest ways to pressure-test your shortlist before you commit. You'll still choose with your heart; we just make sure your heart has seen the numbers.

Baby Names

5 guides

Baby Names

Old-Fashioned Baby Names Making a Comeback

Grandma names are topping US charts again. SSA data shows which old fashioned baby names are early in their revival and which already peaked.

August 2, 2026

Baby Names

Gender-Neutral Baby Names: What the Data Actually Shows

SSA records track boys and girls separately, so the split behind gender neutral baby names is measurable, not guesswork. Here's what the numbers show.

August 1, 2026

Baby Names

Classic Baby Names That Never Go Out of Style

SSA data since 1880 shows only a handful of names never left the top ranks. Here's who's genuinely classic and who's just having a moment.

July 31, 2026

Baby Names

What the Top 100 Baby Names Really Look Like This Year

Liam and Olivia lead, but a #1 name today covers a fraction of what #1 meant in 1950. Here's how to actually read the top 100 baby names.

July 30, 2026

Baby Names

How to Choose a Baby Name You Won't Regret

A data-driven guide to choosing a baby name using SSA popularity trends, trajectory checks, and practical tests so you avoid regret.

July 29, 2026

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