Most Popular Baby Names of 2011

Jacob and Sophia are America’s most popular baby names for 2011, according to the Social Security Administration.

This is the 13th year in a row Jacob tops the list for boys and the first year for Sophia, who knocks Isabella to number two after a two-year stint at the top of our list for girls.

There is only one new name in the top 10 on either list this year. Mason rocketed to number two from outside of the top 10 to replace Anthony on the boys’ side.

Here are the top 10 boys and girls names for 2011:

1. Jacob
2. Mason
3. William
4. Jayden
5. Noah
6. Michael
7. Ethan
8. Alexander
9. Aiden
10. Daniel

1. Sophia
2. Isabella
3. Emma
4. Olivia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Abigail
8. Madison
9. Mia
10. Chloe

Mason, a relatively popular name since the 1990s, had never cracked the top 25 until 2010, when it hit number 12. Some may attribute this year’s rise to number two to reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian’s son. However, Mason has been a regular top-five name in Wisconsin for many years, undoubtedly a tribute to strong-legged Green Bay Packer kicker Mason Crosby.

This year’s winners for biggest jump in popularity in the Top 500 are Brantley and Briella. 

The fastest riser on the girls’ list may come from Briella Calafiore, the blonde reality star hairdresser from cable TV’s Jerseylicious and its spinoff, Glam Fairy.

For the boys, there could be some controversy over Brantley—depending on whether you are a fan of college football or country music. Arguments could be made that the popularity of the name comes from John Brantley, the quarterback for perennial powerhouse The University of Florida, or from Brantley Gilbert, the singer with the number one country hit “Country Must Be Country Wide.”

The second fastest riser on the boys’ list is Iker. There may be some international influence here—Iker Casillas Fernandez is the well-known goalkeeper for both Real Madrid and the Spanish National Team. In 2010, Iker led Spain to a World Cup championship, just in time to influence the 2011 baby names list.

On the girls’ side, Angelique is the second biggest climber, but she may have gotten there with some magic. Angelique is the character name of a witch from the cult favorite Dark Shadows. She worked her witchcraft just in time for the blockbuster Hollywood remake of the 1960s TV show.   

And there has been an Elvis sighting! Elvis is number 904 after dropping below the top 1,000 in 2010.

For all the top baby names of 2011, go to Social Security’s website.

What are your thoughts on the most popular baby names? What names do you most often hear in Upper St. Clair? Tell us in the comments!