These days, popular names for baby girls are more beautiful, and versatile, than ever before.
Though some elegant vintage names are making a comeback, unique musical names are also
all the rage.
Whether you're drumming up a name for your future babe, or you just wanna find out which
names parents are inking on those birth certificates, these are the most popular baby girl names
of 2018, so far!
Emma
Meaning "universal," or "whole," Emma is the number one name in the country, according
to Baby Center, and it has been since 2017.
"Alright, come on, Emma, fluff those ruffles.”
With parallels in the form of Emily and Emmeline, Emma is widely associated with celebrities,
like baby Emma from Friends, and actresses Emma Watson, Emma Thompson, and Emma Stone.
"People mostly call me Em, and my real name is Emily, Emma's actually short for that,
so just please call me Emily."
Olivia
Meaning "olive tree," one of Olivia's first appearances was in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
“I do I know not what and fear to find Mine eye too great a flatterer for my mind.”
According to BabyCenter, Olivia has been holding steady as the country's second most popular
girl's name since 2014.
These days many people associate the name with actresses Olivia Munn, Olivia Wilde,
Olivia Cooke, and Olivia Newton-John.
Ava
Perhaps because of Ava Gardner's iconic beauty, this name denotes glamour and femininity.
A variation of the Biblical "Eve," according to BabyCenter, Ava hails from the Latin "avis,"
which means bird.
Ava comes in at number three in the U.S., a spot it's held since 2016.
And it's also a total hit with A-list parents.
Reese Witherspoon, Jeremy Renner, Heather Locklear, and Hugh Jackman all named their
daughters Ava.
Isabella
A variation on Elizabeth, Isabella currently comes in as the fourth most popular female
name in the United States.
Thanks to celebrities like actress Isabella Rossellini, the name boasts a glamorous lineage.
And meaning "devoted to God," it's also a compelling spiritual moniker.
Sophia
Currently ranking as the number five most popular girls' name in the U.S., Sophia is
Greek for "wisdom."
"Why aren't you in Greek Club?”
“Every day of my life is Greek Club"
Whether you spell it with a "P-H" or an "F", your baby girl's in good company.
Famous Sophias include director Sofia Coppola and actresses Sophia Loren and Sophia Bush.
There are also many famous Sophies, including singer Sophie B. Hawkins and actress Sophie
Turner.
"I actually did better than I thought I would.
I'm pretty impressed with myself.
I'm gonna pat myself on the back."
Amelia
Clocking in at number six is the lovely Amelia.
According to Baby Center, it means "industrious," and "striving," lending it some tough-as-nails
cred.
As far as Amelias in history go, the most famous is undoubtedly Amelia Earhart.
"I'm going to fly around the world.”
“It can't be done.”
“Well, let's change that"
Actress Minnie Driver is also an Amelia by birth.
And of course there's the iconic kids' book series Amelia Bedelia.
Mia
At seventh-most-popular, Mia is down just slightly from the number six spot it held
since 2013.
Coming from "Maria," this name is perhaps most widely associated with actress Mia Farrow.
"Do they miss me?
“The whole town is desolate.”
“Oh!
How gorgeous."
There's also Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction, and actress Mia Sara of Ferris Bueller's Day
Off, as well as Olympic gold medalist, soccer star, Mia Hamm.
Charlotte
From Charlotte's Web to The Cure's "Charlotte Sometimes," this French name will never go
out of style.
It's the eighth most popular female name in the country, a slot it's held since 2016.
While it's firmly cemented in history, contemporary Charlottes include Her Royal Highness Princess
Charlotte, Sex and the City's Charlotte York, actresses Charlotte Rampling and Charlotte
McKinney, singer Charlotte Church, and Charlotte from Mermaids.
Harper
As you might expect, the literal meaning of Harper is "one who plays the harp," which
makes this moniker a perfect choice for a child who might be expected to be musically
inclined.
According to BabyCenter, Harper has been the ninth most popular girls' name since 2017.
The name's already hit the small screen in shows like Famous In Love and Wizards of Waverly
Place:
"Why be alone when you can whip up a Harper clone.
Hey Harper, wanna hang out?”
“Sure, Alex!"
But celebrity parents love it too: David and Victoria Beckham, Neil Patrick Harris and
David Burtka, and Shonda Rhimes all named their daughters Harper.
Mila
Since the start of 2018, Mila has risen to become the tenth most popular girls' name
in the U.S., from its position last year at number 18.
Meaning "industrious," "hardworking," and "dear one", Mila is also derived from the
Spanish name Milagros, which means "miracle."
But if you need celebrity-powered staying power, just look to actresses Mila Kunis,
and Milla Jovovich.
They're some fiercely talented women, who prove that you can rock whatever name your
parents give you!
Or, y'know…change it to a cool stage name.