Once again, Liam reigns supreme!
For the eighth year in a row, Liam is the most popular boy’s name in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration’s newly released 2024 data.
The number of births with the name Liam in 2024 was 22,164, which represents 1.201% of total male births in 2024, the Social Security Administration reported.
Popularity of the name Liam in the US
The rise in popularity of the name Liam in the US has been meteoric.
The name Liam first entered the top 1,000 most popular names for boys in the US in 1967, when it was the 939th most popular boys' name.
It was knocked out of the top 1,000 most popular names for boys for a few years before re-entering in 1974, when it was ranked as 966th. Its lowest ranking since then was in 1976, when it was the 994th most popular name for boys born in the US.
The name Liam didn't crack the top 20 most popular names for boys in the US until 2011, when it ranked 15th, a jump from 30th place in 2010.
It entered the top ten in 2012 at sixth place, and has remained the most popular name for boys born in the US every year since 2017.
Overall, Liam was the 88th most popular name for boys born in the US from 1925 -2024, with 336,845 boys being given the name during that period.
Popularity of the name Liam in the US, 2000 - 2024. (US Social Security Administration)
What does the name Liam mean?
According to the experts at Nameberry, the name Liam is a boy's name of Irish origin, meaning "resolute protection."
Liam originated as a short form of Uilliam, the Irish variation of William. William is an English name from Germanic roots that was brought to Ireland when the British fled England following the Norman Conquest. The Irish began using English names, including William, which led to the development of Uilliam and its short form, Liam.
Liam’s Irish roots are unmistakable, and Ireland itself hasn’t turned away from its homegrown hit. In 2024, Liam was the eighth most popular name for boys born in Ireland, with 303 boys being given the name.
Sophie Kihm of Nameberry told the PA that baby names with cultural crossover are on the rise, especially ones that are “easy to understand no matter where you are in the world.” Liam checks all the boxes: Irish heritage, a strong meaning, and international appeal.
Hollywood star Liam Neeson has certainly played a part in the name’s rise to prominence. The Co Antrim actor, best known for roles in "Schindler’s List," "Taken," and "Michael Collins," brought global recognition to the name. As his career soared in the 1990s and 2000s, so too did the popularity of his first name.
Other famous Liams include musician Liam Clancy, actor Liam Cunningham, actor Liam Hemsworth, the late musician Liam Payne, and Oasis rocker Liam Gallagher.
Comments