NYC announces most popular baby names for last year; Sophia, Ethan top the list
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City has released its most popular names for 2014, and for the third year in a row, more newborns girls were called Sophia than any other name.
There were 586 of them born in the city last year, according to statistics compiled by the city health department.
Other popular options were Isabella, Olivia, Mia and Emma. Sofia, with an 'F,' ranked number nine on the list.
The top choice for boys was Ethan, given to 740 New Yorkers. The name had come in second in 2012 and 2013.
Rounding out the boys top five were Jacob, Liam, Jayden and Noah.
There were 122,084 babies born in the city last year, 1,627 more than in 2013. The most babies, nearly 27,000, were born in Queens.
Top girls names
1-- Sophia
2-- Isabella
3-- Olivia
4-- Mia
5-- Emma
6-- Emily
7-- Leah
8-- Ava
9-- Sofia
10-- Chloe
Top boys names
1-- Ethan
2-- Jacob
3-- Liam
4-- Jayden
5-- Noah
6-- Daniel
7-- Michael
8-- Alexander
9-- David
10-- Matthew
Star Power
Celebrity names were influential in 2014 with many parents naming their children after television, movie, music and sport celebrities. Last year's big draw among females included Sofa (#9) and Khloe (#52). Movie stars, musicians and athletes' names like Liam (#3), Justin (#34), Abby (#116), and Derek (#84) were also popular.
Geographic names
Geographic names are a perennial favorite with places like Charlotte (# 21), Savannah (#49), Phoenix (#127 girls; #158 for boys) and Virginia (#140) making the list. Other parents opted to name their children after international cities like Sienna (#90), Sydney (#99) and London (#68 for girls; #165 for boys).
Book and Television Characters
Some parents sought inspiration in literature, television and film. The medieval fantasy book and HBO series Game of Thrones was also influential among Big Apple parents. Game of Throne's characters that made the list include Arya (#98), Khaleesi (#143), and Jon (#166). Movie character names with a strong showing include Leia (#141) and Luke (#59). Disney movies such as Frozen and the Princess and the Frog inspired Elsa (#112) and Tiana (#131) respectively.
Uncommon names
Some New Yorkers gave their children uncommon names with as few as 10 parents naming their daughters Ruchel, Ryleigh, Lexie, and sons Yidel, Dashiell and Jase.
