What are NC’s most popular baby names? See the top picks for boys & girls
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
The Social Security Administration drops lists of the most used baby names in the country and by state each year, and it’s that time of year again. Let’s see what North Carolinians are naming their babies.
Read more CMPD raids east Charlotte gambling arcade, seizes nearly $40,000 and 62 devices
The No. 1 girl’s name in the country in 2025 was Olivia. While popularized by William Shakespeare in the play Twelfth Night, the name predates his work. It means “Olive” or “Olive branch” in Latin.
The top 5 girls names in NC in 2025:
These are the same five names as 2024– but in a different order. Queen City residents may rejoice, as Charlotte has jumped from No. 4 to No. 2. Olivia was the top name in 2023, The Observer previously reported.
The number one boy’s name in the country in 2025 was Liam. The name is an Irish diminuitive of William, according to Ancestry.
The top 5 boys names in NC in 2025:
As with the girl’s names, this is the same North Carolina top five as 2024, aside from Noah overtaking Liam. Liam was also the top name in 2023.
Read more Dad encouraged his 15-year-old to have sex with 34-year-old man, NC sheriff says
So far, Liam and Olivia are the most popular baby names not only of 2025, but of the 2020s. Your little one may be a Liam or an Olivia, or be running around with several on the playground.
To see how popular your name or your baby’s name was in 2025, go to ssa.gov/OACT/babynames.
Inspired by a story from The Sacramento Bee in California.
Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.
Read more SBI wants license-plate scanners covering ‘all entrances and exits’ to NC
You can submit your question by filling out this form.
This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 7:00 AM.
