Emily has topped the list of the most popular names for a baby girl in the US for the twelfth year running, while Jacob makes it nine consecutive years as the nation’s favorite boy’s name.
The Social Security Administration’s annual baby name ranking recorded only one new entry in the top ten for 2007 – Elizabeth, which returned after a two-year absence, demoting Samantha to number 12.
Behind the ever-popular Emily on the girl’s list came Isabella, Emma and Ava, followed by Madison, Sophia, Olivia, Abigail, Hannah and Elizabeth.
For the boys, Biblical names dominated, with Michael, Joshua and Matthew coming after Jacob, which has held the top spot since 1999.
Ethan, Daniel, Christopher, Anthony, William and Andrew also made an appearance in the top ten.
In addition the administration recorded a rise in the popularity of ‘spiritual’ names last year, with Nevaeh – or "heaven" spelled backwards – hitting No. 31 and Destiny coming in at No.42.
Babynames.com recently compiled a list of ‘green’ baby names for eco-friendly parents in honor of Earth Day 2008, with River, Avani, Saffron, Jade and Storm comprising the top five.
