2020’s Most Popular Baby Names

The states and territories of Australia collect data throughout the year and annually release a list that indicates the most popular baby names of that year.

It’s always fascinating to see what names will be trending in the next generation, and 2020 was no exception with some truly beautiful and unique new names added to the list.

Before diving into the most popular names and a bit about their heritage, let's talk about this new generation and what it will look like.

Generation Alpha

Born in 2010 until 2025, generation Alpha are born to Millennials. They’ll be the first generation who will be entirely born in the 21st century. Generation Alpha was named after the Greek alphabet, meaning they are the start of something new. 

This generation are digital natives; they are the most technologically literate generation ever. 

Their Millennial parents are also influenced by technology, so they know that your name is more than just a ‘name’, it's also your online identity, your social media handle and what sets you apart from the rest.

For most, the criteria is something that isn’t generic but can also carry their children through their lives and careers. It has meaning or feeling attached to it, and with the access to information that this generation has, more research is going into baby names and their meaning than ever before.

The Top 10 Boys Names:

1. Oliver: Oliver ranked number one again for the most popular boys name; it’s been number one for the past seven years. Oliver was derived from the Latin word for ‘olive tree’, but it also has French and medieval roots. The name rose in popularity again when Charles Dickens published Oliver Twist in the 19th century. 
2. Noah: Noah is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Noach’ meaning rest and reposed. Noah rose in popularity as a Christian name thanks to the story of Noah’s ark in the old testament.  
3. Jack: Jack has English roots and means “God is gracious”. Jack is a derivative from the name ‘John’ and was so often used in the Middle Ages that it turned into a generic term for a man. 
4. William: William is made up of two parts, ‘wil’ meaning “desire or will” and ‘helm” meaning “protection”, like a helmet. The name William stems from Germany and was first introduced to the English by William the Conqueror. 
5. Leo: From Latin origins, Leo translates to ‘lion’ and is associated with bravery and strength. It was used as a nickname for fierce or brave warriors in Italy throughout history. 
6. Lucas: This name has an interesting history, as it’s the Latin derivative of the Greek name ‘Loukas’. ‘Loukas’ references an ancient territory in southern Italy called Lucania. So Lucas more accurately translates to “man from Lucania”. 
7. Thomas: This boy's name is of Aramaic heritage and means “twin”. Jesus renamed one of the apostles, as there were too many with the same name (Judas). So one was renamed Thomas, i.e. ‘‘twin’’, to distinguish him. It’s one of the most commonly used classic names in history. 
8. Henry: This timeless name derives from the Germanic name ‘Heimirich’, which translates to “home-ruler”. Henry was quite popular amongst royalty, and it was only in the Middle Ages did it get nicknamed ‘Harry’ or ‘Herry’. 
9. Charlie: Though this name does sit in the boy’s category, it’s used for both boys and girls. It started as a nickname for ‘Charles’ or ‘Karl’.
10. James: This classic name also has biblical origins, and is derived from the Latin ‘Jacomus’ which means “may God protect”. There are lots of notable James’ throughout history, the name was particularly popular with Shakespeare and is a popular name in U.S presidents’ history.

The Top 10 Girls Names:

1. Charlotte: Taking the winning spot, Charlotte has been a popular name throughout history. It emerged from France and means “free”. Though it’s always been popular, it rose again in popularity thanks to Prince William and Princess Kate giving their daughter the name. 
2. Olivia: This name interestingly was used with this spelling first in Shakespeare's comedy “Twelfth Night”. It’s likely to have derived from ‘Oliver’ or the Latin word for olive, ‘oliva’. It gained a lot of popularity in the late 70’s thanks to its use in television programs. 
3. Amelia: Amelia is a variation of the name “Amalia”. This is derived from the Germanic word for work, “Amal”. It suggests fertility and industriousness.  
4. Isla: Isla is from both Spain and Scotland. In Spanish it translates to “island”. In Scotland, it’s derived from the Islay in the Hebrides, an island off the west coast of Scotland. 
5. Mia: There are a few different places where this unique girl's name is from. In Italian and Spanish it translates to “my” or “mine. Whereas in Scandinavia and Germany Mia is a nickname for “Maria”. 
6. Ava: This gorgeous girl's name is a form of the Hebrew name “Eve”, but it has many meanings. In German it translates to mean “power” whereas in Persian it translates to mean “voice” or “water”. And in Hebrew Ava translates to “to live” or “to breathe”.
7. Grace: This name derives from the Latin word for grace, “gratia”. In early history, the name was used as a virtuous name to reference God’s divine grace, love, and kindness.
8. Willow: The name Willow is derived from the English word for the tree with the same name. Willow trees are known for their breathtaking branches that grow in unbelievable poses. The willow tree can survive harsh environments and symbolises flexibility, adaptability and strength.
9. Harper: Interestingly, this name started as the title for those who play the harp. The harper was an important figure in a medieval ball; it was used primarily in England, Scotland and Ireland. 
10. Chloe: Chloe or Khloe is derived from the Greek word “Khloē” which means “blooming”. This name describes the Greek goddess Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. 

Trending Baby Names

Trending Boys Names:

1. Arthur: Arthur is of Welsh origin and roughly translates to “as strong as a bear”. With the connotations of strength, stone, and bearlike, it’s a very traditional masculine name.   
2. Theo: Another traditional masculine name, Theo, is of Greek heritage and translates to “gift of God”. It’s also replaced “Ted” as the nickname for “Theodore”, and is considered a much more modern nickname. 
3. Beau: Beau in French translates to “beautiful”, and this was derived from the Latin word “bellus” which means “handsome or pretty”. It was initially used as a nickname for fashionable men but turned into an independent name by the mid 20th century. 
4. Bodhi: This popular name has Sanskrit roots and means “awakening, enlightenment”. The Bodhi tree is a fig tree where the founder of Buddhism received enlightenment.
5. Harvey: Harvey originated in France, and means “worthy of battle”. This name was popular in the 11th century and was revived again in the 19th century as a popular boys name.

Trending Girls Names:

1. Millie: Interestingly, this name is a derivative of “Amelia” or “Mildred”  and means “strength and determination”. It is now considered a name of its own right, and not just a nickname. 
2. Madeline: This sweet girl's name has English roots, and means “high tower” or “woman from Magdala”. Magdala was an ancient city that was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. This city was thought to be the birthplace of the biblical figure ‘Mary Magdalene’.  Madeline is also a derivative of “Magdalene”.
3. Heidi: Heidi is a timeless girl’s name that has Germanic roots. It means “of noble kin” and is a derivative of the names 'Adelheid’ or ‘Adelaide’. 
4. Luna: This name translates to “the moon” in Latin and is also the Roman goddess’s name who guards and protects the moon. It’s risen in popularity recently, along with other celestial-inspired names like “Aurora” and “Nova”.
5. Bonnie: “Cheerful and beautiful” is what this name means in Scotland. Bonnie is the word that the Scottish use for pretty, and it’s derived from the French word “bonne”. 

We hope you’ve found some inspiration amongst these names and their meanings. Understanding the roots and origins of a name makes it all the more sweeter.