Massachusetts' Most Popular Baby Names In 2017

A new girls' name reigns supreme in Massachusetts, while the rise of the Benjamins continues.

The list of most popular baby names was announced this month by the Social Security Administration. In Massachusetts, the most popular baby name for girls was Emma, which overtook Olivia. The most popular baby name for boys was once again Benjamin, as it has been since beating out William in 2012.

Here are the Bay State's top 5 baby names for boys and girls in 2017:

Boys

• Benjamin (444)
• Mason (403)
• Ryan (403)
• William (402)
• Jacob (389)

Girls

• Emma (507)
• Sophia (503)
• Olivia (453)
• Isabella (409)
• Ava (357)

>>>Check out the full list here.

Nationally, for the first time since 2013, a new name for boys is the most popular. Liam passed Noah for the top spot, while Emma enjoyed her fourth straight year on the top of the list.

The national 2017 list includes a few more shake-ups, with two names falling off the top 10 on both the boys’ and girls’ list for the first time. Michael fell off the top 10 for the first time since World War II and landed at No. 12. On the girls' side, Emily fell off the top 10 list for the first time since 1990.

For boys, the top 10 baby names for 2017 are:

• Liam
• Noah
• William
• James
• Logan
• Benjamin
• Mason
• Elijah
• Oliver
• Jacob

For girls, the top 10 baby names for 2017 are:

• Emma
• Olivia
• Ava
• Isabella
• Sophia
• Mia
• Charlotte
• Amelia
• Evelyn
• Abigail

How popular is your name? Click here to find out.

The SSA began compiling the list in 1997, with names dating back to 1880. The administration also notes how popular culture influences baby names. In 2017, the SSA says parents seem to have been influenced by reality television.

Ensley was the fastest rising name on the girls’ list while Wells was the fastest rising name on the boys’ list. The SSA notes that the rise in Wells possibly has to do with a contestant on “The Bachelorette” named Wells.

Parents also chose the name Melania at an increasing rate in 2017, owing to the popularity of the first lady of the United States. The name “Dream” rose 840 spots for girls, thanks to Kardashian fame. Dream is the name Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna chose for their daughter.

The Villanova Wildcats, the NCAA basketball champions in 2016 and 2018, also seemed to have influenced parents. The SSA said the name “Nova” was a fast riser on the boys’ list.

You can find the full list here.

Image via shutterstock