Rhode Island's Most Popular Baby Names In 2017

There is again a new most popular boys' name in Rhode Island - no surprise there. But for the first time in five years, there's also a new top girls' name.

Lucas was the state's most popular boys' name in 2017, according to information released by the Social Security Administration. There hasn't been the same most-popular boys' name in Rhode Island in back-to-back years since Mason in 2011-12.

Olivia had been the most popular girls' name in Rhode Island for four years straight, but last year Charlotte overtook it. There were six more Charlottes born last year than Olivias.

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

Boys

• Lucas (64)
• Liam (61)
• Noah (61)
• Julian (59)
• Mason (56)

Girls

• Charlotte (69)
• Emma (67)
• Olivia (63)
• Sophia (60)
• Isabella (51)

Nationally, Liam and Emma are the top baby names for 2017. It's the first time since 2013 there is a new name for boys (Noah had been on top) while Emma enjoys her fourth year on top.

The 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 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