Nostalgic Baby Names: The Top Names from the Millennium
It seems the ’90s and early 2000s are making a comeback, and this is evident in today’s baby name trends.
“Names from the turn of the millennium are gaining popularity as millennial and Gen Z parents embrace nostalgia for the ‘90s and early 2000s,” says Rebekah Wahlberg, a baby name trends specialist at BabyCenter.
BabyCenter, an online media company under Everyday Health Group, has compiled a list of the most popular names from that era. Here’s a look at four standout names and their histories:
Jacob
Jacob, derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov, carries multiple meanings based on its biblical roots. It can mean “to follow,” “to supplant,” or “may God protect.” Jacob has been a popular name in the U.S. since the late 20th century, frequently competing with Michael for the top spot. It was a top 10 name for boys until 2015 but now ranks No. 50 on BabyCenter’s list.
Michael
The name Michael comes from the Hebrew Mikha’el, meaning “Who is like God?” This name has a rich history and was a top choice in the U.S. for over 50 years. It held the No. 1 or No. 2 spot for boys from 1954 to 2008. Although it’s not as popular now, Michael remains a classic choice, currently ranking No. 28.
Emily
Emily, derived from the Roman name Aemilius, means “rival” or “to emulate.” Dominating the ’90s and early 2000s, Emily was the most popular girls’ name from 1996 to 2007. It was a top 10 name until 2015 and now sits at No. 35 on BabyCenter’s list.
Madison
Madison, an English name originally used as a surname meaning “son of Matthew,” was predominantly used for girls in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was a top 5 name from 1998 to 2005 but fell out of the top 10 in 2011.
These names reflect a nostalgic return to past favorites, as today’s parents embrace the trends of previous decades.
