EVERETT — A lot of mommies around the state were cooing sweet songs to infants named Jacob and Sophia last year.
Those two names were at the top of the list of most popular baby names for 2010 released by the state Tuesday.
Olivia, Isabella, Emma and Ava rounded out the top five for girls.
For boys, it’s Alexander, Daniel, William and Ethan.
The data comes from birth records compiled by the state Department of Health. Last year, 86,480 babies were born in Washington — that’s more than 2,700 fewer babies than 2009.
The state tracks popular names back to 1980. If you’re curious, the top names 30 years ago were Jennifer and Michael.
The Social Security Administration also keeps track of popular baby names all the way back to 1880. Isabella topped the national list last year. Parents nationwide most preferred Jacob for boys in 2010.
Compare that to a century ago when the most popular names nationwide were Mary and John. Two names appeared both on the state 2010 list and the 1910 U.S. list: William and Elizabeth.
Top 10 names for 2010
Boys
1. Jacob
2. Alexander
3. Daniel
4. William
5. Ethan
6. Logan
7. Benjamin
8. Liam
9. Elijah
10. Noah
Girls
1. Sophia
2. Olivia
3. Isabella
4. Emma
5. Ava
6. Abigail
7. Emily
8. Elizabeth
9. Madison
10. Chloe
Source: Washington Department of Health
Reporter Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@heraldnet.com
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