The annual announcement of America’s most popular baby names has quickly become a Social Security tradition, and the listing of those names is now one of the most popular features on Social Security’s Web site, at
In 2005, the names Jacob and Emily again topped the list. In fact, this is a 10-year anniversary for Emily, which has been the most popular girl’s name since 1996. The most popular girl’s name for the six preceding years (1989-1995) was Jessica, which has now fallen out of our top 10 list.
Jacob has been the most popular name for a boy since 1999. For more than 30 years before Jacob reached No. 1, the most popular boy’s name was Michael, from 1964 to 1998. And Michael remains at No. 2.
Here are the top names for 2005:
Boys Girls
1) Jacob Emily
2) Michael Emma
3) Joshua Madison
4) Matthew Abigail
5) Ethan Olivia
6) Andrew Isabella
7) Daniel Hannah
8) Anthony Samantha
9) Christopher Ava
10) Joseph Ashley
The Web page can tell you more than the 1,000 most popular baby names for 2005. For example, you can find the most popular names in each state. In Florida last year the top three names were Emily, Isabella and Madison for a girl and Joshua, Michael and Anthony for a boy.
The Popular Baby Names page also offers the most popular names for twins, as well as the most popular baby names all the way back to 1880. The list with these names can be found at ate/top5_2005.html.
All of the baby names are from Social Security card applications for births that occurred in the United States after 1879. Names are restricted to cases where the year of birth, sex and state of birth are on record. Many people born before 1937 never applied for a Social Security card, so their names are not included in our data.
While visiting our award-winning Web site, you may also want to check out many of the other online services. Our site lets people access information and conduct business with Social Security from the convenience of their computers at any time.
For example, you can apply online for Social Security retirement, spouse’s and disability benefits at Other online services allow you to find out if you may be eligible for benefits or locate your local Social Security office.
If you are already receiving benefits you can use the Web site to change your address or request a replacement Medicare card. The site also offers a wealth of information about all Social Security programs and a “Frequently Asked Questions” section.
So, whether you need to name a baby or apply for retirement, there really is something for every Jacob and Emily at
Ginny Jordan, public affairs specialist, can be reached at Social Security Administration, Shoppes of Wilton Manors, 2276 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305.
