Top Baby Names of 2011 Revealed

Jacob and Sophia topped the list of America’s most popular baby names for 2011. It's a dynasty for Jacob, as this is the thirteenth straight year the name tops the list for boys. It's the first year on top for Sophia, who knocked Isabella to number two after two years at the top of the most popular names for girls.

The only new name in the top 10 on either list this year is Mason, which jumped from being just outside of the top ten to number two on the list. Mason's jump knocked Anthony out of the top ten on the boys’ side.

According to the Social Security Administration, Mason has been a popular name since the 1990's, but just cracked the top 25 two years ago. The SSA said this year’s rise to number two may be attributed to reality star Kourtney Kardashian’s son, while Green Bay Packer fans may argue that Mason's ongoing top-five ranking in Wisconsin is a tribute to Packers kicker Mason Crosby.

This year’s biggest jump in popularity in the Top 500 names are Brantley for boys and Briella for girls. The popularity of Briella may be further proof of New Jersey's cultural dominance over the free world, with the SSA noting the connection to Briella Calafiore, reality star hairdresser from “Jerseylicious” and its subsequent spinoff, “Glam Fairy.” 

As for Brantley, who knows?

But the SSA said the jump could be attributed to the popularity of University of Florida football, where mediocre quarterback John Brantley has been underwhelming fans since the graduation of Tim Tebow. Or there's country music singer Brantley Gilbert, who scored a hit single with “Country Must Be Country Wide.” 

The second fastest rising name on the boys’ list is Iker, which the SSA notes could be attributed to Iker Casillas Fernandez, the goalkeeper for both Real Madrid and the Spanish National Team soccer teams. Angelique is the second biggest climber on the girls' list.

Also this year, Elvis is alive at number 904 on the list.

“Last year I was all shook up when Elvis dropped way down below the top 1,000, but Elvis is back into the promised land of the top 1,000, and that’s all right," said Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue

The SSA has been compiling the most popular baby name lists since 1997, with the agency’s website providing lists of baby names for each year since 1880. 

Top 10 Most Popular Baby Names of 2011:

Boys:

1. Jacob
2. Mason
3. William
4. Jayden
5. Noah
6. Michael
7. Ethan
8. Alexander
9. Aiden
10. Daniel

 Girls:

1. Sophia
2. Isabella
3. Emma
4. Olivia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Abigail
8. Madison
9. Mia
10. Chloe