Baby name experts explain the trends that sent one name flying into the top 10 for the first time

Key Points:

• The U.S. Social Security Administration's 2025 baby names list shows little change in the top names, with Olivia and Liam maintaining their positions as the most popular girls' and boys' names, respectively, while Eliana has risen into the top 10 for the first time.
• Eliana, meaning "my God has answered" in Hebrew, surged from 18th to 10th place in one year, gaining popularity due to its feminine sound, versatility for nicknames, and appeal across multiple cultures and languages, including Jewish and Latino communities.
• Baby name consultants attribute Eliana's rise to the trend of names starting with "El," its elegant yet approachable style, and a parental preference for distinctly feminine names over gender-neutral ones.
• Unlike many popular names influenced by celebrities or media, Eliana's popularity stems more from its meaningful origins and multicultural appeal rather than high-profile cultural exposure.
• Experts predict that while Eliana's recent rise is significant, its long-term presence in the top 10 is uncertain, with some expecting it may decline as parents seek less common names, though others believe it may maintain its popularity for the near future.