The government of Alberta has released the top baby names of 2023, and once again, two names sit at the top: Olivia and Noah.

Olivia maintains a record-setting streak as the most popular girls' name for the eleventh year, while Noah remains a top pick for boys' names for a fifth consecutive year.  

"Congratulations to those who welcomed a new addition to their family in 2023. Bringing a child into the world is a truly momentous occasion. Whether the name you chose was in the top ten or one of a kind, these names are the beginning of the endless possibilities for each child. I look forward to supporting this generation by ensuring Alberta remains where they can thrive," said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.

Here is a list of the top seven names this year for boys:

  1. Noah
  2. Liam
  3. Oliver
  4. Theodore
  5. Jack
  6. Henry
  7. Lucas

The top ten boys' names remain the same as last year, with a slight change in order.

Here are the top seven names this year for girls:

  1. Olivia
  2. Amelia
  3. Sophia
  4. Charlotte
  5. Emma
  6. Isla
  7. Evelyn

According to the Government of Alberta's website, parents found inspiration for new arrivals in various places when choosing names. Some took inspiration from plants like Ivy, Rose, Juniper, Poppy, and Azalea or from nature like Wren, River, Meadow, and Flora.

Others may have taken a literary approach with names like Bennett, Sawyer, Juliet, and Atticus or been inspired by notable names from religious texts like Eve, Noah, Mohammed, and Gabriel.

As usual, athletes like Crosby, Beckham, and Evander, singers like Presley, Lennon, Aretha, and Hendrix, and even princesses from fairy tales like Ariel,  Aurora, Tiana, Jasmine, and Belle may have been influenced by popular culture.

Girls' names that held the number one spot for the longest consecutive period include:

  • Olivia: 11 years (2013-2023)
  • Jessica: six years (1990-1995)
  • Emily: five years (1998-2002)

Boys' names that held the number one spot for the longest consecutive period include:

  • Ethan: nine years (2001-2009)
  • Liam: seven years (2010-2016)
  • Matthew: five years (1995-1999)
  • Noah: five years (2019-2023)

The province of Alberta saw a total of 47,263 registered births in 2023. 

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