The North Carolina dataset covers 26,614 registered babies across 100 distinct first names, drawn from U.S. Social Security Administration records going back to 1910.
The #1 boy name Liam represents 5% of registered boys in the state. The #1 girl name Olivia represents 4% of girls. The higher those percentages, the more concentrated naming is — states with strong local traditions tend to cluster around familiar choices, while cosmopolitan states spread names over a wider pool.
Names distinctive to North Carolina
These names are significantly more popular in this state than nationally — they capture North Carolina's particular naming character:
Waylon
North Carolina #20 · US #65
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular boy name in North Carolina?
Liam is the most popular boy name in North Carolina across the available data, recorded 745 times — about 5% of boys' name registrations in the state.
What is the most popular girl name in North Carolina?
Olivia is the most popular girl name in North Carolina, recorded 469 times — about 4% of girls' name registrations in the state.
How far back does the North Carolina name data go?
The North Carolina dataset spans 115 years of baby name records — from 1910 through 2025 — sourced directly from the U.S. Social Security Administration.
How many unique names have been used in North Carolina?
The combined dataset for North Carolina contains 100 distinct first names (50 boys, 50 girls) spanning 26,614 total registered births.
What boy names are distinctive to North Carolina?
Waylon stands out — ranked #20 in North Carolina but only #65 nationally. That makes it a meaningfully regional choice compared with the U.S. as a whole.