North Carolina’s Most Popular Baby Names for Boys
Are you having a baby boy anytime soon? Searching for a name? We got you covered. Personally, I love my name. Shakespeare’s famous female character once asked, “What’s in a…
Are you having a baby boy anytime soon? Searching for a name? We got you covered. Personally, I love my name. Shakespeare's famous female character once asked, "What's in a name?" The answer? Quite a bit, actually.
The young lover Juliet seems to be proving just the opposite with her soliloquy - that a name does not matter, and her love for Romeo should not be hindered by feuding family names - but the truth about the weight carried by a name is quite the opposite.
The truth is that names tell stories. Names are like mirrors that reflect where we've come from, who we are, what connects us, and where we're going. Below are 50 of the most popular boy names in North Carolina. Ranked from least popular to number 1, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular baby names for boys of the last decade.
These were calculated for North Carolina using data from the Social Security Administration. Names are ranked by the number of babies from 2010 to 2019. Some of my personal favorites on the list include Eli, Brayden, Wyatt, Christopher, and Ethan. Keep reading to see if your name made the list.
#50. Eli
Eli is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "my God" or "elevated".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,407
- Number of babies in 2019: 187 (#60 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -12.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #37 in 2012
National
- Rank: #51
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 69,687
#49. Jaxon
Jaxon is a name of American origin meaning "son of Jack".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,429
- Number of babies in 2019: 267 (#29 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +107.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2018
National
- Rank: #52
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 68,946
#48. Hunter
Hunter is a name of English origin meaning "one who hunts".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,462
- Number of babies in 2019: 170 (#68 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #34 in 2013
National
- Rank: #47
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 74,682
#47. Isaiah
Isaiah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is salvation".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,476
- Number of babies in 2019: 212 (#52 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #36 in 2010
National
- Rank: #46
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 75,977
#46. Charles
Charles is a name of Germanic origin meaning "free man".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,518
- Number of babies in 2019: 239 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -7.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #35 in 2017
National
- Rank: #49
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 69,859
#45. Jonathan
Jonathan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has given".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,569
- Number of babies in 2019: 171 (#67 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -56.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2010
National
- Rank: #42
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,658
#44. Isaac
Isaac is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will laugh".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,572
- Number of babies in 2019: 266 (#30 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +34.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #30 in 2019
National
- Rank: #31
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 94,338
#43. Owen
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,611
- Number of babies in 2019: 291 (#26 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +25.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2019
National
- Rank: #34
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 90,980
#42. Dylan
Dylan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "son of the sea".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,613
- Number of babies in 2019: 194 (#57 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -35.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #32 in 2014
National
- Rank: #29
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 96,183
#41. Oliver
Oliver is a name of Latin origin meaning "olive tree planter".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,613
- Number of babies in 2019: 412 (#8 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +243.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2019
National
- Rank: #28
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 97,962
#40. Josiah
Josiah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Jehovah has healed".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,628
- Number of babies in 2019: 255 (#33 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +16.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #28 in 2017
National
- Rank: #62
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 62,838
#39. Jeremiah
Jeremiah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "appointed by God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,667
- Number of babies in 2019: 190 (#58 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #33 in 2011
National
- Rank: #55
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66,502
#38. Brayden
Brayden is a name of Irish origin meaning "brave".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,674
- Number of babies in 2019: 143 (#83 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #26 in 2012
National
- Rank: #58
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 65,848
#37. Anthony
Anthony is a name of Latin origin meaning "praiseworthy".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,687
- Number of babies in 2019: 197 (#56 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #25 in 2010
National
- Rank: #21
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 111,883
#36. Henry
Henry is a name of German origin meaning "estate ruler".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,825
- Number of babies in 2019: 350 (#13 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +63.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2019
National
- Rank: #33
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 92,441
#35. Andrew
Andrew is a name of Greek origin meaning "brave".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,887
- Number of babies in 2019: 187 (#60 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -50.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #27 in 2010
National
- Rank: #25
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 104,818
#34. Grayson
Grayson is a name of English origin meaning "son of the steward".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,975
- Number of babies in 2019: 387 (#9 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +118.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2019
National
- Rank: #56
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66,231
#33. Christian
Christian is a name of English origin meaning "follower Of Christ".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 2,988
- Number of babies in 2019: 217 (#50 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -46.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2011
National
- Rank: #41
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 83,934
#32. Wyatt
Wyatt is a name of English origin meaning "brave in war".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,014
- Number of babies in 2019: 340 (#14 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +39.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2019
National
- Rank: #37
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 87,572
#31. Levi
Levi is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "joining".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,092
- Number of babies in 2019: 353 (#12 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +54.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2019
National
- Rank: #45
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 77,717
#30. Matthew
Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of Yahweh".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,125
- Number of babies in 2019: 217 (#50 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -38.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #23 in 2017
National
- Rank: #16
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 124,808
#29. Cameron
Cameron is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "crooked river".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,128
- Number of babies in 2019: 239 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -34.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #22 in 2012
National
- Rank: #57
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 66,066
#28. Joseph
Joseph is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "he will add".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,208
- Number of babies in 2019: 284 (#28 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -26.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #24 in 2010
National
- Rank: #20
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,341
#27. Landon
Landon is a name of English origin meaning "long hill".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,271
- Number of babies in 2019: 226 (#44 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -48.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #17 in 2012
National
- Rank: #44
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 79,187
#26. Luke
Luke is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,308
- Number of babies in 2019: 311 (#18 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +5.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2016
National
- Rank: #32
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 93,102
#25. Caleb
Caleb is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "faithful".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,311
- Number of babies in 2019: 241 (#37 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -46.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #16 in 2010
National
- Rank: #38
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 86,530
#24. David
David is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,432
- Number of babies in 2019: 262 (#32 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -43.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #14 in 2010
National
- Rank: #18
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 116,382
#23. Lucas
Lucas is a name of Greek origin meaning "man from Lucania".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,448
- Number of babies in 2019: 371 (#10 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +35.9%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2017
National
- Rank: #17
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 118,453
#22. Daniel
Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,515
- Number of babies in 2019: 295 (#24 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -29.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2013
National
- Rank: #12
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 133,595
#21. Gabriel
Gabriel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my strength".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,534
- Number of babies in 2019: 231 (#42 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #13 in 2014
National
- Rank: #24
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,296
#20. John
John is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh has been gracious".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,609
- Number of babies in 2019: 325 (#16 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -22.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #12 in 2015
National
- Rank: #26
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 102,521
#19. Christopher
Christopher is a name of English origin meaning "Christ-bearer".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,628
- Number of babies in 2019: 224 (#47 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -54.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #9 in 2011
National
- Rank: #27
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 101,885
#18. Carter
Carter is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "transporter of goods".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,630
- Number of babies in 2019: 364 (#11 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +49.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2018
National
- Rank: #30
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 95,047
#17. Joshua
Joshua is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God Is my salvation".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,635
- Number of babies in 2019: 224 (#47 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -58.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #6 in 2010
National
- Rank: #23
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 105,951
#16. Samuel
Samuel is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "name of God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,664
- Number of babies in 2019: 303 (#20 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -33.6%
- Highest rank since 2010: #15 in 2010
National
- Rank: #22
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 107,854
#15. Logan
Logan is a name of Scottish origin meaning "Little hollow".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,727
- Number of babies in 2019: 315 (#17 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -16.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2017
National
- Rank: #14
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 126,600
#14. Benjamin
Benjamin is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "son of my days".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,784
- Number of babies in 2019: 334 (#15 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -5.1%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2016
National
- Rank: #11
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 134,226
#13. Alexander
Alexander is a name of Greek origin meaning “defender of man".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,840
- Number of babies in 2019: 296 (#22 (tie) most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -42.4%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2010
National
- Rank: #8
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 141,833
#12. Jayden
Jayden is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "thankful".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,890
- Number of babies in 2019: 239 (#39 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -56.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #5 in 2010
National
- Rank: #15
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 125,780
#11. Aiden
Aiden is a name of Gaelic origin meaning "born of fire".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 3,951
- Number of babies in 2019: 309 (#19 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -25.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #10 in 2015
National
- Rank: #13
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 129,374
#10. Michael
Michael is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,112
- Number of babies in 2019: 292 (#25 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -41.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #8 in 2016
National
- Rank: #7
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 144,741
#9. Ethan
Ethan is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "strong" or "enduring".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,113
- Number of babies in 2019: 287 (#27 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -45.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2010
National
- Rank: #6
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 148,857
#8. Jackson
Jackson is a name of English origin meaning "son of Jack".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,688
- Number of babies in 2019: 419 (#7 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -18.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #7 in 2019
National
- Rank: #19
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 115,997
#7. Jacob
Jacob is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "to follow".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 4,763
- Number of babies in 2019: 301 (#21 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -57.2%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2010
National
- Rank: #3
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 162,876
#6. Liam
Liam is a name of German origin meaning "protection".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,125
- Number of babies in 2019: 685 (#1 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +151.8%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2019
National
- Rank: #2
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 173,636
#5. James
James is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,147
- Number of babies in 2019: 514 (#4 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -1.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #4 in 2019
National
- Rank: #9
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 139,307
#4. Elijah
Elijah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is God".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,340
- Number of babies in 2019: 461 (#5 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -20.0%
- Highest rank since 2010: #3 in 2013
National
- Rank: #10
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 136,649
#3. Mason
Mason is a name of English origin meaning "one who works with stone".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 5,757
- Number of babies in 2019: 460 (#6 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -9.3%
- Highest rank since 2010: #2 in 2014
National
- Rank: #5
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 157,591
#2. Noah
Noah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "rest".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,002
- Number of babies in 2019: 605 (#2 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: +7.5%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2018
National
- Rank: #1
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 182,896
#1. William
William is a name of Germanic origin meaning "vehement protector".
North Carolina
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 6,978
- Number of babies in 2019: 585 (#3 most common)
- Change from 2010 to 2019: -28.7%
- Highest rank since 2010: #1 in 2017
National
- Rank: #4
- Number of babies from 2010 to 2019: 159,600
