By Stephen Ohlemacher
The Associated Press
Isabella was the top baby name for girls, and Jacob for boys, in 2009, the Social Security Administration said Friday. Isabella’s climb to the top ended Emma’s one-year reign. Jacob is on an 11-year run at the top.
“Anything can influence baby names, from pop culture to literature to music and celebrities,” said Jennifer Moss, author of “The One-in-a-Million Baby Name Book” and founder of Babynames.com.
Barack still didn’t crack the top 1,000 for boys, but a version of the president’s daughter’s name, Malia, was the fastest riser for girls. Maliyah moved up 342 spots, to No. 296, while Malia, which is how Obama’s daughter spells it, came in at No. 192, rising 153 spots.
Many of the top names — and the fastest risers — match the popular “Twilight” series of books and movies about teen romance and vampires.
Edward Cullen is one of the lead characters. Edward moved up 11 spots, to No. 137, and Cullen was the biggest riser among boys’ names, up 297 spots to No. 485.
Edward Cullen is a vampire. His girlfriend? Bella, a common nickname for Isabella.
Jacob is another character in the stories, but Jacob’s rule at the top started well before the first “Twilight” book was published in 2005. Isabella has been in the top 10 since 2004.
Following Jacob among boys in the top 10 were Ethan, Michael, Alexander, William, Joshua, Daniel, Jayden, Noah and Anthony. On the girls’ side, Emma dropped to second, followed by Olivia, Sophia, Ava, Emily, Madison, Abigail, Chloe and Mia.
The Social Security Administration started compiling name lists in 1997. The agency offers lists of baby names dating to 1880.
