Sacramento is certainly not a small town, with its expansive array of city blocks and suburban communities. We are considered to be one of the most culturally diverse cities in the nation, and when it comes to naming the newest citizens of our city we tend to go with both original and traditional choices. If you are struggling to find a name to perfectly suit your upcoming arrival, take a look at the most popular names in California right now, along with some unique suggestions inspired by the city of Sacramento.

Popular Names in California

Each year, the Social Security Administration creates a list of the most frequent names used for both male and female births that year. The most recently published list of California babies were tallied last year and the top 50 have only grown in popularity over the last several months. While this list encompasses births throughout the entire state of California, many of those counted are Northern California babies – including those specifically born in the Sacramento Valley.

The most popular boy name within the last year was Noah, with 2.761 newborns now bearing the name. The most popular girl’s name is Sophia with 3,162 little ones now trying it on for size.

Boy runner ups:

2. Jacob

3. Ethan

4. Daniel

5. Alexander

6. Matthew

7. Jayden

8. Anthony

9. Sebastian

10. David

 

Girl runner ups:

2. Isabella

3. Emma

4. Mia

5. Olivia

6. Emily

7. Sofia

8. Victoria

9. Abigail

10. Camila

 

 A Perfect Fusion of Unique and Traditional

With our own children, my husband and I have taken the traditional route – we are proud parents to a Samuel and a Charlotte (numbers 38 and 13 on the list, respectively).

However, California boasts a healthy combination of both traditionalists and those who want something a bit more unique.

Within the most recent tally’s Top 40, we see traditional options including James, Joseph, Ryan, Gabriel and Benjamin. On the girls’ team, there’s high ranking for Samantha, Elizabeth, Grace, Ava and even Evelyn coming in at #14.

More unique options that ranked top include Sebastian, Damian and Angel (for a boy, #22). For girls, Genesis (#19), Penelope and Aria round out the top 40.

 

Local Inspired Names

If you want to stay true to your local routes and wish to choose an out-of-the-ordinary name for your baby that truly declares they’re California born and raised, here are a few suggestions Sacramento parents might love.

For boys:

1.Crocker – Are you a lover of the Crocker Art Museum, or love a good historical lesson? The Crocker family were wealthy, influential and infamous in Sacramento around the turn of the century. Naming your little boy Crocker suggests a love of art, history or hopes for future affluence.

2.Ulysses – One of the streets in the friendly, young family-filled neighborhood of Garden of the Gods in Arden Arcade. Just on the outskirts of Carmichael, this is a safe, lovely section of Sacramento where many families purchase their first homes and others hold onto them as rental properties due to the likeable features of the neighborhood.

3.Abel – So many of us make the short trek up to Apple Hill each fall or winter, and one of the most popular destinations there is Abel’s Acres. If your family has great memories of this lovely system of orchards, vineyards and donut shops, consider welcoming a little Abel into your lives.

For girls:

1.Poppy – Living in the Capital City means you’re well-versed on California history – including our vibrant state flower. Whimsical and lovely, this is a precious name for any little girl.

2.Sutter – Sutter’s Fort, another well-known historical site in Sacramento, was integral in the Gold Rush era. Consider Sutter as a name if you love history, local architecture or all things gold.

3.Cresleigh – Cresleigh Ranch Village was recently rated one of the top 10 neighborhoods of Sacramento by Sacramento magazine. This Elk Grove community is owned mostly by young families and is an ideal suburban destination.

Other Sacramento-Inspired Names:

-Curtis  (Curtis Park)

-Kingsley (Kings fan, anyone?)

-Whitney (Whitney Ranch, Rocklin)

-Jedediah (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail)

-Rose (St. Rose of Lima Park and Roseville)

-Odori (classical Japanese dancing as shown at the Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar) 

-Leland (Leland Stanford Museum)

-Effie (Effie Yeaw Nature Center)

-Clara (the main character of Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker)