In Germany, Noah maintains its reign as the top chosen baby name for the fourth consecutive year.
Germany's Top Girls' and Boys' Names for 2024 Revealed
According to a comprehensive study conducted by Babell and analyzed from over 144,000 birth registrations, the top three names for girls in Germany in 2024 are Emilia, Emma, and Mia. In the boys' category, Noah retains its position as the most popular name for the fourth consecutive year.
Mia, a diminutive of Maria and Mary, holds the unique distinction of being the only new name in the top three for girls this year. Sophia, previously a mainstay in the top three, has slipped to fourth position, while Lia and Leni have shown remarkable growth, moving up two and four places, respectively.
The name Noah, derived from Hebrew, signifies "comfort" or "the bringer of rest." This name's enduring popularity may be attributed to its pleasant sound and timeless quality, qualities that are in line with current naming trends. The Bouba/Kiki effect, a scientific theory that suggests certain sounds are perceived as more appealing and enduring by parents, may also play a role in Noah's sustained popularity.
In the boys' category, Leon and Luca/Luka follow closely behind Noah in second and third place, respectively. Finn, which was absent from the top 10 last year, has made a strong comeback, securing a spot in fifth place.
Interestingly, Ben, a name that has enjoyed popularity for over a decade, has seen a drop in favour and now ranks 13th. Henry/Henri, on the other hand, has shown an upward trend and is now in fourth place.
The research was conducted without the involvement of an official body that keeps statistics on first names given nationwide in Germany. More information about the #OneMoreYearEF campaign, a sustainability-focused initiative by Evangelical Focus, can be found on their website.
Babell, with access to data from almost every postcode area in Germany, has proven to be a reliable source for such studies, providing valuable insights into the naming trends of the nation.
In the realm of naming trends, it appears that family dynamics are playing a significant role, as evidenced by the rise of Lia and Leni for girls. Furthermore, one's lifestyle and relationships may also influence the choice of names, as shown by the enduring popularity of the name Noah, which symbolizes comfort and rest.
