Congratulations!!

Having a baby is so exciting! The pregnancy, the teensy little clothes and shoes and everything, the understanding that you’re bringing new life into the world — okay, whoa there! Even having ultrasound imaging done to see what the baby is going to look like is part of the excitement! And of course, you get to choose your baby’s name.

Naming is a daunting proposition. Giving another person a name they’re going to carry with them for the rest of their life: it’s a big responsibility! But you know what? Nobody is more up to the task than you. To get you started, here are some of the most popular baby names of the 21st century along with their meanings, in no particular order:

Ella

Short form of Eleanor, meaning “light”; also, “beautiful fairy woman”

Logan

“Little hollow” in Scottish Gaelic

Alyssa

“Alyssum”, thought to cure madness, also, “noble”

John

“God is gracious”

Natalie

“Christmas morning” in Latin

Ryan

Stems from the Irish word for “king”

Sarah

“Lady”, “princess,” or “noblewoman”

Benjamin

“Son of the right hand,” Hebrew name for Jacob’s youngest son

Ashley

“Ash tree meadow,” also, from Aisling, “vision” as of a feminine spirit

David

“Beloved”

Alexis

“Defender of men, helper”

James

“Supplanter, one who follows”

Chloe

“Blooming, fertility”

Anthony

“Highly praiseworthy”

Grace

“Favor, thanks”

Christopher

“To bear, to carry”

Olivia

“Olive tree,” also, “kind one”

William

“Resolute protector”

Emily

“Industrious, striving”

Jacob

“To circumvent, supplant, seize by the heel”

So there we have it, a laundry list of the most popular names of the early 21st century in America. Of course, many choose to go different routes in naming their children, such as:

• Creating a name that is a hybridization of the parents’ first names

• Naming the baby after a beloved friend or family member

• Drawing inspiration from nature

• Drawing inspiration from national heritage, ethnicity, tribal heritage, or other sociocultural groups

• Using a name that is deeply rooted in history, familial or otherwise

• Using a name that has deep spiritual meanings for the family

• Creating a name using the mother’s surname

• Or, just coming up with a name you really like all on your own!

The sky is really the limit when it comes to kid’s names. And, of course, suggestions from parents who already have kids of their own are bound to be useful. We knew a woman once who gave her son a very simple name, and did so because she said she knew she’d be hollering it a lot over the years and wanted to make sure it was fairly easy to call out. That’s probably one of the most logical reasons I’ve ever heard for giving a child a particular name.

It can be especially nice to get a really clear image of your child while you are selecting their name, to see if anything about them is suggested by their features or their personality. We can see an incredible amount of detail, especially starting around week 24 and ongoing. Having an HD ultrasound is also a wonderful way to begin bonding with your baby from the very beginning. You can see their movements and expressions, how they react in their environment and get a clear picture of who you’re about to meet! An HD ultrasound is an extraordinary way to get to know your baby before they’re born.

At Hey Baby Ultrasound, we always prioritize our clients’ comfort and safety. We take beautiful, clear images of your baby for you to enjoy with your family and loved ones. Our sonographer is highly skilled and accredited by the oldest and most visible licensing board in the United States. We want to make sure you have an amazing experience with us. Contact us today to set up your appointment!