The Social Security Administration just released the top 1000 names of 2007 and once again, Jacob and Emily top the list. Jacob has held a firm spot at number 1 since 1999 and Emily since 1996. The top 20 is somewhat unchanged, but there were some interesting developments in the 100 plus range. For the first time, the name Miley (thanks to tween sensation Miley Cyrus) is on the list, and has entered the top 1000 at a respectable 278. Other notable celebrity inspired names are Shiloh (debuting at number 804) and Maddox (re-entering the top 1000 for the first time since 2003 at number 226), the son and daughter of the continuously growing Jolie-Pitt family. I can't wait to hear what they will name their twins!

Overall, parents seem to take more chances with girls' names than boys. Nevaeh, which is “Heaven” spelled backwards, is now the 31st most popular name. The religious theme was also reflected among these other girl names: Destiny (No. 41); Trinity (No. 72); Serenity (No. 126); Harmony (No. 315); Miracle (No. 461); Charity (No. 673); Journey (No. 692); Destini (No. 914); and Essence (No. 930). For boys, only Sincere (No. 622) and Messiah (No. 723) seem to reflect the same sentiment.

I love looking at baby name lists, and dreaming up names for all my future kids. Remember back when Cabbage Patch Kids came with a birth certificate with their first and middle name (and perhaps they still do)? What a cool job! Happy Naming!