The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time.

While part of the excitement for many is choosing a name, others may feel pressure to make the right choice since it has impact on their identity and journey throughout life.

Parents often choose a name that reflects family traditions, cultural backgrounds or religious beliefs, or honors loved ones.

Often, choosing a name is influenced by popular culture — sports figures, movie stars or musicians play a part in the decision. Or, some parents simply pick a name just because they really like it.

As 2026 begins, both Jefferson Health and St. Luke’s University Health Network announced the most popular names given to the babies born at each health network campuses.

Jefferson Health

At Jefferson Health, the most popular name for girls is Sophia, chosen by 60 parents, with the name Emma coming in second place, chosen by 53 parents, and Isabella right behind with 52.

For boys, Noah came in first place as the most popular boy name with 103 babies given the name, followed by 91 named Liam. Noah is also the most popular boy name nationally.

More than 45 Coopers were born this year, perhaps inspired by Eagles Super Bowl hero Cooper DeJean and hometown megastar Bradley Cooper. Speaking of the Eagles, seven Jalens were born, perhaps a nod to quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Families continue to favor names that resonate with Phillies fans, including 35 Harpers (both boys and girls) and seven Bryces.

Among the births is a boy named Kelce; we like to think the inspiration for the name came from the former Eagles player Jason Kelce, and not the other Kelce who is engaged to the world’s biggest pop star.

In looking at Jefferson Health’s 2025 list, there were quite a few unique names, including those of geographic locations such as Toronto, Egypt, Boston, Bronx and Holland, and names that evoke the joy of having a baby, including Love, Miracle, Charm and Wonder.

St. Luke’s

Owen Brewer didn’t waste any time getting on with 2025. Mere seconds after midnight to kick off 2025, Owen was born at St. Luke’s Anderson Campus, the first baby of the new year in the eastern Pennsylvania region.

Owen was the first, and his name was also one of the most popular names for male babies born at St. Luke’s Anderson Campus for 2025.

These are the top three (or more) names at St. Luke’s campuses in 2025:

• St. Luke’s Allentown: Girls — Charlotte, Lainey, Gianna and Isabelle and Olivia and Sofia (tied). Boys — Noah, Elijay, Michael and Oliver and Theodore (tied).

• St. Luke’s Anderson: Girls — Sophia, Olivia, Charlotte, Amelia and Zoe (tied). Boys — Noah/Noa, Owen, Oliver, Carter and Lucas/Luke (tied).

The most popular baby names given to newborns at St. Luke’s University Health Network in 2024 for girls were Olivia, Mia, Sophia/Sofia and Charlotte, while the most popular boys names in 2024 were Liam, Noah, Lucas/Luke and Henry.

Nationally

Looking at a national snapshot, according to babycenter.com Noah and Olivia held onto their number one spots for boys and girls.

The top five boy names are exactly the same as in 2024, with Noah #1, Liam #2, Oliver #3, Elijah #4 and Mateo #5.

For girl names, Olivia and Amelia are holding onto the number one and two spots, respectively, and Emma moved up to #3 (from #4), Sophia dropped to #4 (from #3) and Charlotte moved up to #5 (from #6).