Ontario parents continued to honour tradition while subtly embracing evolving naming trends in 2024, according to newly released provincial data. Once again, Olivia and Noah claimed the top spots as the most popular baby names in the province, reinforcing their long-standing appeal among families. The latest rankings highlight not only the enduring dominance of classic favourites but also the gradual rise of softer, globally influenced names that reflect Ontario’s diverse population.
The annual list, released by the province this week, offers a snapshot of naming preferences across Ontario and provides insight into how cultural familiarity, modern tastes, and generational values shape one of the earliest decisions parents make for their children.
Olivia and Noah Continue Their Remarkable Reign
For the 16th consecutive year, Olivia emerged as the most popular name for baby girls in Ontario, a streak that began in 2009 and shows little sign of slowing. On the boys’ side, Noah maintained its position at number one for the sixth year in a row, confirming its status as a modern classic that resonates with parents year after year.
A Legacy of Consistency
The sustained popularity of Olivia is notable in an era where trends often shift rapidly. Its appeal lies in its balance of elegance and simplicity, qualities that have helped it remain relevant across generations. Similarly, Noah’s steady rise and continued dominance reflect its timeless sound and broad cultural recognition.
Together, Olivia and Noah exemplify how certain names manage to transcend short-lived trends, becoming staples rather than passing fashions in baby naming.
The Top Baby Names of 2024
Alongside the familiar frontrunners, Ontario’s 2024 list includes a mix of long-standing favourites and emerging names that continue to gain traction. The rankings underscore how parents often gravitate toward names that feel both classic and contemporary.
Top 10 Girls’ Names in Ontario (2024)
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Olivia
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Charlotte
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Sophia
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Amelia
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Emma
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Ava
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Maya
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Sofia
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Mia
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Isla
Charlotte and Sophia once again secured strong positions, reflecting their sustained popularity over recent years. Amelia and Emma remained firmly entrenched in the top five, while Ava continued to appeal to parents seeking a short, stylish name.
Names like Maya, Mia, and Isla point to a growing preference for softer-sounding, internationally recognizable names that are easy to pronounce across cultures.
Top 10 Boys’ Names in Ontario (2024)
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Noah
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Liam
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Theodore
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Oliver
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Jack
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Henry
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Benjamin
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Lucas
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Muhammad
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Leo
Liam held onto the second spot, maintaining its strong presence among Ontario families. Theodore and Oliver continued their upward momentum, reflecting a renewed interest in traditional names with a vintage feel. Jack and Benjamin remained steady favourites, while Leo’s placement in the top 10 highlights the growing appeal of short, impactful names.
Notable Shifts and Rising Trends
While the overall rankings remained relatively stable, several subtle shifts stood out in this year’s data. These changes offer clues about evolving tastes and emerging preferences among new parents.
Henry’s Rise and Lucas’ Dip
One of the most noticeable changes was Henry’s rise in popularity. The name climbed from 10th place in 2023 to 6th in 2024, suggesting renewed enthusiasm for classic, regal-sounding names. Its upward movement aligns with a broader trend toward traditional names that feel timeless rather than trendy.
By contrast, Lucas experienced a slight decline, falling from sixth place last year to eighth in 2024. Despite the drop, it remains firmly within the top 10, indicating that its overall popularity remains strong.
Short, Soft Names Gain Momentum
Names such as Isla, Leo, and Maya illustrate a growing preference for shorter, softer names with international appeal. These names are often seen as versatile, modern, and easily adaptable across different cultures and languages, reflecting Ontario’s increasingly diverse population.
The inclusion of Muhammad in the top 10 boys’ names also underscores the province’s multicultural character and the influence of cultural heritage on naming choices.
Why Parents Stick With Familiar Favourites
Experts often note that baby naming trends tend to move in cycles, with parents gravitating toward names that feel safe, familiar, and widely accepted. In uncertain times, many families may prefer names that carry a sense of stability and continuity.
Balancing Tradition and Individuality
While some parents seek unique or unconventional names, many still value tradition, opting for names that have stood the test of time. Names like Olivia, Noah, Emma, and Benjamin strike a balance between being widely recognized and personally meaningful.
At the same time, the steady presence of newer favourites such as Theodore, Isla, and Leo shows that parents are willing to explore options that feel fresh without straying too far from the mainstream.
The Role of ServiceOntario in Supporting New Parents
Beyond naming trends, the province highlighted efforts to simplify the administrative side of welcoming a new baby. Stephen Crawford, Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, emphasized the importance of reducing paperwork for families during an already emotional and busy time.
Making the Process Easier for Families
“Welcoming a new baby and choosing a name are joyful milestones, and we want parents to spend that time making memories, not worrying about paperwork,” Crawford said in a statement.
He pointed to ServiceOntario’s 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle as a key initiative designed to streamline the registration process. The service allows parents to register their newborn, apply for essential documents, and complete multiple administrative steps from the comfort of their home.
According to the province, the program helps parents focus on their newborn during those early days rather than navigating complex bureaucratic requirements.
What the 2024 List Says About Ontario Families
The baby name rankings offer more than just a list of popular choices; they reflect broader social and cultural patterns across the province. The continued dominance of certain names suggests a shared sense of tradition, while the gradual rise of globally influenced names points to Ontario’s evolving identity.
A Snapshot of a Changing Province
Ontario’s population continues to grow and diversify, and naming trends often mirror that shift. The presence of names with international roots alongside long-established English-language favourites highlights how families blend heritage, modernity, and personal preference when naming their children.
As new parents look ahead to the future, their choices reveal a desire to honour both tradition and individuality, creating a naming landscape that is familiar yet dynamic.
Looking Ahead to Future Trends
While it remains to be seen whether Olivia and Noah will maintain their top positions in the years to come, their long-standing popularity suggests they are deeply embedded in Ontario’s naming culture. At the same time, rising names like Isla, Leo, and Theodore may continue to gain ground as tastes slowly evolve.
For now, the 2024 list confirms that Ontario parents value names that feel timeless, meaningful, and adaptable—qualities that ensure these favourites will be heard in classrooms, playgrounds, and communities across the province for years to come.
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