With wide-ranging roots and beautiful meanings, we help parents-to-be with the top twenty most popular baby names in Canada.
If you’re expecting a baby and looking for inspiration regarding the most popular baby names, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we will go through the top 20 most popular baby names in Canada, providing insight into the names that have captured the hearts of Canadian parents.
The World Bucket List’s top facts about baby name trends in Canada:
- Thanks to the vast diversity in Canada, popular baby names originate from all over the world.
- Thanks to a growing appreciation for indigenous names, names like Aiyana and Kai are becoming more popular in Canada.
- With a large Irish population in Canada, the name Liam is consistently in the top ten most popular baby names.
- A lot of names in Canada are also nature-inspired. For example, names like Willow, Aurora and River can be popular in the North American nation.
- Lastly, lots of parts of Canada have a Francophone tradition and thus French-inspired names. Olivier and Émile are good examples.
20. Ali – a versatile choice for parents
Meaning ‘exalted’ or ‘noble’, we kick off our list with Ali, a name that has a universal appeal, making it a versatile choice for parents in Canada.
Whether as a standalone name or a nickname, Ali has a friendly and approachable sound that many parents appreciate.
19. Rowan – a beautiful Celtic name
Rowan is a name that carries a sense of strength and character. In recent years, it has made its way into the list of the most popular baby names in Canada.
Rowan means ‘little redhead’ or ‘tree with red berries’. Its Irish and Scottish origins contribute to its appeal, and it’s a name that has gained recognition among Canadian parents.
18. Cooper – English roots
Meaning ‘craftsman’, Cooper is a name that exudes a sense of craftsmanship and reliability. With its English roots, it has found its way into the hearts of Canadian parents who appreciate its strong and classic quality.
17. Luca – Latin origin
Translating to ‘light’, Luca is a popular Italian name with a hint of Mediterranean charm. Its Italian roots and simplicity have made it a popular choice in Canada. It’s a name that works well for boys and girls alike.
16. Lily – a lasting impression
Meaning ‘pure’ or majestic’, Lily is a name that exudes timeless beauty and grace. It has become a beloved choice among Canadian parents who appreciate its classic charm and elegance. Whether used on its own or as a nickname, Lily is a name that leaves a lasting impression.
15. Charlie – a classic name
Meaning ‘free man’ or ‘strong’, Charlie is a name that carries an air of friendliness and approachability. It has long been a popular gender-neutral choice for parents in Canada and worldwide.
14. Sebastian – the new kid on the block
Meaning ‘venerable’ or ‘revered’, Sebastian is a name that resonates with a sense of sophistication and charm. It is one name that has become more popular in recent years compared to classic names that always make the ‘most popular’ lists.
Its classic appeal and international recognition have made it a favourite among Canadian parents.
13. Isla – a beautiful Scottish name
Meaning ‘island’ in Scottish, Isla is a name that carries an air of elegance and sophistication. Of Scottish origin, it has found its way into the hearts of Canadian parents who appreciate its understated beauty and grace. It’s a name that leaves a lasting impression.
12. Hannah – a favourite among Canadian parents
Meaning ‘grace’ or ‘favour’, Hannah is a name that exudes timeless beauty. Its classic charm and biblical roots make it a favourite among Canadian parents. It’s a name that carries a sense of tradition and elegance.
11. Isabella – exuding grace
Meaning ‘pledged to God’, Isabella is a name that exudes elegance and sophistication. It has captured the hearts of parents who appreciate its timeless beauty and charm. Whether it’s used in its full form or shortened to Bella, it’s a name that stands out.
10. Jackson – American roots
Meaning ‘God has been gracious’ or ‘son of Jack’, Jackson is a name that signifies energy and a sense of adventure.
With its American roots, it has become a beloved choice among Canadian parents. Its distinctive sound and modern appeal have contributed to its popularity.
9. Amelia – an elegant name
Meaning ‘work’ or ‘industrious’, Amelia is a name that carries a sense of elegance and timelessness. Its classic charm and international appeal have made it a favourite among Canadian parents. It’s a name with much sophistication and grace.
8. Jacob – full of character
Meaning ‘supplanter’ or ‘may God protect’, Jacob is a name with deep biblical roots, signifying strength and character.
It has been a popular choice among Canadian parents for years, and its enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless quality.
7. Ava – simplicity and beauty
Meaning ‘bird’ or ‘life’, Ava is a name that exudes simplicity and beauty. It has gained popularity in Canada for its classic and timeless appeal. Its gentle sound and straightforward pronunciation make it a favoured choice.
6. Ethan – character and strength
Meaning ‘strong’ or ‘firm’, Ethan is a name that exudes strength and character. Its classic and timeless appeal has made it a favourite among Canadian parents. It’s a name that carries a sense of tradition and strength.
5. Benjamin – a timeless quality
Meaning ‘favoured son’, Benjamin is a name that carries a sense of reliability and charm. With its classic appeal and timeless quality, it has captured the hearts of Canadian parents. It’s a name that stands the test of time.
4. Lucas – a variation of Luca
Similarly to Luca, Lucas translates to ‘light’. It’s a name that carries a sense of friendliness and approachability. It has become increasingly popular in Canada, resonating with parents who appreciate its simplicity and charm.
3. Liam – a popular Irish name
An Irish name meaning ‘strong-willed warrior’, Liam is a name that signifies strength and character. It has been popular among Canadian parents for its timeless and classic appeal. Its Irish origins add a touch of heritage to its charm.
2. Olivia – the most popular female name in Canada
Meaning ‘olive tree’ or ‘peace’, Olivia is a name that exudes grace and elegance. It has captured the hearts of Canadian parents who appreciate its timeless beauty and classic charm. It’s a name that stands out with its sophistication.
1. Noah – the most popular boy name in Canada
Topping the list of the most popular baby names in Canada is the timeless name Noah, meaning ‘rest’ or ‘comfort’. This name has become a favourite among Canadian parents, reflecting its enduring appeal and classic charm.
With its biblical origins and universal recognition, Noah is a name that stands the test of time.
Notable mentions
William: William is a name that has always had a strong presence in Canada. Its royal connections and timeless quality continue to appeal to Canadian parents.
James: James is a name that carries a sense of tradition and character. It has been a beloved choice for generations, and its classic quality continues to resonate with Canadian parents.
Emma: Emma is a name that exudes timeless beauty and charm. It has been a top choice for baby girls in Canada, reflecting its enduring and classic appeal.
Your questions answered about the most popular baby names in Canada
How are the statistics for popular baby names in Canada compiled?
Statistics Canada compiles the data on popular baby names in the country. They gather this information from birth registrations, which include the names of newborns. Each year, they release a list of the most popular names, offering insights into naming trends.
Do baby name trends in Canada change significantly from year to year?
While some names maintain their popularity over the years, others experience fluctuations. Names often reflect cultural and societal influences, which can result in shifts in trends. As such, it’s not uncommon for certain names to rise or fall in popularity from year to year.
Are there regional differences in baby names in Canada?
Yes, there can be regional variations in baby names across Canada. Provinces and territories may have unique naming trends influenced by cultural diversity and regional preferences. It’s common to find certain names more popular in one region than another.
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