"There are two repeat performers for 2002," said Social Security Commissioner Jo Anne Barnhart. "Based on all Social Security card applications for children born last year, Emily is still the top girl baby name and Jacob returns as the most popular boy name."
The top ten girls and boys names for 2002, as reported by the Social Security Administration were:
Girls:
Emily
Hanna
Madison
Ashley
Sarah
Alexis
Samantha
Jessica
Elizabeth
Taylor
Boys:
Jacob
Michael
Matthew
Joshua
Christopher
Nicholas
Andrew
Joseph
Daniel
Tyler
Emily and Jacob Becoming Entrenched
Far from a one hit wonder, Emily has reigned as the most popular name for girls since 1996, when it replaced Jessica. Jacob took over the top spot in boys names in 1999 from Michael, the name that enjoyed an amazing 34-years at number-one from 1964 to 1998.
A list of the 1,000 most popular baby names for 2002, as well as the most popular baby names for each state, can be found on the Social Security Web site's Most Popular Baby Names page.
Enumeration at Birth: Baby's First Number
According to Social Security, the easiest way for parents to apply for a baby's Social Security number (SSN) is through a process known as Enumeration at Birth. This automatic service enables parents to apply for an SSN at the same time they fill out the birth certificate information at the hospital. Enumeration at Birth, which saves parents time and makes a trip to the local Social Security office unnecessary, is available free of charge in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.
"Enumeration at Birth offers parents an opportunity to request a Social Security number for their newborn as part of the birth registration process," Commissioner Barnhart said. "The main reason to get an SSN for a newborn is so the child can be claimed as a dependent on the parents' tax return. Even though this may not be the first thing new parents are thinking about after having a baby, it is quick, easy, and convenient."
