Traditional Baby Names Remain Popular

Data Gathered From First 8 Months Of 2001

WASHINGTON -- Times may be changing, but parents are sticking with traditional names.

If you're looking for an original name for your baby, don't choose Jacob or Emily.

Those are the top names for babies in the first eight months of 2001, according to the Social Security Administration.

Jacob, Michael and Joshua are the three most popular names for American boys, while Emily, Hannah and Madison top the girls' list.

In the past 37 years, Michael has been bumped from the top spot only twice -- in 1999 and this year -- both times by Jacob.

Emily has been the No. 1 girl's name for the past six years. Hannah and Madison both have been in the top 10 since 1997.

What criteria do parents use to choose names?

More than 40 percent of expecting parents believe that the name they select will contribute to their child's success in life, according to a survey for the BabyCenter.com Web site.

Boys' names should convey individuality and strength, while girls' names should show individuality and femininity, the survey of 11,000 parents-to-be said.

Top 50 Baby Names In 2001

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