Keeping up with trending baby boy names can be tricky business.
Baby name website BabyCenter compiles user data so that parents-to-be can see which names are trending right now.
Here are the most popular baby boy names of 2018 so far.
The name is particularly prominent in the entertainment industry.
ActorsLiam NeesonandLiam Hemsworthare household names.
In music, there’s Liam Payne, one of the members of the band One Direction.
It’s no doubt that Liam is having its moment, but the spotlight can’t last forever.
Can Liam hold on to the top spot for the rest of the year?
Or will it soon fall from grace?
Only time will tell.
Noah
Noahmight only be ranked number two, but it is by no means second best.
Noah may be a figure from ancient times, but that doesn’t mean his story has been forgotten.
The moniker might be old, but it looks like you might’t sink a good name.
The name once again became beloved in the 19th century, thanks to Charles Dickens' famous novelOliver Twist.
Oliver is also a last name, such as with chefJamie Oliverand comedian and TV personalityJohn Oliver.
It might only be a few years until it catches up to the boys list ranking.
The filmLogan,based on the Marvel Comics character Wolverine, was released in 2017.
Mason
Holding steady at number five is the nameMason, which held the same ranking in 2017.
This is another name that wasoriginally a last name.
Mason jars are everywhere these days.
Mason jars are often re-purposed as glasses or as vases andare often used in craft projects.
Either way, we’re certain that this name is probably going to be sticking around for a while.
Meaning “light-giving” or “illumination,” versions of this namedate back centuries.
In the Bible, Luke is known as the author of one of the New Testament gospels.
The name has been used as both a first name and as a last name.
Ethan
Next up on the list, at number seven, isEthan.
The name holds the same place in the rankings as it did last year.
Ethan is a Hebrew name which means “strong,” “safe,” or “firm.”
Like many of the names on this list, Ethan is a Biblical name.
While the name has been around for a long time, it took centuries for itto truly become popular.
Elijah
At number eight, retaining its rank from 2017, isElijah.
The Biblical Elijah dates back to the 9th century BC.
Since then, it has gradually been working its way up in the ranks.
One of the most notable bearers of the name in modern times is actor Elijah Wood.
Aiden is derived from the Irish nameAodh, the Celtic god of the sun and fire.
Given the name’s powerful history, it’s no surprise that it’s on fire right now.
Irish-American actor Aidan Quinn uses the less commonly used spelling of the name.
The alternate spelling of the name was also used for Carrie’s nicest boyfriend onSex and the City.
James
Rounding out the top ten is James, which has remained in tenth place since 2017.
This name is a perennial favorite and has existed in various forms for millennia.
It is ultimately derived from the Hebrew nameYa’aqov, from which we also get the name Jacob.
The name means “supplanter” and has been a popular one for European royals.
Aside from royalty, the name James has been used by many other famous people throughout history.
The name is also frequently seen in the entertainment industry.
Some famous people named James in show business includeJames FrancoandJames Corden.
The 11th most common name for baby boys isan English namemeaning “one who uses a cart.”
It’s not exactly the most exciting of definitions, but it has proven popular with parents nonetheless.
The name hadn’t been particularly popular before that, though.
In 2018, the name isranked at 524on the list of names for baby girls.
Alexander
It may only come in at number 12, but Alexander is actually a sleeping giant.
Up three places from 2017, the name has cycled in and out of popularity for centuries.
Possibly the best-known person to bear the name isAlexander the Great, the 4th century B.C.
military strategist who was the king of Macedonia and conquered the Persian Empire.
The name has often beenused for royalty.
Rulers of Scotland, Poland, Yugoslavia, and Russia have used the name.
Sebastian
Another centuries-old name on this list,Sebastian, comes in at number 13.
Sebastian has dropped one rank since 2017, but the year isn’t over yet.
Jackson
At number 14 isJackson, which has dropped down one place since 2017.
Originally a last name, the name Jackson means “son of Jack.”
It began to climb up the charts in the 1980s, atthe height of singer Michael Jackson’s popularity.
William
Finishing off the top 15, up five places from 2017, is the nameWilliam.
Like other traditional names, William spikes in popularity at times, but never really falls out of fashion.
