Goodbye Tiffany, Hello Arya: Strong Girl Names Are Taking Over
LatestThe Social Security Administration has released its annual list of the most popular names, and the number ones — Jacob and Sophia — are the same as last year. But beyond the top ten, many of the names for girls growing in popularity invoke strength and courage instead of delicacy. Case in point: Arya — as in the sword-wieling Stark on Game Of Thrones — is the fastest rising name for girls in 2012.
The top ten names for girls are much as you’d expect: Sophia, Emma, Isabella, Olivia, Ava, Emily, Abigail, Mia, Madison, Elizabeth. And to be clear: Sophia — Greek for wisdom — is not a weak, delicate or fragile name. But browse the “change in popularity” list, and you’ll see a lot of strength, starting with Arya, who is a scrappy, defiant tomboy On Game Of Thrones. Some other kick-ass girl names trending:
Hanna (like the fierce hunter in the 2011 film who shoots a freakin’ reindeer in the head)
Ayla (like the clever, independent, strong lead character in Clan of the Cave Bear)
Eloise (like the mischievous brat who lived in the Plaza)