SOCIAL SECURITY

News Release

Social Security Administration Delivers Most Popular Baby Names for 2002

Emily and Jacob Top Baby Names in U.S.

For Mother's Day, Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security, announced the top baby names in the United States for 2002.

"There are two repeat performers for 2002," said Commissioner 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."

Please click on the Most Popular Baby Names link at Social Security’s newly redesigned website -- www.socialsecurity.gov -- to see the top baby names for 2002. The top ten boys and girls names for 2002 are:

Emily and Jacob have become entrenched atop the list. Emily has been the most popular female name each year since 1996. Before that, it was Jessica, which topped the list from 1989 to 1995. Jacob has been the top male name since 1999. Prior to that, Michael was the most popular name each year 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 by clicking the link to the Most Popular Baby Names.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) started compiling baby name lists in 1997. Today, the SSA website offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880.

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."

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