TORONTO — Olivia and Noah have once again claimed the top spots as Ontario’s most popular baby names, extending a streak that reflects parents’ continued preference for familiar and enduring choices. New data released by the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement shows the two names leading provincial rankings for 2024, reinforcing trends that have remained remarkably consistent over the past decade.
Olivia secured its place as the most popular name for baby girls in Ontario for the 16th consecutive year, while Noah ranked first among boys’ names for the sixth year in a row. The annual list is based on birth registrations submitted through ServiceOntario and offers a snapshot of naming preferences among families across the province.
The top 10 lists reveal a blend of classic names and those that have steadily gained popularity in recent years. For girls, Olivia was followed by Charlotte, Sophia, Amelia and Emma, which rounded out the top five. Ava placed sixth, followed by Maya, Sofia, Mia and Isla. Many of these names have featured prominently in Ontario’s rankings for several years, suggesting that parents continue to favour names perceived as timeless and versatile.
On the boys’ side, Noah led a competitive list that included Liam in second place and Theodore in third. Oliver and Jack rounded out the top five, followed by Henry, Benjamin, Lucas, Muhammad and Leo. The presence of Muhammad among the top 10 reflects Ontario’s cultural diversity and the broad range of influences shaping naming trends across the province.
Beyond the popularity of individual names, the province’s announcement also highlighted the administrative processes that accompany the arrival of a new child. Officials used the release to draw attention to ServiceOntario’s digital services aimed at reducing paperwork for new parents during an already busy and emotional time.
“Welcoming a new baby and choosing a name are joyful milestones, and we want parents to spend that time making memories, not worrying about paperwork,” said Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “ServiceOntario’s 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle makes life easier for Ontario parents, saving them time so they can cherish those first precious moments, while registering their newborn and applying for essential documents from the comfort of their home.”
The 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle allows parents to complete several critical steps through a single online application. Through the service, parents can apply for their child’s birth certificate, request a Social Insurance Number, enroll for Canada Child Benefits — including the Ontario Child Benefit — and access the Education Savings Referral service. The streamlined approach is intended to reduce duplication and ensure families receive important documents and benefits as quickly as possible.
The province noted that timely registration remains essential. Parents are required to register their child’s birth within 30 days to ensure access to these services and documents without delays. Missing the deadline can complicate applications for benefits and identification, potentially creating additional administrative burdens for families.
Ontario’s annual baby name rankings have long been a point of public interest, offering insight into broader social and cultural patterns. Names such as Olivia, Noah, Liam and Emma have consistently appeared near the top of the lists, suggesting a strong attachment to names that are widely recognized yet adaptable across generations. At the same time, the inclusion of names like Isla, Theodore and Muhammad highlights how trends continue to evolve alongside demographic changes.
For many parents, the choice of a baby name carries deep personal meaning, influenced by family traditions, cultural heritage and popular culture. The province’s latest data suggests that while tastes may shift gradually, Ontario families continue to gravitate toward names that balance familiarity with individuality.
As another year of birth registrations is recorded, Olivia and Noah remain firmly entrenched at the top — a testament to their enduring appeal in one of Canada’s most populous and diverse provinces.
