On this Christmas Day, families across Florida are celebrating not only the holiday season but also the joy of welcoming new bundles of joy. In 2023, names like Avery, Scarlett, Matthew, and Michael led the list of Christmas-inspired baby names—will these festive favorites remain on top this year, or will new names capture the holiday spirit?
The Most Popular Names
Data gathered by PlayFame from the Social Security Administration (SSA), highlights the top Christmas-inspired names given to Florida babies this year. Avery, a whimsical name meaning “ruler of the elves,” claimed the crown for girls, with 319 babies receiving the name in 2023. This old English name bridges the timeless charm of folklore with the playful tradition of “Elf on the Shelf.”
For boys, Matthew ranked first, with 656 births. The name, meaning “gift of God” in Hebrew, aligns beautifully with the Christmas narrative of Jesus as God’s gift to the world. Matthew also connects to the Gospel of Matthew, which recounts the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, guided by the Star of Bethlehem.
Top 10 Christmas-Inspired Names
Girls:
- Avery – 319
- Scarlett – 308
- Grace – 296
- Stella – 278
- Gabriella – 263
- Ivy – 249
- Bella – 248
- Lucia – 240
- Jade – 231
- Maria – 229
Boys:
- Matthew – 656
- Michael – 597
- Gabriel – 546
- Theodore – 483
- Luke – 465
- Jack – 418
- Julian – 410
- Joseph – 398
- Christopher – 393
- Christian – 313
Names like Scarlett (308 births) reflect the deep red hues of Christmas decorations, while Grace (296 births) embodies the elegance and spirituality of the holiday season. For boys, Michael (597 births) honors the archangel tied to Christmas lore, and Gabriel (546 births) celebrates the angel who announced Jesus’ birth to Mary.
A Deeper Meaning
PlayFame spokesperson commented on the findings, saying, “Christmas-inspired names like Avery, Matthew, and Scarlett reflect the timeless charm and deeper meanings associated with the holiday season. These names not only celebrate the festive spirit but also carry sentiments of love, joy, and tradition that resonate with families during this special time of year. It’s no surprise to see such meaningful and elegant choices topping the charts.”
A Christmas Tradition
Many hospitals in Florida have embraced the holiday spirit, decorating maternity wards with festive touches and offering photo opportunities for newborns wrapped in Christmas-themed blankets or wearing tiny Santa hats. Parents choosing Christmas-themed names feel it connects their children to the joy and magic of the season, making their arrival even more special.
As Florida welcomes these holiday blessings, the names chosen for these babies ensure that the spirit of Christmas lives on in their identities. Merry Christmas to all, and congratulations to the families celebrating new arrivals this holiday season!
