Liam

Boys

Best rank #1 (2018) · ranked in 17 years

First charting in 2009, Liam peaked at #1 in 2018.

It climbed from #67 in 2009 to #1 in 2025.

In the most recent data (2025) it ranks #1.

20,001 newborns received the name Liam in 2018, its peak year.

Liam was most popular around 2018, making it characteristic of the 2010s generation.

Rank by year

11020200920172025
  1. 2025120,846
  2. 2024122,288
  3. 2023120,934
  4. 2022120,605
  5. 2021120,454
  6. 2020119,898
  7. 2019120,661
  8. 2018120,001
  9. 2017218,912
  10. 2016418,296
  11. 2015418,431
  12. 2014518,520
  13. 2013618,175
  14. 20121116,847
  15. 20112213,463
  16. 20104010,955
  17. 2009678,588

Similar names

Names similar to Liam include Logan, Lucas, Levi, which share a starting letter or overlapping popularity. Compare their rank trajectories below.

Origin & meaning

Liam is a name of Irish origin, originally a short form of Uilliam, the Irish form of William. William itself derives from the Germanic Willahelm, combining wil (will, desire) and helm (helmet, protection), so Liam traditionally carries the meaning "strong-willed warrior" or "resolute protector".

Notable people named Liam

  • Liam Neeson - Irish actor known for films such as Schindler's List and Taken
  • Liam Hemsworth - Australian actor known for The Hunger Games film series
  • Liam Payne - English singer-songwriter, former member of the boy band One Direction

Liam rose from a niche Irish nickname to the most popular boys' name in the United States, holding the #1 spot in Social Security Administration rankings continuously since 2017, helped along by its short, modern sound and celebrity association.

Where Liam is most popular

In 2025, Liam was recorded in 51 of the 51 US jurisdictions the SSA reports on, with 20,818 births nationwide.

The largest share came from Texas at 2,688 births, 12.9% of the national total, where it ranked #1 that year.

By census region the name skews South, which accounts for 43.5% of Liam births, against 17.1% Northeast, 16.3% Midwest, 23.2% West.

State rankings spread more than the national figure suggests: Liam placed as high as #1 in Texas and as low as #17 in Maine.

Top states, 2025

  1. 1Texas2,688 · #1 there
  2. 2California2,624 · #2 there
  3. 3Florida1,865 · #1 there
  4. 4New York1,368 · #2 there
  5. 5New Jersey749 · #2 there

Share by census region

  • Northeast17.1%
  • Midwest16.3%
  • South43.5%
  • West23.2%

Shares are of this name's national total, not of each state's births. SSA withholds any name under 5 occurrences per state and year. Browse all states

Frequently asked questions

Is Liam a popular name?
Liam reached a best rank of #1 in 2018 and has charted in 17 years.
Where does Liam rank now?
In the most recent data (2025), Liam ranks #1.
Is Liam a boy or girl name?
It is recorded primarily as a boys' name.
When was Liam most popular?
Liam peaked around 2018.

Use this chart

Free to republish in articles, newsletters, and posts. Keep the source link with it.

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) - Popular Baby Names (national)