The early 2000s was the height of celebrity drama- and the same can be said for baby names! Tons of parents-to-be were taking inspiration from the major celebrities of the day. Reality TV was just taking off, and the music industry was booming with singers who would become icons in a matter of a few short years.
It’s easy to think of the names that were popular just a little over a decade ago, since there’s tons of people walking around with those popular names nowadays. While many parents were still opting for traditional names, the trend of unique baby names (inspired by celebrities, duh) was quickly taking off. More and more parents began spelling their kids’ names with different variations, or coming up with their own, original names as a play off of classic names that were still popular at the time.
Check out this list to see what names were the most popular from 2000-2010 as well as what celebrities were huge, and inspiring baby names after them. Moms will be surprised to hear what names were the in-thing only a decade ago, and which ones are still popular to this day. How many moms see themselves giving their kids any of these cute names?
20 Paris
Of course we had to include Paris on this list of names given that the early 2000s was the height of Paris Hilton’s career!
Paris Hilton was everywhere, from her reality show to budding music career to perfume and clothing collections, which is why it’s no surprise that this name surged in popularity during the decade. And who can forget when Paris was engaged to someone with the same first name as her?!
The baby name Paris obviously is inspired by the French city of the same name. However, the name also has roots in Greek mythology, as Paris was the young Prince of Troy whose love affair with Helen caused the Trojan war. This name has got a long history!
19 Makayla
Makayla is often seen as the feminized version of Michael, which means ‘Gift from God. It can have various spellings, including Michaela, Mikayla, and Mckayla, though Makayla was by far the most common version in the early 2000s.
Of the name, She Knows explains, “People with this name tend to be passionate, compassionate, intuitive, romantic, and to have magnetic personalities. They are usually humanitarian, broadminded and generous, and tend to follow professions where they can serve humanity.”
In the US in 2002, Makayla was the 72ndmost popular name, but it had dropped down to 93 by 2005. To this day, Makayla remains a top name in Canada.
18 Justin
Justin has always been an incredibly popular name, but it was likely more so in the early 2000s thanks to the rising popularity of former N'Sync member Justin Timberlake.
This baby boy’s name is an anglicised version of the Latin names Justinian and Justinus, meaning ‘just,’ ‘fair,’ ‘upright,’ or ‘righteous.’ This name has been borne by many early saints. In Irish, the name translates to mean ‘judicious.’ You can be sure that, if you name your little one this adorable moniker, they’ll be the most well behaved kid on the playground!
Given this name’s popularity, it’s no surprise there are tons of celebs sporting it, including pop star Justin Bieber, singer Justin Guarini, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
17 Mason
Mason was sure popular in the early 2000s, all the way up to the end of the decade- just ask Kourtney Kardashian, who named her firstborn son this cute moniker.
Interestingly, the name Mason doesn’t have a very elaborate meaning. Rather, originating in France, the name literally translates to ‘one who works with stone.’ Kourtney K claims the name also has roots in Armenian, which was partially why she chose the name.
Mason has been incredibly popular throughout the decades, and is still one of the top names nowadays. As of 2012, Mason was sitting in the #2 spot for most popular boy names.
16 Carter
Remember how big the Carter family was back in the early 2000s? That’s undoubtedly the reason why Carter became such a popular first name!
This trendy name has a pretty literal meaning behind it, translating to mean ‘cart driver’ or ‘cart maker.’ Still, the name took on a different meaning when Nick Carter gained fame as one of the Backstreet Boys. Then, his younger brother Aaron Carter launched himself into a popular singing career. It wasn’t long before their dramatic family had their own reality show!
This name has only increased in popularity during the last two decades. As of 2018, the name is #11 on the top baby boy names in the state, whereas it was only sitting at #48 in 2010.
15 Destiny
Did you know Destiny was Miley’s Cyrus birth name before she legally changed it?
Destiny has been a popular girl’s name for sometime, and it probably has to do with the beautiful meaning behind it. Quite literally, Destiny translates to mean ‘fate’ or ‘the future.’ In Greek mythology, Destiny was the Greek God of fate. In 2001, this was the 22ndmost popular girl’s name. But, nowadays, it’s fallen to #282.
One great thing about this name is that there are tons of nicknames you can create from it, including Dee, Dez, Desi, Dessie, Desty, and Tiny. Would you give your little girl such a magical moniker?
14 Elle
Elle, or alternatively Ella, gained popularity in the early 2000s in part thanks to the hit movie Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon as pink-loving lawyer Elle Woods.
The name Elle is a Norse baby names, and translates to mean ‘beautiful fairy,’ which gives it a whimsical, magical appeal. While the name can be used on its own, it is also often used as shorthand for names such as Eleanor or Ellen.
She Knows explains that people with this name often tend to be thinkers and extroverts, with a deep desire for personal independence. The site writes, “Their solitary thoughtfulness and analysis of people and world events may make them seem aloof, and sometimes even melancholy.”
13 Xavier
Despite being unique sounding and hard to pronounce, the French name Xavier had a moment of immense popularity in the early 2000s.
Historically, the name has several different meanings. In both Spanish and Basque, the moniker translates to mean ‘one who owns a house.’ Given how expensive housing prices are nowadays, that’s not a bad name to have! The Spanish equivalent of the name is Javier. Yet, in Arabic, the name means ‘bright’ or ‘splendid.’
She Knows says that people with this name tend to be highly intuitive and intelligent. “People with this name are excellent at analyzing, understanding, and learning. They tend to be mystics, philosophers, scholars, and teachers,” the site explains.
12 Hayden
Hayden has always been a popular girl and guy name, thanks to celebrities like Star War’s Hayden Christensen and actress Hayden Panettiere.
The name has several meanings. Its English meaning translates to mean ‘from the hedged in valley,’ while its Welsh meaning translates to ‘fire.’ Many believe the name is a variation of the Celtic name Aidan.
She Knows explains that people with this name tend to be strongly devoted to both their family and career. “People with this name have a deep inner desire for a stable, loving family or community, and a need to work with others and to be appreciated,” the site explains.
11 Angel
Though commonly used as a girls’ name, the name Angel was popularized for boys in the early 2000s, largely in part to teen heartthrob Ashley Parker Angel.
As to be expected, the name Angel has a biblical meaning, roughly translating into the name for spirit messengers God sends men. According to She Knows, people with this name often live life to the fullest, though it can get them in trouble sometimes.
“They are often the center of attention, and enjoy careers that put them in the limelight,” the site explains. “They tend to become involved in many different activities, and are sometimes reckless with both their energies and with money.
10 Aaliyah
There’s no denying that the name Aaliyah skyrocketed in popularity in the early 2000s due to the untimely death of R&B singer Aaliyah Houghton, who was known professionally by only her first name. The star passed away in a tragic airplane crash in 2001.
The name Aaliyah has a beautiful meaning. It is said to have origins in Arabic, Armenian, African and Hebrew. In Hebrew, it means ‘to ascend,’ ‘exalted,’ ‘high,’ and ‘sublime.’ There are a variety of beautiful nicknames that can be created from this first name, including Ally, Liyah, Lulu, Yah Yah, Li, or Aaliy.
Would you give your daughter this musically-inspired moniker?
9 Aiden
The name Aiden has been spelt differently throughout the years, with variations include Aden, Ayden, and the more traditional Aiden.
The name, which has roots in Celtic, Gaelic, and Irish, translate to mean ‘fiery,’ meaning that your baby boy will have an incredible, passionate personality if you gift him with this gorgeous name.
Aiden began to increase in popularity around the mid-to-early 2000s. For instance, in 2001, it only stood at #217 for the most popular boy names in the US. But, by 2006, it was already in the 32ndspot. In 2008, it was #16, and it peaked from 2009-2010 at the 9thplace.
8 Gavin
Gavin, though popular over the years, is a fashionable-sounding name without being overly pretentious or trendy.
This name has several impressive meanings behind it. According to its Welsh origins, the name means ‘hawk or the battle’ or ‘white hawk.’ Yet in Scottish, the name translates to mean ‘district of the land’ or ‘little hawk.’
The name also has medieval significance, as it was inspired by the medieval name Gawain. It was mentioned in the Arthurian Legend, as Gawain was the nephew of King Arthur and one of the knights of the Round Table. According to She Knows, people with this name tend to have a natural desire for leadership and independence.
7 Brooke
Brooke is a very popular baby girl name, and is even sometimes used as a boy’s name. It first gained popularity in the early 1990s, and skyrocketed in the early 2000s.
Literally, Brooke can translate to mean ‘small stream,’ as in the brooks found in nature. She Knows explains, “People with this name tend to be creative and excellent at expressing themselves. They are drawn to the arts, and often enjoy life immensely.” The site adds, “They are often the center of attention, and enjoy careers that put them in the limelight.”
Celebrities with this name include actress Brooke Shields, actress and dancer Brooke Burke, reality star Brooke Hogan, and model Brooke Richards.
6 Trinity
Trinity is another whimsical-sounding name that gained popularity in the early 2000s!
Though not many people realize, the name Trinity has biblical connotations. In the bible, the trinity is used to refer to the union of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Trinity literally translates to mean ‘three in one.’ There are many nicknames that can be made through this name, including Trin, Trina, and Tina.
From 2004-2005, this beautiful name remained at #48 in the most popular baby girl names. Celebrities with this name include reality star Trinity Taylor, pop star Trinity Sailor, model Trinity Dang, and reality star Trinity K. Bonet.
5 Ava
Ava was one of the most popular names for baby girls born in the early 2000s- that’s why there are so many Avas walking around nowadays!
Though this name might be common, it’s still a gorgeous name that perfectly rolls off the tongue for your little girl. It is derived from the Latin word ‘avis,’ which means ‘birdlike’ or ‘little bird.’ Other sources say that name originated from the Hebrew name Chava, which translates to ‘life’ or ‘living one.’ Variations of the name can include Avery, Avalon, Avis, or Eve.
Celebrity children with this name include Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe’s daughter Ava Elizabeth, and Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora’s daughter, also named Ava Elizabeth.
4 Jasmine
If you’re looking for a floral name other than Rose, then Jasmine may be the one for you!
In the early 2000s, thanks to the popularity of Disney’s Aladdin franchise, this gorgeous name was on the rise. Jasmine, which has its origins in Persian, means the flower of the same name.
In the US, this name first gained popularity in the early 1970s, and has stuck in the top 100s ever since. Its variation Yasmin has also been popular all over the world, including in Brazil, where it was ranked in the top 10 name as of 2009, and in Argentina, where it was in the top 5 names the same year.
3 Chase
Perhaps the name Chase gained popularity in the early to mid 2000s thanks to Chase Crawford’s iconic role as Nate in Gossip Girl. Or, maybe people just love the sound of this stylish yet sharp name!
Like its rival Mason, this moniker has a simple meaning behind it. Originating in France, Chase literally translates to mean ‘Huntsman’ or ‘Hunter.’ Variations of the name include Chasey or Chaser.
This name was most popular in the early 2000s, where it was placed at #79 in 2001. It slightly dipped for a few years, but picked up again by the end of the decade (thank you, GG!), where it was #61 by 2009.
2 Zoe
Zoe is the perfect baby name if you’re looking for something short and sweet!
Originating in Greek, this name translates to ‘life’ or ‘alive,’ ensuring anyone with this adorable moniker is going to be outgoing and lively. Of the name Zoe, She Knows explains, “People with this name have a deep inner desire to inspire others in a higher cause, and to share their own strongly held views on spiritual matters.”
There are tons of celebrities with this name, including actress Zooey Deschanel, artist Zoe Quinn, actress Zoe Saldana, and Lenny Kravtiz and Lisa Bonet’s daughter actress Zoe Kravitz.
1 Gabriel
Gabriel is a strong-sounding name that has various biblical references.
Though it is said to have origins in Hebrew, Swedish, and Spanish, it always translates to mean ‘God is my strength.’ In the bible, Gabriel appears as an archangel. The name is also said to mean ‘Man of God,’ or ‘God’s able-bodied one’ for its biblical connotations.
She Knows explains that people with this moniker tend to be highly intuitive and empathetic. “They are usually humanitarian, broadminded and generous, and tend to follow professions where they can serve humanity,” the site explains. “They are romantic and easily fall in love, but may be easily hurt and are sometimes quick-tempered.”