Houston parents are showcasing their penchant for tradition mixed with a hint of modern flair when naming their offspring, according to the latest baby name trends released by the city's Health Department. The data, indicating Emma, Mia and Camila as well as Liam, Noah and Mateo as the leading choices of 2023, reflects a city deep-rooted in diverse cultural preferences, but also points to dynamic shifts in popularity amongst newborn monikers, according to the City of houston press release.

Nudging its way into the hearts of Houstonians, the name Mia climbed the ranks to secure the second spot among girl's names, pushing the once-dominant Olivia to an unfamiliar fourth place. These findings, detailed in records from the department's Bureau of Vital Statistics, have stirred the baby naming pot, in a city that recorded 60,840 births this year. Last year, in comparison,, the department tallied up 64,622 births, per the official announcement released.

The boys on the other hand have held steady onto their top spots, with Liam, Noah, and Mateo reinforcing their stronghold as Houston's go-to names since 2019. This consistency among boy's names contrasts with the more volatile trends seen in girl names, painting a picture of Houston's changing societal currents.

Names rounding out the popularity contest include Isabella, Sofia, and Sophia for the girls, while boys’ names like Santiago, Sebastian, and Dylan remain strong. Notably, Lucas managed to leap into the eighth spot for 2023 punching above its weight after a five-year absence from the top 10 list. Elijah, Oliver, and Daniel also remain favorites, securing their places among the city's most chosen names for male infants.

With such a bustling nursery of newborns, the Houston Health Department remains a vital hub for record-keeping and vital statistics. For those seeking birth certificates or related information, the department encourages a visit to their Bureau of Vital Statistics webpage or to ring them up at 832-393-4220.