Top 10 Boy and Girl names for 2006 and Their Meanings

We all struggle to give our babies the perfect name. Will the name be made fun of? What can the name be shortened to? How does the name you're looking at flow with your last name? What about the initials-they don't spell anything weird do they?

Every year there are trends to names. The following will give you an idea of which names were the most popular for 2006 and what these names mean.

Girl Names:

1. Emma: The number one name for the second year in a row. This name is German and means all containing or universal.

2. Madison: This name moves up from number three. Madison is an English name meaning son of Maud.

3. Ava: Wow, this name is up from number ten! It is an English name and a form of the name Eve (meaning lively).

4. Emily: This was the number two name last year, dropping to number four. Emily is a Latin name meaning rival.

5. Isabella: Up one from last year. This is a Hebrew name meaning My God is a vow.

6. Kaitlyn: Dropping from number four, Kaitlyn has Gaelic origins and means pure.

7. Sophia: This was the number five name last year. It is Greek and means wisdom.

8. Olivia: Also dropping by one this year is Olivia. It means Olive and is Latin in origin.

9. Abigail: One of my personal favorites is up from number 11. Abigail is Hebrew and means father in rejoicing.

10. Hailey: Making it's way up from number 13 is Hailey meaning hay clearing and it has English origin.

Boy Names:

1. Aiden: Like it's female counterpart, Aiden is number one for the second year running. It is a Celtic name meaning fire.

2. Jacob: This name is second for two years. It means sup planter and is Hebrew in origin.

3. Ethan: Continuing the trend, Ethan is holding at number three this year. It has its origins in Hebrew and means mighty.

4. Ryan: This name moves up on the list from number six. It is Gaelic in origin and means little king.

5. Matthew: This is Matthew's second year in the number five slot. This name means a gift from God and is Hebrew in origin.

6. Jack: This name is also a mover, coming up from number eight. It is an English name that means God is forgiving.

7. Noah: It moves way, way up from number sixteen. Noah is a French name meaning relaxation.

8. Nicholas: Our big dropper this year, is Nicholas. Its dropping from number four. It's origins are Greek and it means victory for the people.

9. Joshua: Taking the number nine spot again this year is Joshua. It is Hebrew and means God rescues.

10. Logan: This name rounds out our top time, making a huge leap from number nineteen. Logan is American English and means empty.

So there you have it. The top ten names for 2006. What will you name your child? Remember, a name is for a lifetime. Choose well and congratulations on your new bundle of joy!