Look who’s talking — Social Security is proud to introduce its newborn blog! We’re calling our new bundle of joy Social Security Matters, because this is where we’ll discuss the information that matters to you about our programs and benefits! We’re kicking off our blog with our Annual highly anticipated top 10 baby names for 2014.

See the top ten most popular baby names of 2014…

Since 1997 we have been releasing the most requested baby names, based on requests for Social Security numbers for newborns. We reveal the top 10 names for boys and girls each year, and our records date back to the 1880s. This is one of our most popular web pages with over 2.9 million visits in 2014.

What makes a baby name popular is hard to pin down. Trends in new baby names often follow popular culture, influenced by favorite characters in books or movies, as well as religious meanings.

See the top ten most popular baby names of 2014, find out how the names have changed over time, and view our extensive list — customizable by decade, state, and U.S. territory — at www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.

Whether a movie star or your beloved grandmother inspires the choice for the name you give your child, know that Social Security is here for them, and you, through all life’s challenges.

Social Security has a wide range of resources for families with children.

We issue a unique Social Security number to identify each American child soon after birth. Making sure your child has a Social Security number is vital to accessing our services and claiming him or her as a dependent on your tax return.

Their Social Security number will also be important after your children are old enough to begin working. The number helps us keep track of how much they earn, how much they have paid in Social Security tax, and, ultimately, how much they will receive in Social Security benefits when they become eligible.

To learn more about the importance of Social Security numbers, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

If your child has a severe disability, we also have programs and benefits to help supplement the additional costs of caring for a child with special needs.

You can find many of our publications about Social Security numbers, benefits, disability benefits, and health insurance at www.socialsecurity.gov/people/kids.

Although popular baby names change over the decades, Social Security has, and always will, live up to its name, as we have for 80 years by providing a measure of financial security to children and their families.

See below if your name is one of the most popular.

Tell us, in this blog’s comment section, what popular or unique name you gave your baby.

Don’t forget to check back often to join the conversation — and learn more about why Social Security Matters to you!

See Comments