The Most Popular Baby Names

Here's the list of popular baby names that was discussed on Wednesday's show.

The list, posted on LiveScience.com, was created by Brian Lee Yung who studies the origins of baby names and the state or region where the name first gained popularity. That information is in the parenthesis next to each name.

Top Names for Boys in 2012:

1. Jacob: Alaska, 1917

2. Mason: South Dakota, 1996

3. Ethan: Vermont, 1990

4. Noah: North Dakota, 1996

5. William: Nevada, 1910

6. Liam: New Hampshire, 2009

7. Jayden: New York (and other East Coast states), 2007

8. Michael: Nevada, 1945

9. Alexander: Minnesota (and other Midwestern states), 1990s

10. Aiden: Vermont/New Hampshire/Maine, 2005

Top 10 Names for Girls in 2012:

1. Sophia: New Hampshire, 2011

2. Emma: Nevada, 2010

3. Isabella: Rhode Island, 2006

4. Olivia: Vermont, 1995

5. Ava: Midwest, 2005

6. Emily: Nevada, 1978

7. Abigail: Nevada, 1917

8. Mia: New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, 2006

9. Madison: North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming, 2000

10. Elizabeth: Alaska, 1911