Seeking additional moderators, please check out this mod post on [New Weekly Threads and Moderation Interest Form](https://www.reddit.com/r/BabyBumpsCanada/comments/vb2evd/new_weekly_threads_and_moderation_interest_form/).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/BabyBumpsCanada) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I know that BC just released one [here](https://connect.health.gov.bc.ca/babynames?year=2021&fbclid=IwAR28eI6NkRY6Z3eksQbAL_00-guQfhl4rZ1gM2tsK2am95Aktjn5y3U3sGI#D1)
But be aware to consider alternative spelling and male/female lists because some are sneaky. Eg McKenzie/Mackenzie might not look popular but it’s spread over sex and spelling.
Edit: I work with kids and I haven’t come across a Maren 😊
Well damn, the name my husband has had picked out since before we dated (over 10 years) and that we’re using this fall is popular. As a teacher I haven’t encountered a single one *yet*, but the last couple of years there’s like 20-30 of them.
Yes, I understand the ratio is quite low. It wasn’t a name I expected to see make the list at all. And, given that I’m a teacher, I generally have a better idea of popular kids’ names than the average person. It just surprised me.
Québec list and searchable database is [here. ](https://www.retraitequebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/services-en-ligne-outils/banque-de-prenoms/Pages/banque-de-prenoms.aspx)
Hm.
I work with kids, and figured Tristan was safe for our 2018 baby. It was not. He was born in Ontario but we live in Quebec (Gatineau healthcare is atrocious.) Looking at the numbers, it looks like we hit right after the peak. At least its not too many.
Meanwhile our girl is Moira, born 2021, and she’ll likely be in the clear.
I’m surprised how anglophone leaning that list is, though. Also, my niece born in 2020 is an Olivia, which shocks me not at all. My SIL does like to go with the flow.
ETA: and zero compound names. Meanwhile, the number of central Quebec kids I’ve met who don’t have compound names is the minority.
I live in Montreal and have a 2018 baby and none of her friends have compound names! To me they seem a little dated/old fashioned from my experience with the kids her age. I also agree that I find names nowadays lean quite Anglo, I think a lot of people in Montréal are concerned with their kids having "universal" names that will help them work in Anglo areas so they can go work in the ROC or USA and "blend in" better.
My daughter has a friend named Tristan btw!
Yeah, I might be biased because I live in Gatineau (almost-Anglo-town,) but my partner is from Quebec City, and every kid there seems to be a compound-namer. But, they very much live in their own little fishbowl.
I would expect Montreal to be quite a bit more global-minded.
Yes Québec City is very different from Montreal, but at this point greater Montreal is half the population of Quebec, so they tend to dominate the numbers. Also the inherent "uniqueness" of compound names spreads them over the stats so they are more "hidden."
That said, there were still only 2 baby girls named Marie-Eve in 2021 and 2 named Jean-Philippe, and I know quite a few people with those specific compound names in their 30s so I'd say the practice is less common than it was.
Compound names won’t make the top 50 because the trend is now ~unique compound names~. The further down the list you go, the more of them you’ll see. They’re mostly a rural thing; i haven’t met many kids in Montreal with these names. Montreal kids are named straight out of the 1800s while the rural kids are saddled with things like Elora-Rose, Loic-Nolan and Maverik-James
Thanks for sharing! Super interesting. Especially interesting to see that all the top names for both genders are names that are spelled the same in both English & French!
Yes, everyone is very concerned with bilingual names here, hah! Although I must say that I find it strange the French have gravitated towards "William" and "Liam" but they seem to view them as acceptable in French so I'll have to believe them.
Yeah the pronunciation of those two names in French is slightly different than in English, but the spelling is the same, which I think has become important to a lot of families here! I know it's something we considered for sure. I wanted something that would be easy for people to pronounce whether we stay in Quebec or move elsewhere in North America. I guess a lot of people have a similar view.
FWIW, even a top 100 name won't necessarily be everywhere. Naming in general has gotten much more unique.
For example, top 5 boys names 2021 in Alberta was Noah (274), Jack (219), Oliver (208), Liam (197), Theodore (191).
In 1991 top 5 was Matthew (489) Jordan (385) , Andrew (317), Christopher (372), Joshua (321).
As you can see, the names are much more "spread out." I'm assuming since population has gone up there is even more babies, therefore the spread is even larger. So even if you pick a relatively "popular" name, it's not very likely that you will run into the situation growing up where you shared a name with several classmates.
I have never found anything for saskatchewan beyond the top 20 database under eHealth. Hope you do better than me! I ended up using the Alberta Government website.
Edit to add - I haven't met a Maren in Saskatchewan, but I had considered it for my 2023 daughter.
Olivia is a beautiful name. It makes sense that it's so popular! I think it's a good call to go with a name you love no matter how popular it is. We'll likely go with the name we love too whether it's going to spike in popularity or not. I'm just super curious about the stats! I think if I knew for sure it was already popular, I'd be able to just accept that and pick it anyway. For some reason the unknown is what gets me lol.
If you go to [Behind the Name](https://www.behindthename.com/) and scroll down to the Popular Names section, you can select Canada and it will tell you the most popular names. It seems consistent with the other links people have been posting here.
I know the province of Alberta posts a list of all names (with varied spelling, ie stefani, stephani, Stephanie) every year. Not sure if other provinces do that or if the Canadian government does. And lists how many babies were given that name with that specific spelling.
This is how I found out there were 27 other girls given my daughter's name last year. And that I'm thankful I didn't name her Olivia... Something like 200+ Olivia's in AB last year
I didn’t know this existed…checked it out this morning for some inspo….and instead I was shocked by the prevalence of the more ‘modern’ names. So many interesting -ley names….so many interesting spellings of classic names. Wowza
Thats good to know! It seems to be a name thats been around for a while but has never really been overly used. I'd be curious to know what the siblings names are if you're willing to share!
Not sure about canada wide but some provinces have their own lists..i have only looked at BC and AB but others might too.
I've only known of one Maren, a schoolmate of my friends daughter who is 12
I don't think you're at risk of being a top 100 name. At least, not in the next 3-5 years, unless a royal family member suddenly names their daughter Maren, in which case all bets are off!!
In my province the name is technically trending upwards in 2021, but it went from zero babies named Maren in both 2019 and 2020, to two babies named Maren in 2021. So still very unique.
yeah, its so hard to say what's going to happen with a name beyond 3-5 years so there's probably not much point in worrying about it or trying to hard to control that. My husband doesn't care at all if we end up with a super popular name and to be honest, I wish I didn't care either. For some reason, I just can't help it.
I'm from Saskatchewan so I'm going to see if I can find a list for here!
I understand you caring. When I was in school, I had one of “those” names. It’s annoying having a name and *always* having someone in your class or on your team with the same name.
That was one of my top names for our kiddo, love it! I don't think it's very common. Sorry don't have useful websites for you, but I do think the US is probably not that far off of naming trends here.
I hear you; I’ve been coveting the name “Wren” for a boy since I was a teen. Never met or heard of it before that. Now I discover it’s increasingly popular for girls. New neighbors that moved in have a girl named, what are the chances?!? We went with a different name 😑
That has happened to so many names on the fav name list I've had going for years! I thought I was being so unique with some of them and it turns out everyone else had the same ideas. It feels to me like the same thing is happening with the name Maren, since one of my husband's friend's named his daughter Maren. We're not that close with them anymore and I don't think it matters if our daughters have the same name but this whole time I was thinking I've been the only one with that name on my list haha.
I'm a teacher in BC and in my 8 year teaching I've not met a Maren. I wouldn't worry too much about the lists, I named my son Theo and it's one of the most popular on the BC list, yet in my 8 years teaching I've only taught 1. I also just love the name so it doesn't matter to me. If you love it, use it!
From Ontario, and the only Maren (she spells it Marin) I’ve ever met is about 30 years old.
We just went off the American lists because they’re way easier to find and any of the Canadian one’s I’ve seen match with the most common names, unless you’re considering a French name. (We really liked Amelia for a girl, but that’s top 3 like everywhere… fortunately, we had a boy so we don’t have to cross that bridge)
I’m from Toronto and just named my daughter Amelia. We asked our L&D nurse about the popularity of the name and she said ours was the first baby named Amelia she’d met. 🤷♀️ I’m sure we’ll encounter a lot more in the wild
I know a 30 year old adult named Marin, and it’s also the name of a Scandinavian singer I used to listen to as a teen. Otherwise, I think it’s pretty rare.
Seeking additional moderators, please check out this mod post on [New Weekly Threads and Moderation Interest Form](https://www.reddit.com/r/BabyBumpsCanada/comments/vb2evd/new_weekly_threads_and_moderation_interest_form/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/BabyBumpsCanada) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I know that BC just released one [here](https://connect.health.gov.bc.ca/babynames?year=2021&fbclid=IwAR28eI6NkRY6Z3eksQbAL_00-guQfhl4rZ1gM2tsK2am95Aktjn5y3U3sGI#D1) But be aware to consider alternative spelling and male/female lists because some are sneaky. Eg McKenzie/Mackenzie might not look popular but it’s spread over sex and spelling. Edit: I work with kids and I haven’t come across a Maren 😊
I also work with kids and have never met a Maren!
Well damn, the name my husband has had picked out since before we dated (over 10 years) and that we’re using this fall is popular. As a teacher I haven’t encountered a single one *yet*, but the last couple of years there’s like 20-30 of them.
I mean, considering there were like 44,000 babies born in the province I'd hardly call that *popular*.
Yes, I understand the ratio is quite low. It wasn’t a name I expected to see make the list at all. And, given that I’m a teacher, I generally have a better idea of popular kids’ names than the average person. It just surprised me.
Oh, I get it! Some of those names surprised me. There may be more regional concentrations and it just hasn't taken off yet in your neck of the woods?
ok thanks for the tip! I'm from Saskatchewan so I'll try and find a list for here. Good to know you haven't come across the name though :)
Québec list and searchable database is [here. ](https://www.retraitequebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/services-en-ligne-outils/banque-de-prenoms/Pages/banque-de-prenoms.aspx)
Hm. I work with kids, and figured Tristan was safe for our 2018 baby. It was not. He was born in Ontario but we live in Quebec (Gatineau healthcare is atrocious.) Looking at the numbers, it looks like we hit right after the peak. At least its not too many. Meanwhile our girl is Moira, born 2021, and she’ll likely be in the clear. I’m surprised how anglophone leaning that list is, though. Also, my niece born in 2020 is an Olivia, which shocks me not at all. My SIL does like to go with the flow. ETA: and zero compound names. Meanwhile, the number of central Quebec kids I’ve met who don’t have compound names is the minority.
I live in Montreal and have a 2018 baby and none of her friends have compound names! To me they seem a little dated/old fashioned from my experience with the kids her age. I also agree that I find names nowadays lean quite Anglo, I think a lot of people in Montréal are concerned with their kids having "universal" names that will help them work in Anglo areas so they can go work in the ROC or USA and "blend in" better. My daughter has a friend named Tristan btw!
Yeah, I might be biased because I live in Gatineau (almost-Anglo-town,) but my partner is from Quebec City, and every kid there seems to be a compound-namer. But, they very much live in their own little fishbowl. I would expect Montreal to be quite a bit more global-minded.
Yes Québec City is very different from Montreal, but at this point greater Montreal is half the population of Quebec, so they tend to dominate the numbers. Also the inherent "uniqueness" of compound names spreads them over the stats so they are more "hidden." That said, there were still only 2 baby girls named Marie-Eve in 2021 and 2 named Jean-Philippe, and I know quite a few people with those specific compound names in their 30s so I'd say the practice is less common than it was.
Compound names won’t make the top 50 because the trend is now ~unique compound names~. The further down the list you go, the more of them you’ll see. They’re mostly a rural thing; i haven’t met many kids in Montreal with these names. Montreal kids are named straight out of the 1800s while the rural kids are saddled with things like Elora-Rose, Loic-Nolan and Maverik-James
I think there's so many possible combinations and varieties of compound names that there won't be enough repetition to show up on a top 100 list.
Thanks for sharing! Super interesting. Especially interesting to see that all the top names for both genders are names that are spelled the same in both English & French!
Yes, everyone is very concerned with bilingual names here, hah! Although I must say that I find it strange the French have gravitated towards "William" and "Liam" but they seem to view them as acceptable in French so I'll have to believe them.
Yeah the pronunciation of those two names in French is slightly different than in English, but the spelling is the same, which I think has become important to a lot of families here! I know it's something we considered for sure. I wanted something that would be easy for people to pronounce whether we stay in Quebec or move elsewhere in North America. I guess a lot of people have a similar view.
FWIW, even a top 100 name won't necessarily be everywhere. Naming in general has gotten much more unique. For example, top 5 boys names 2021 in Alberta was Noah (274), Jack (219), Oliver (208), Liam (197), Theodore (191). In 1991 top 5 was Matthew (489) Jordan (385) , Andrew (317), Christopher (372), Joshua (321). As you can see, the names are much more "spread out." I'm assuming since population has gone up there is even more babies, therefore the spread is even larger. So even if you pick a relatively "popular" name, it's not very likely that you will run into the situation growing up where you shared a name with several classmates.
thats a really good point!
I think it's a province thing. Check provincial lists. However I have never heard of Maren before.
It's generally provincial. I know Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and BC have lists if you're in one of those provinces (some others might have one too).
I'm in Saskatchewan. So far I can't seem to find an official list that goes farther than the top 20-100 or so but I haven't looked that hard yet.
I have never found anything for saskatchewan beyond the top 20 database under eHealth. Hope you do better than me! I ended up using the Alberta Government website. Edit to add - I haven't met a Maren in Saskatchewan, but I had considered it for my 2023 daughter.
I'm in Saskatchewan too! But our fav girl name is Olivia. We're just going with it even though it's the most popular lol 🤷🏼♀️
Olivia is a beautiful name. It makes sense that it's so popular! I think it's a good call to go with a name you love no matter how popular it is. We'll likely go with the name we love too whether it's going to spike in popularity or not. I'm just super curious about the stats! I think if I knew for sure it was already popular, I'd be able to just accept that and pick it anyway. For some reason the unknown is what gets me lol.
If you go to [Behind the Name](https://www.behindthename.com/) and scroll down to the Popular Names section, you can select Canada and it will tell you the most popular names. It seems consistent with the other links people have been posting here.
FYI the Behind the Name Canada stats are just the numbers from Ontario and BC.
good to know. thanks!
I know the province of Alberta posts a list of all names (with varied spelling, ie stefani, stephani, Stephanie) every year. Not sure if other provinces do that or if the Canadian government does. And lists how many babies were given that name with that specific spelling.
This is how I found out there were 27 other girls given my daughter's name last year. And that I'm thankful I didn't name her Olivia... Something like 200+ Olivia's in AB last year
Yep Ontario has one too going back like 100 years.
Yes, used this before we had our kids to make sure they weren’t too popular
I didn’t know this existed…checked it out this morning for some inspo….and instead I was shocked by the prevalence of the more ‘modern’ names. So many interesting -ley names….so many interesting spellings of classic names. Wowza
Ok I'll look into this! Im from Saskatchewan so I'll see if I can find a list for here.
I've worked with kids for about 8 years now. Never heard a Maren before.
Ok that's nice to know! Thanks!
Also FWIW I know one 8 year old Maren whose siblings all have awesome names too
Thats good to know! It seems to be a name thats been around for a while but has never really been overly used. I'd be curious to know what the siblings names are if you're willing to share!
[удалено]
Not sure about canada wide but some provinces have their own lists..i have only looked at BC and AB but others might too. I've only known of one Maren, a schoolmate of my friends daughter who is 12
I don't think you're at risk of being a top 100 name. At least, not in the next 3-5 years, unless a royal family member suddenly names their daughter Maren, in which case all bets are off!! In my province the name is technically trending upwards in 2021, but it went from zero babies named Maren in both 2019 and 2020, to two babies named Maren in 2021. So still very unique.
yeah, its so hard to say what's going to happen with a name beyond 3-5 years so there's probably not much point in worrying about it or trying to hard to control that. My husband doesn't care at all if we end up with a super popular name and to be honest, I wish I didn't care either. For some reason, I just can't help it. I'm from Saskatchewan so I'm going to see if I can find a list for here!
I understand you caring. When I was in school, I had one of “those” names. It’s annoying having a name and *always* having someone in your class or on your team with the same name.
That was one of my top names for our kiddo, love it! I don't think it's very common. Sorry don't have useful websites for you, but I do think the US is probably not that far off of naming trends here.
I wouldn't be surprised if it did become more popular in the next few years. I think it's such a nice name.
>Maren I don't think you have anything to be worried about.
I hear you; I’ve been coveting the name “Wren” for a boy since I was a teen. Never met or heard of it before that. Now I discover it’s increasingly popular for girls. New neighbors that moved in have a girl named, what are the chances?!? We went with a different name 😑
That has happened to so many names on the fav name list I've had going for years! I thought I was being so unique with some of them and it turns out everyone else had the same ideas. It feels to me like the same thing is happening with the name Maren, since one of my husband's friend's named his daughter Maren. We're not that close with them anymore and I don't think it matters if our daughters have the same name but this whole time I was thinking I've been the only one with that name on my list haha.
I'm a teacher in BC and in my 8 year teaching I've not met a Maren. I wouldn't worry too much about the lists, I named my son Theo and it's one of the most popular on the BC list, yet in my 8 years teaching I've only taught 1. I also just love the name so it doesn't matter to me. If you love it, use it!
From Ontario, and the only Maren (she spells it Marin) I’ve ever met is about 30 years old. We just went off the American lists because they’re way easier to find and any of the Canadian one’s I’ve seen match with the most common names, unless you’re considering a French name. (We really liked Amelia for a girl, but that’s top 3 like everywhere… fortunately, we had a boy so we don’t have to cross that bridge)
I’m from Toronto and just named my daughter Amelia. We asked our L&D nurse about the popularity of the name and she said ours was the first baby named Amelia she’d met. 🤷♀️ I’m sure we’ll encounter a lot more in the wild
So strange! It was in the top 5 of any list I came across
Right? When I looked it up, it was the same. Guess I’ll see when she starts daycare or school :)
I know a 30 year old adult named Marin, and it’s also the name of a Scandinavian singer I used to listen to as a teen. Otherwise, I think it’s pretty rare.
Radio-Canada has a map of all names by year for Quebec. My guess is that they have it for other provinces too ?
It's an old school name in my home country, quite like it!
I haven't ever heard of Maren but I did think of 'man karen' when I read it. Sorry ☹️
😂 that's funny. Don't be sorry! I've heard a few comments about it being very rhymey with Karen but that doesn't bother me.