Rising since 1988, #124 for girls today.
Popularity of Magnolia since 1880
Babies named Magnolia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 105 |
| 1890s | 207 |
| 1900s | 479 |
| 1910s | 1,101 |
| 1920s | 1,181 |
| 1930s | 671 |
| 1940s | 499 |
| 1950s | 303 |
| 1960s | 153 |
| 1970s | 149 |
| 1980s | 131 |
| 1990s | 271 |
| 2000s | 909 |
| 2010s | 5,429 |
| 2020s | 11,815 |
Meaning & origin
Magnolia is a botanical name that has been climbing steadily since 1988, reaching its peak rank of 124 in 2025. The name's southern charm and floral elegance have made it a favorite, particularly in states like Alaska, Vermont, and Arkansas, where it appears in the top of regional rankings. Magnolia was first recorded in U.S. data in 1880, but its modern revival is part of a broader trend toward nature-inspired names. The name's trajectory shows consistent growth, with a current 1-in-720 usage rate among newborn girls, suggesting it may continue to rise.
Magnolia comes from the botanical name of the flowering tree, which was named in honor of Pierre Magnol (1638-1715), a French botanist. The name was first used as a given name in the United States during the 19th century, particularly in the southern states, and has seen a resurgence since the late 20th century.
Where Magnolia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Magnolia” around the world
Where Magnolia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maggie, Mags, Nola, Lia, Maggie
Sibling names for Magnolia
Names that share Magnolia's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Magnolia
Names whose popularity has moved with Magnolia's over the last 50 years.
