25 most popular baby girl names in Canada for 2016

Last year’s ranking: 1

Emma is on top for the second year in a row, and for good reason. Besides its beautiful meaning of “universal,” it’s the name of strong, feminists like Emma Watson and Emma Stone. Your tiny gal will be independent and fierce, but have a sense of humour.

Was Liam the most popular boy name once again? Check out the top 25 boy names for 2016.

Last year’s ranking: 2

This classic, but chic, moniker has been the most popular girl names for years—but was topped in 2015 by Emma. This sweet name means “olive tree” and like extending an olive branch, hopefully your little babe will represent peace. 

Read more: Top 100 baby names in Canada for 2016

Last year’s ranking: 5

Princess C moved up to the third spot this year! A regal name, meaning “free,” is the perfect fit for your little princess.

Last year’s ranking: 3

Speaking of princesses, your baby girl will share a name with this mini Disney princess. Throughout your daughter’s journey in life, we hope she values honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace—just like Sofia the First.

Last year’s ranking: 9

If you went with this moniker, your baby girl is going to go far in life. Emily means “to strive or excel.” 

Last year’s ranking: 6

Your tiny Chloe might embody the same qualities as actress Chloe Grace Moretz, who’s known for her outspoken and fearless nature. This pretty name means “blooming.” 

Last year’s ranking: 7

This simple but timeless name literally means “life.” Reese Witherspoon must’ve loved the meaning as well, since she picked it for her daughter, Ava.

Last year’s ranking: 4

This is another short, but beautiful choice that means “mine” in Italian. Mia is the name of one of the Queen’s great-granddaughers (she's the cutie on the left holding Her Majesty's purse) so this pick has the royal seal of approval. 

Last year’s ranking: 11

Due to its Hebrew origins, this name has been around for centuries, but recently made a strong comeback. Abigail is great for daddy’s little girl because it means “Joy of the Father.” 

Last year’s ranking: 18

Women capable of great things, like Amelia Earhart and the lovable surgeon on Grey’s Anatomy, share this moniker. It makes sense then that this name translates to “strive,” meaning your little babe is going to be very successful. 

Last year’s ranking: 10 

Despite its meaning of “weary,” this name is associated with many funny, yet sassy, women, like comedian Leah Remini or our very own deputy editor at Today’s Parent, Leah Rumack. 

Last year’s ranking: 13

Your “noble” gal will likely have a strong sense of wonder and curiosity in life, much like Alice in Wonderland.  

Last year’s ranking: 12

Fashionista alert! As the name of fashion icon, Victoria Beckham, your little tyke will surely have great interest (and taste) in fashion. And this name means “winner” or “conqueror.” 

Last year’s ranking: 14

This biblical name gained intense popularity thanks to the Twilight saga. Bella is a lovely nickname, which is Italian for “beautiful.”

Last year’s ranking: 17

This English name means “pure,” which suits your wee babe. 

Last year’s ranking: 8

This Greek name took a dip in popularity this year, but it’s still a great name for your little girl because it means “life. 

Last year’s ranking: 16

It only makes sense that this name means “fairy maiden”—it is the name of Cinderella, after all! This little belle of the ball will always be the center of your attention. 

Last year’s ranking: 40

Elizabeth was extra popular this year thanks in part to the Queen’s big year—she turned 90—and the fact that it’s the middle name of her great-granddaugther, Princess Charlotte. This name oozes graciousness, class and grace.  

Last year’s ranking: 51

People must have really enjoyed Bad Moms because the name Mila (Mila Kunis starred in the film) became very popular this year. Mila, or Milena if you prefer the full name, means “people’s favour.” 

Last year’s ranking: 15

Known for being a great unisex name, Avery comes from the Old English word meaning “elf.” 

Last year’s ranking: 23

The name Evelyn has an old-school-vibe, but it’s become trendy in the last few years. This pretty name means “beautiful bird.” 

Last year’s ranking: 34

Sophie rose in popularity thanks to Sophie Trudeau! If you bestow it on your little babe you are giving her a lifetime of “wisdom.” 

Last year’s ranking: 22

Is your little girl a tiny princess? Perfect because Sara means “princess.” This name is quite classic but dropping the “H” gives it a modern twist. A beloved Sara is the protagonist in the novel A Little Princess.

Last year’s ranking: 19

Who’s that girl? It’s Hannah! This Hebrew name means “grace” and one of our favourite Hannahs is Hannah Simone, the star of the hit show, New Girl.

Last year’s ranking: 20 

Your baby will give you so much joy (and a few sleepless nights) so Eva is a fitting name. Eva is a Herbrew name meaning “Giver of Life.” 

Read more: Top 100 baby names in Canada for 2016 8 baby name trends for 2017 100 years of popular baby names