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101 Most Popular Canadian Names for Girls and Boys

Check out our 150+ Canadian boy names and Canadian girl names that represent the history of Canada and modern Canadian culture
101 Most Popular Canadian Names for Girls and Boys
Updated: July 18, 2023

​​Canada, otherwise known as the Land of the Maple Leaf, is a beautiful country with a rich cultural background. Canada is the second-largest country in the word which means that popular Canadian names have diverse roots that stem from all over the world. Sound familiar?

Check out our 150+ Canadian boy names and Canadian girl names that represent the history of Canada and modern Canadian culture. 

Canada and the United States are neighboring countries that share a lot more than the beautiful Niagara Falls. If you take a second to peruse the top baby names of these two countries, you will find that many of the most popular options are identical! 

However, unlike the USA, Canada also has a large French population. French Canadians in places like Quebec find the name Emma to be the favored choice, with Olivia sitting at number two. 

So, what makes a name more Canadian? Well, it’d be stereotypical to assume that Canadians name their babes after hockey players and maple trees (maybe offensive too? Though Maple is actually an ADORABLE baby girl name). Where are all the Gords, Grahams, Darcys, and Lornes? Those trends got left behind decades ago.

Canadian name lists and popular names inspired by Canadian heritage have a unique cultural history – and names are diverse among the different Canadian provinces as well. 

Related: The Most Common French Names with Meanings

Most Popular Canadian Names for Boys (with Meanings) 

The naming trends of Canada and the United States go hand-in-hand due to their geographic proximity and the influence of European colonists. This means that you will notice an array of the same popular English titles in both countries.

Places in Canada, like Saskatchewan and Manitoba, really love the names Liam and Noah for boys, the two most popular baby boy names of 2023 in the United States as well!  

Liam is a shortened version of William, which has been around for centuries, and Noah is a well-known Biblical name

Here are even more of the most popular modern Canadian names for boys.

Canadian Boy Names That Start With A to H 

  1. Aiden - This sweet Irish name means “warm.”
  2. Alexander - A Greek name meaning “protector of mankind.”
  3. Antoine - This is a Latin name meaning “priceless” and a Greek name meaning “flourishing.”
  4. Arnaud - Of German origins, this unique name means “eagle and powerful.”
  5. Asher - This is a Hebrew name meaning “fortunate.”
  6. Benjamin - Another Hebrew name, this epithet means “ son of my right hand.’
  7. Bennett - A Latin name meaning “blessed.”
  8. Carter - This is an Old English title meaning “cart driver.”
  9. Connor - Of Irish origins, this name means “desire.”
  10. Declan - A Greek name meaning “messenger.”
  11. Edouard - This Old English moniker means “rich guardian.”
  12. Eli - A Greek name meaning “light” and a Hebrew name meaning “high.”
  13. Elias - This is a Hebrew name meaning “the Lord is God.”
  14. Elliot - Another name of Hebrew origins, this name also means “high.”
  15. Emile - Of Latin origins, this title means “eager.”
  16. Ethan - This is a Latin name meaning “constant.”
  17. Felix - A Latin name meaning “happiness.”
  18. Gabriel - Of Hebrew origins, this name means “God is my strength.”
  19. Grayson - This is an Old English name that means “to shine.”
  20. Henri - A German name meaning “house ruler.”
  21. Hudson - Of Old English origins, this name means “son of Hud.”

Canadian Boy Names That Start With I to Z 

  1. Issac - This is a Hebrew name meaning “laughter.”
  2. Jack - Another Hebrew epithet meaning “the supplanter” or “God’s grace.” This is 2021’s top baby boy name in Nova Scotia.
  3. Jackson - Of Hebrew origins, this name also means “the supplanter” or “God’s grace.”
  4. Jacob - This is yet another Hebrew title meaning “the supplanter.”
  5. Jasper - A Persian name meaning “keeper of treasure” and a French name meaning “red, brown, or yellow stone.”
  6. Kai - This is a Hawaiian name meaning ‘sea” and a Native American name meaning “willow tree.”
  7. Laurent - A French name meaning “martyred” and a Latin name meaning “laurel crown.”
  8. Leo - This is a Greek name meaning “lion” and a German name meaning “lion-hearted.”
  9. Levi - Of Hebrew origins, this name means “united.”
  10. Liam - An Irish, Celtic, and Gaelic name meaning “unwavering protector.” This is also a German name meaning “will,” “desire,” “helmet,” and “protection.” This is one of the most popular baby boy names of 2023 in Alberta, the top name of 2021 in New Brunswick, and one of the top names of 2023 for Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
  11. Lincoln - This is an Old English name meaning “home by the pond.”
  12. Logan - Of Scottish origins, this name means “little hollow.”
  13. Louis - An Old German name meaning “famous warrior.”
  14. Luca - This is an Italian name meaning “bringer of light.”
  15. Lucas - Of Latin and English origins, this name also means “bringer of light.”
  16. Mason - A French name meaning “stoneworker.”
  17. Mateo - This is a Hebrew name meaning “gift of God” and a Greek name meaning “devoted to God.”
  18. Maverick - An American name meaning “wildly independent” and an English name meaning “non-conforming.”
  19. Michael - Of Hebrew name meaning “who is like God.”
  20. Milan - A Hungarian name meaning “kind,” an English name meaning “merciful,” an Irish name meaning “servant,” and a German name meaning “a soldier.”
  21. Miles - This is an English name meaning “merciful”, a German name meaning “soldier,” and an Irish name meaning “servant.”
  22. Nathan - A Hebrew title meaning “god’s gift” or “gift of God.”
  23. Nolan - This is an Irish name meaning “renowned” and “noble” as well as a Scottish name meaning “famous” or “ a champ.”
  24. Oliver - Of Old Norse, Latin, and French origins, this name means “kind one,” “olive tree,” and “peace,” respectively. This is the top baby boy name of 2021 in Prince Edward Island.
  25. Owen - An Irish name meaning “born to nobility” and “warrior.”
  26. Raphael - This is a Hebrew name that means “God has healed.”
  27. Samuel - Of Hebrew origins, this title means “name of God.”
  28. Theodore - A Greek name meaning “gift of God.”
  29. Victor - This is a Latin epithet that means “victor” or “conquerer.”
  30. Wyatt - An Old English and French name meaning “little warrior” and “water.”

Most Popular Canadian Names for Girls (with Meanings 

Baby girl holds Canadian flag, smiling
Image source: Getty Images

For girl names, it should come as no surprise that Olivia holds the top spot in both countries.

Canadian Girl Names That Start With A to H 

  1. Abigail - This is a Hebrew name that means “a Father’s joy.” This is one of the two top baby girl names for 2023 in British Columbia.
  2. Adalynn - A French name meaning “noble” or “nobility.”
  3. Adele - This is a German name meaning “noble kind” and an Old English name meaning “noble.”
  4. Aaliyah - Of Hebrew origins, this name means “exhaled.”
  5. Amelia - A German name meaning “industrious.”
  6. Aria - Of Hebrew and German origins, this title means “like a beautiful melody” and “melody,” respectively.
  7. Aurora - This beautiful name means “gold” in Latin and “goddess of the dawn” in Greek.
  8. Ava - A Hebrew name meaning “life” and a Latin name meaning “blooming” or “bird-like.” This is one of the four top baby names of 2019 in the Yukon.
  9. Brielle - This is a French name meaning “hunting grounds.”
  10. Camille - Of Latin and French origins, this name means “priest’s helper.”
  11. Charlotte - A French name meaning “little” or “womanly.”
  12. Chloe - Of Greek origins, this name means “lark,” “blooming,” or “fertility.”
  13. Clara - This is a Latin name meaning “bright.”
  14. Eleanor - A Greek name meaning “mercy” or “torch.”
  15. Ella - Of Old German origins, this epithet means “all.”
  16. Ellie - A Greek name meaning “mercy,” an Old German name meaning “all,” and a Hebrew name meaning “consecrated by God.”
  17. Emily - This is a Latin name meaning “eager.”
  18. Emma - Of German origins, this title means “all-embracing.” In Quebec, this is the most popular Canadian girl name for 2023!
  19. Eva - This is a beautiful Hebrew name that means “life.”
  20. Everly - An English name that means “wild boar in a woodland clearing.”
  21. Hailey - Of Norse and Irish origins, this name means “hero” and “wise one,” respectively.
  22. Hannah - This is a Hebrew name meaning “gift of God’s favor” or “graceful one.”
  23. Harper - An English name meaning “harp player” or “musician.”

Canadian Girl Names That Start With I to Z

  1. Isabella - Of Hebrew and Spanish origins, this title means “consecrated by God.”
  2. Isla - This is a Scottish and Spanish name meaning “island.” This is another one of the Yukon’s top baby names in 2019.
  3. Ivy - An Old English name meaning “vine.”
  4. Jade - Of Spanish origins, this title translates to “stone of the loins.”
  5. Julia - This is a Latin name meaning “youthful.”
  6. Juliette - A French name meaning “little Julia.”
  7. Kinsley - Of English origins, this title means “kings meadow.”
  8. Leah - This is a Hebrew name meaning “weary.”
  9. Leonie - A German name meaning “lioness.”
  10. Lily - This is a Latin name meaning “a flower” and an Arabic name meaning “of the night” or “night demon.”
  11. Livia - Of Old Norse, Latin, and French origins, this title means “kind one,” “olive tree,” and “peace,” respectively. The name Livia is one of the four top baby girl names in the Yukon in 2019.
  12. Macy - A Polish name meaning “sea of bitterness.”
  13. Madelyn - This is a Greek name meaning “high tower.”
  14. Maeva - An Irish name meaning “joyous,” a Celtic name meaning “queen,” a Greek name meaning “goddess of song,” and a Latin name meaning “purple flower.”
  15. Mia - This is an Italian name meaning “mine,” a Hebrew name meaning “bitter,” and a Scandinavian name meaning “star of the sea.”
  16. Mila - Of Italian and Russian origins, this name means “miracle” and “dear one,” respectively.
  17. Maya - This is a Hawaiian name meaning “precious one,” an English name meaning “month of May,” a Hebrew name meaning “bitter,” a Latin name meaning “great,” a Greek name meaning “mother,” and a Hindi name meaning “God's divine creative power,” respectively. This is British Columbia’s other top baby girl name for 2023!
  18. Nora - Of Latin, French, and Greek origins, this name means “dignified,” “nobleman,'“ and “the bright one,” respectfully.
  19. Olivia - This name also has Old Norse, Latin, and French origins, with the meanings “kind one,” “olive tree,” and “peace,” respectively. This baby girl's name took the top spot in 2023 in Alberta, in 2021 in Nova Scotia, and in 2020 in Manitoba.
  20. Paisley - A Scottish name meaning “church” or “cemetery.”
  21. Rachel - Of Hebrew origins, this name means “little lamb.”
  22. Romy - This unique name has Italian origins that means “from Rome.”
  23. Rosalie - A Latin name meaning “a flower.”
  24. Rose - Of Latin origins, this is another name meaning “a flower.”
  25. Sadie - An English and Hebrew name meaning “princess.”
  26. Scarlett - This is a Middle English title meaning “deep red.”
  27. Sophia - A Greek name meaning “wisdom.”
  28. Victoria - Of Latin origins, this epithet means “victory.”
  29. Willow - Fittingly, this English name means “freedom” and “tree.”
  30. Zoey - This is a Greek name meaning “life.” This beautiful name is 2019’s top baby name in the Northwest Territories.

Most Popular Gender-Neutral Names in Canada 

  1. Alexis - A Greek name meaning “defender of mankind” and “truth” and a German name meaning “noble.”
  2. Avery - This is an English title meaning “counselor.”
  3. Billie - An English name meaning “resolution” and “wise” and a Teutonic name meaning “fierce protector.”
  4. Charlie - Of Italian and Spanish origins, this name means “strong” and “free” as well as “little” and “womanly,” respectively.
  5. Francis / Frances - An Old French name meaning “free.”
  6. Jayden - This is a Hebrew name meaning “God heard.”
  7. Jules - A Latin title that means “youthful.”
  8. Noah / Noa - Of Hebrew origins, this name means “comfort” and “wanderer.” This is one of the top Canadian boy names, ranking number one on both Alberta’s and Quebec’s lists for 2023!
  9. Riley - This is an Irish name meaning “rye” and a Gaelic name meaning “valiant.”
  10. Quinn - Of Gaelic and Greek origins, this name means “wise." It also has Latin origins meaning “essence.” A solid unisex name, this is another one of the top baby names in the Yukon in 2019.

Traditional Canadian Baby Names with Meanings 

While English and French are the top two languages in Canada, there are also over 70 Indigenous languages spoken across the Great White North! Additionally, on top of the First Nations people, they also have a large Inuit population, making Inuk names another fitting choice. 

Make sure to check out our Inuit baby boy and Inuit baby girl name articles for more inspiration!

  1. 1 Abraham - This is a Hebrew name meaning “father of multitudes.”
  2. Adam - A Hebrew boy’s name meaning “earth.”
  3. Ada - Of Hebrew and Latin origins, this female title means “adorned” and “of noble birth,” respectively.
  4. Agnes - A Greek girl’s name meaning “pure.”
  5. Albert - Of German origins, this boy’s name means '“noble,” “bright,” “intelligent,” and “famous.”
  6. Alice - This is a German name meaning “noble” and a Greek name meaning “truth.” While a traditional moniker, this was the top baby girl name for Prince Edward Island in 2021.
  7. Alma - A Latin name meaning “soul” or “nourishing.”
  8. Annie - Of Hebrew and English origins, this name means “gift of God’s favor” and “grace,” respectively.
  9. Arthur - This is a Welsh name meaning “bear hero” and a Celtic name meaning “bear.”
  10. Audrey - An Old English name that means “noble strength.”
  11. Beatrice - Of Latin origins, this name means “happy.”
  12. Charles - This is an Old English boy’s name meaning “manly.”
  13. David - A Hebrew name meaning “beloved.”
  14. Donald - Of Old English origins, this name means “ruler of the world.”
  15. Dorthy - This is another Greek name meaning “gift of God.”
  16. Edward - An Old English name meaning “rich guardian.”
  17. Elizabeth - This Hebrew girl’s name means “consecrated by God,” “dedicated,” and “God’s oath.”
  18. Flora - A Latin name meaning “blooming flower” and “flourishing.”
  19. Florence - Of Latin origins, this pretty name also means “blooming flower” or “flourishing.”
  20. George - A Greek boy’s name meaning “farmer.’
  21. Grace - This is a Latin girl’s name meaning “graceful” or “blessing.”
  22. Harold - Of Old German origins, this title means “commander.”
  23. Harry - Another Old German name meaning “commander” and an Old English name meaning “army ruler.”
  24. Hazel - This is an Old English name meaning “hazel tree.”
  25. Helen - A Greek name meaning “torch” and an Irish name meaning “light.”
  26. Henry - Of German origins, this epithet means “house ruler.” This was the top baby boy name in the Yukon in 2019.
  27. James - This is a Hebrew title meaning “supplanter.”
  28. John - A Hebrew name meaning “God’s grace” and a Greek name meaning “God is good.”
  29. Joseph - Another name of Hebrew origins, this moniker means “he shall add.”
  30. Margaret - This is a German, Gaelic, Greek, and Scottish name meaning “pearl.” It is also a Latin name that means “ambitious.”
  31. Marie - Of Hebrew and French origins, this pretty girl’s name means “bitter.” It also means “star of the sea” in Hebrew.
  32. Mary - Another Hebrew, French, and Irish name meaning “bitter.” It is also a Latin name meaning “virgin” or “merciful” and an Italian name meaning “beautiful.”
  33. Lillian - This is a pretty Latin name that refers to a “lily.”
  34. Robert - A Spanish name meaning “bright flame” and an Old English name meaning “bright” or “famous.”
  35. Thomas - Of Greek origins, this name means “twin.”
  36. Violet - Unsurprisingly, this sweet Latin girl’s name means “violet.”
  37. William - A Spanish name meaning “resolute” and “protector” and a Teutonic name meaning “valiant protector.”

For names inspired by the cold Canadian winter and snow, check out 75 Names That Mean Snow, Ice or Winter for Your Little One

Sources +

Government of Alberta (2023). Alberta's Top Baby Names. www.Alberta.ca. Retrieved June 26, 2023, from https://www.alberta.ca/top-baby-names.aspx

CBC Radio-Canada (2020, January 8). Oh, Henry! Here are the most popular baby names in Yukon in 2019. Www.cbc.ca. Retrieved June 26, 2023, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-popular-baby-names-2019-1.5418465

Cabin Radio (2020, January 9). Zoey is the NWT’s most popular baby name of 2019. Cabinradio.ca. Retrieved June 26, 2023, from https://cabinradio.ca/28324/news/health/zoey-is-the-nwts-most-popular-baby-name-of-2019/

Gouvernement du Québec (n.d.). List of Baby Names: All baby names for 2023. Www.Retraitequebec.Gouv.qc.ca. Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://www.retraitequebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/services-en-ligne-outils/banque-de-prenoms/Pages/recherche_par_popularite.aspx?AnRefBp=2023&NbPre=0

(2023, February 24). Most Popular Baby Names in Saskatchewan for 2023. Www.Saskatchewan.ca. Retrieved July 3, 2023, from https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/february/24/most-popular-baby-names-in-saskatchewan-for-2023

(2021, December 29). Alice, Oliver most popular P.E.I. Baby names in 2021. Www.Saltwire.com. Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://www.saltwire.com/prince-edward-island/news/alice-oliver-most-popular-pei-baby-names-in-2021-100673781/

Government of New Brunswick (2021, December 31). Liam tops list of most popular baby names in 2021. Www2.gnb.ca. Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2021.12.0945.html

Ministry of Health (n.d.). Baby's Most Chosen Names in B.C., 2023. Connect.Health.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://connect.health.gov.bc.ca/baby-names/year?f%5B0%5D=year%3A2023&page=1&year=&order=baby_name_popularity_value&sort=desc

Vital Statistics Agency (2021, March 31). Baby's Most Chosen Names in B.C., 2023. Vitalstats.gov.mb.ca. Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://vitalstats.gov.mb.ca/pdf/2021_vs_annual_report_en.pdf

Province of Nova Scotia (2021, December 30). Most Popular Baby Names in Nova Scotia. Novascotia.ca. Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20211230001

(2021, June 4). Ontario top baby names (female). Data.Ontario.ca. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/ontario-top-baby-names-female

(2021, June 4). Ontario top baby names (male). Data.Ontario.ca. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/ontario-top-baby-names-male

(2021, September 29). Top 100 Baby Names. Https://Opendata.gov.nl.ca. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://opendata.gov.nl.ca/public/opendata/page/?page-id=datasetdetails&id=445

(n.d.). Top 10 Baby Names of 2023. Www.ssa.gov. Retrieved July 1, 2023, from https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

Heidi Butler

About Heidi

Heidi is an experienced journalist who worked in the television news industry for a decade,… Read more

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