The Social Security Administration’s annual list of the most popular baby names in the United States doesn’t include many truly shocking choices. In recent years, we’ve seen the familiar favorites like Liam, Olivia, Noah and Emma at the top. But take a closer look at the agency’s broader data and you’ll notice some very interesting ― and often unexpected ― trends. From the rise of less traditional names like Icelynn and Genesis to the fall of old classics like Patrick and Kimberly, here are 15 baby name statistics from the latest SSA data that might surprise you. Nova is more popular than Grace.According to the most recent SSA data, 5,044 baby girls were named Nova, making it the 39th most popular female name. Meanwhile, Grace ranked 40th, with 5,002 newborns given that name. Icelynn is one of the fastest-rising names for girls.The name Icelynn rose 209 places from 2023 to 2024 to reach No. 922, breaking into the top 1,000 for the first time. This jump likely reflects the popularity of names ending in -lynn in recent years, as seen with Oaklynn, Raelynn, Lakelynn and more. Maverick is more popular than Thomas. Maverick is a top 50 name, with 6,615 baby boys (and 85 girls) named Maverick in 2024. The name currently ranks at No. 36, three spots above Thomas at No. 39. Last year, 6,576 baby boys were named Thomas.Ezekiel is one of the top names for boys in New Mexico.The top names on a national level ― like Liam, Noah and Oliver ― tend to dominate on the state level, but there are some outliers. Ezekiel, for instance, ranked 54th nationally but was the third-most-popular name for newborn boys in New Mexico.Genesis is more popular than Sophie. In 2024, 3,835 baby girls were named Genesis, putting it at No. 55 for girls. But Sophie was lower down at No. 60, as there were just 3,574 newborn Sophies. Westend61 via Getty ImagesTake a closer look at the agency's broader data, and you'll notice some very interesting — and often unexpected — trends.Truce is the fastest-rising name for boys. In light of all the wars making news in recent years, parents seem drawn to the opposite sentiment. The name Truce broke into the top 1,000 for the first time in 2024 ― rising 11,118 places from No. 12,109 to No. 991.Messiah is more popular than Patrick.Despite its long history and cultural familiarity, the name Patrick no longer ranks among the top 100 names for boys. Instead, it sits down at No. 221, with 1,622 boys named Patrick in 2024. Meanwhile, the somewhat controversial name Messiah is No. 203 and went to 1,734 newborn boys.Lainey is a top name for girls in Kentucky, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and West Virginia.Although Lainey is the 38th most popular name for girls in the U.S. as a whole, it actually cracked the top three in multiple states. In Montana, it’s the No. 1 most popular choice, while it sits at No. 2 in West Virginia and No. 3 in Kentucky and both Dakotas. Khloe is more popular than Kimberly.Kimberly Kardashian might have a bigger social media following than her little sister Khloe, but the younger sibling’s name wins in the popularity rankings these days. While Kimberly is No. 246, Khloe sits at No. 232 in the latest SSA data.Lorenzo is more popular than Nicholas. It’s no secret Americans love to visit Italy, and it seems many parents are bringing a touch of Italian culture home with their baby-naming choices. A record 3,044 baby boys born in 2024 were named Lorenzo, making it the 116th most popular choice for boys. Meanwhile, Nicholas ranked at No. 118, with 3,025 newborn baby Nicholases. Honey is one of the fastest-rising names for girls.Honey is more than just a term of endearment. In 2024, the name rose 236 spots to No. 935 on the list of the most popular names for girls, with 282 newborn Honeys. Kinsley is more popular than Sarah.In 2024, 2,929 baby girls were named Kinsley, making it the 85th most popular choice. At the same time, the once-ubiquitous Sarah (which peaked at No. 3 in 1993) has slipped to No. 95, with 2,697 newborns given the name.Mary is one of the most popular names for girls in Mississippi.Mary may feel like a relic of past generations on a national level, ranking just No. 132 for girls in the U.S. overall. But the classic name seems to still hold strong regional appeal. In Mississippi, Mary is the fifth most popular name for baby girls.Sincere is more popular than Donald. The name Donald may dominate headlines these days, but it does not have the same presence on birth certificates. The latest SSA data put Donald at No. 672 as 405 baby boys were given that name. Meanwhile the virtue name Sincere has reached No. 604, with 471 newborns called Sincere. Halo is one of the fastest-rising names for boys. Never underestimate the power of celestial and spiritual names. In 2024, Halo jumped 466 spots on the boys’ list, rising from No. 1,460 to No. 994 ― enough to break into the top 1,000 for boys for the first time.