Let the names begin

For 11 years, Emily was the top baby name for girls.

No more.

The moniker slipped to third in 2008, according to Parents.com. This year, Isabella was the most popular name for newborn girls, followed by Ava.

New to the top 50 list for girls are Aalyiah (28) and Teagan (44).

Among boys, Aidan reigns for a second year as the top pick. Followed by Jayden (2) and Jacob (3). Newcomers to the top 50 list of boys names are Micah (41) and Tristan (49)

Other trends noted by Parents.com and Parenting.com:

n A new president and a new trend? The names Malia, Michelle and Barack (which wasn’t even in the top 500 before) all rose in popularity. Only Sasha fell. And although vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has unique names for her children (Bristol, Track, Willow, Piper and Trig), it did not catch on with new parents (however, it may be too early to judge since Palin didn’t capture the limelight until September.)

n In the footsteps of celebrities. Names like Bella (33rd, due to “Twilight” vampire series), Miley (39th, from Miley Cyrus), and Leighton (50th for boys, after “Gossip Girl” Queen Bee Leighton Meester. Also on the rise: Harlow (after Nicole Richie and Joel Madden’s daughter).

n Last names first. Names like Avery, Logan, Riley, and Peyton are all climbing in popularity. The trend of giving last names as first names is seen as denoting power, prestige and carrying on tradition.

n Names beginning with M �” at least for girls. Here’s 2008’s high ranking M girls: Madison (6). Madeline (9), Makayla (19), Mia (21) and Michelle (31)

n On their way out? It appears once trendy names are no longer trendy: Grayson fell from 3 in 2007 to 14 in 2008. Among girls, Kendall plunged from 7 in 2007 to 45 in 2008.

And Parenting.com points out that two of the more unusual names to be awarded babies in 2008 were: Wmffre (pronounced UM-fre), a variation on the name Humphrey which means peaceful in German; and Eithne (pronounced ITH-nee), a girls’ name of Irish origin meaning fairy.

The parenting site’s prediction for 2009?

“In light of the rough times names like Hope, Faith and other uplifting names will buoy parents’ spirits.”