Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- dominate / ˈdɑː məˌneɪt / (v.) – to be the most common, largest, or most important
Example:Two brands dominate the smartphone market worldwide.
- track / træk / (v.) – to follow and record the development of someone/something
Example:The teacher tracks her students’ progress in their reading homework.
- cross-cultural / ˌkrɑːsˈkʌl tʃɚ əl / (adj.) – relating to two or more different cultures or countries
Example:In an international company, understanding cross-cultural differences can make it easier for people to work together.
- variation / ˌver iˈeɪ ʃən / (n.) – a different form or version of something
Example:The artist created several variations of the painting using different colors.
- heritage / ˈhɛr ɪ tɪdʒ / (n.) – traditions, beliefs, customs, values, etc., of a family, country, or society
Example:The country’s ancient temples and castles are important parts of its cultural and historical heritage.
Article
Read the text below.
Liam and Olivia dominate. Still. The two names have, for a sixth year together, topped the list of names for babies born in the U.S. in 2024.
The Social Security Administration annually tracks the names given to girls and boys in each state, with names dating back to 1880. In time for Mother’s Day, the agency released the most popular names from applications for Social Security cards.
Liam has reigned for eight years in a row for boys, while Olivia has topped the girls’ list for six. Also, for the sixth consecutive year, Emma took the second slot for girls, and Noah for boys. The girls’ name Luna slipped out of the Top 10 and was replaced by Sofia, which enters at number 10 for the first time.
After Liam, the most common names for boys are, in order: Noah, Oliver, Theodore, James, Henry, Mateo, Elijah, Lucas and William. After Olivia, the most common names for girls are Emma, Amelia, Charlotte, Mia, Sophia, Isabella, Evelyn, Ava and Sofia.
Sophie Kihm, editor-in-chief of Nameberry, a baby naming website, said the latest data showcases how American parents are increasingly choosing names that have cross-cultural appeal. Kihm’s first name shows up in two variations on the annual list.
“A trend we’re tracking is that Americans are more likely to choose heritage choices,” Kihm said, including names that work “no matter where you are in the world.”
“More families in the U.S. come from mixed cultural backgrounds, and I hear parents commonly request that they want their child to travel and have a relatively easy-to-understand name.”
The Social Security Administration’s latest data show that 3.61 million babies were born in the U.S. in 2024. That’s a slight increase from 2023’s 3.59 million babies, representing an overall increase in the American birthrate.
Social media stars and popular television shows are having some impact on the rising popularity of certain names, Social Security says.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Do you think it’s a good idea to name a child after a famous person or fictional character? Why or why not? Would you rather have a common name, a unique one, or be named after someone famous? Why? Discuss.
- Many parents today want names that are easy to pronounce in different countries. Do you think it’s important to choose a name that works globally? Why or why not? What do you think makes a name a “good” choice in today’s world? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Many parents today still choose baby names that reflect their culture or family history. What are some naming traditions in your culture, and are they still common today? Would you want your future child’s name to reflect your family background or personal story? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Do you think it’s important to keep naming traditions alive, or is it okay for naming styles to change over time? Why do you say so? Discuss.
