Following an exhilarating 2024 WNBA season, the New York Liberty clinched their first championship title after six trips to the finals. This victory capped off a unique trend among fans, who are now naming their babies after some of the most iconic players in the league.
BabyCenter.com tracks the popularity of baby names, and there are definite trends taking place in regard to star WNBA players.
Caitlin Clark, the standout Rookie of the Year, has made a significant impact in the WNBA during her first season in the league with the Indiana Fever. She is quickly becoming one of the most popular names associated with the sport. Her ranking among female athletes, which has risen by over 2,000 spots to reach No. 2,602, is a testament to her growing influence in the sport and the culture.
One of this year’s most unexpected influences on baby names comes from the WNBA: A’ja’s name has surged more than 7,000 spots for girls, now ranking at No. 8,113.
Kamilla Cardoso from the South Carolina Gamecocks competed against and defeated Iowa State in this year’s NCAA tournament. This rising star was selected third overall in the WNBA draft and now plays for the Chicago Sky. Parents at BabyCenter are fans of her name as well, with its popularity rising 53 spots to No. 1,210.
More: 2024 WNBA season winners and losers: TV ratings boost ahead of league expansion
Top WNBA players names for babies in 2024
Here are the most popular baby names for 2024, according to babynames.com.
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Caitlin
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A’ja
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Cameron
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Kamilla
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Rickea
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Jacy
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Aaliyah
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Angel
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Alissa
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Carla
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Leila
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Marquesha
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Nyadiew
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Brynna
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Nika
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Celeste
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Dyaisha
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Esmery
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Kate
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Taiyanna
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Isobel
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Kaylynne
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Helena
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Jessika
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Elizabeth
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Charisma
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Mackenzie
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Leilani
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McKenzie
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Jazmin
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caitlin Clark, other WNBA stars headline popular baby name boon
