What's In A Name?

What were the most popular baby names in Texas for 2007? Emily and Jose.

A look at the name popularity rankings for state, the region and the nation:LEADING NAMES

In Texas, Emily (since 1997, replacing Ashley) and Jose (since 1996, replacing Michael). Nationally, Emily (since 1996) and Jacob (since 1999).

TOP TEXAS NAMES BOYS GIRLS Jose Emily Jacob Mia Daniel Isabella Christopher Madison Angel Abigail

NEIGHBORING STATES

Oklahoma girls: Emma, Madison, Emily, Addison and Hannah; boys: Ethan, Jacob, Joshua, Noah and William.

New Mexico girls: Isabella, Sophia, Emily, Nevaeh, Alyssa; boys: Jacob, Joshua, Michael, Isaiah, Gabriel.

Louisiana girls: Madison, Ava, Emma, Olivia, Isabella; boys: Jacob, Ethan, Joshua, Michael, Christopher.

PUZZLE

For some reason, American parents like names, particularly for sons, that rhyme with "maiden": Jayden (No. 18 nationally); Aiden (27); Braden (156), etc.

ANOTHER TREND

Naming daughters after spiritual and philosophical concepts: Nevaeh (31), which is "Heaven" spelled backwards; Heaven (263); Destiny (41), Trinity (72), etc.

ELVIS

Elvis is still in the running, rising 85 spots from No. 761 to No. 676.

SOURCE: Social Security Administration Via DMN