Missouri's most popular names

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Emma, Madison, Ava, and Addison. It sounds like golf foursome at the country club, doesn't it?

Jacob, Logan, Andrew, and Ethan. Tennis anyone?

These are all very nice names. (I have a lovely little cousin named Ava) But did you know that in 2007 more little kids in Missouri had these names than any other? That absolutely blew me away.

It appears the days of old Tom, Dick, and Harry are gone for good. If you intend to keep up with the Jones', you're probably more inclined to call the little one Jackson or Chloe.

Old Testament names appear to be in. Noah, Joshua, and Joseph all rank in the top 20. (At least there's one average Joe!)

For girls, people seem to be interested in an exotic, sort of movie star sound. That's the best I can come up with for Sophia, Alexis, and Isabella.

I married a Julie, for my money one of the great female names out there. She didn't make the top 50 this time around, yet Zoe, Makayla and Brooklyn did! This makes no sense to me, and anyone naming their kid Brooklyn has clearly never been to the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of that borough.

My name also landed outside the top 50, though I find this less surprising. George hasn't been particularly "hot" since the middle 1800's, and I don't know that the current occupant of the White House has done anything for the cause. Just the same, give me a good solid George over Gavin or Hunter any day! (With all apologies to the captain of the Love Boat and Gonzo Journalists everywhere.)

For the record, here's how the ToastedRav.com staff comes out in Missouri name popularity.

• Jennifer (the boss) Not in the top 50
• Patricia (Trish) Not in the top 50
• Chris #23
• Mike #7
  

You can find the lists here. I do wonder what you think of the "in vogue" of names these days. Any favorites? Any busts? And just for the record, there is no need to read into my sudden interest in names.