Annual Review: The most popular first names in NRW

Sophia and Noah have been crowned the most popular baby names in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) for 2025, according to an annual evaluation by the Society for German Language (GfdS).

Noah secured the top position for boys for the sixth year in a row, maintaining its popularity, while Matheo remained in second place, as in the previous year. The name Leo saw a significant surge, climbing from eleventh place in 2024 to third place in 2025, indicating a growing preference for shorter, impactful names.

For girls, Sophia surpassed Emilia to claim the number one spot. Nationally across Germany, the top names are Noah, Matheo, and Theo for boys, and Sophia, Emma, and Emilia for girls. The GfdS compiles its list by combining different spellings of names, ensuring a comprehensive overview.

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Noah and Sophia are long more than just fashion names – they have established themselves as modern classics.

Andrea-Eva Ewels, managing director of the GfdS, commented on the trend, stating, "Noah and Sophia are long more than just fashion names – they have established themselves as modern classics." She added, "At the same time, the rise of Theo and Leo shows that short, concise names are particularly in demand among many parents."

The GfdS has been publishing its annual list of the most frequently registered first names since 1977, relying on data from German registry offices.

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At the same time, the rise of Theo and Leo shows that short, concise names are particularly in demand among many parents.