What will be the hottest baby names of 2010? The Social Security Administration identified the biggest movers and shakers among 2009 baby names. The names listed here are not the most popular (like Jacob and Emma), rather they're the names that showed the biggest gain in popularity from 2008 to 2009. Here are some thoughts on why these particular names have become so popular.
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Maliyah, a girl's name, saw the biggest jump from 2008 to 2009. A name of Hawaiian origin, Maliyah means "Beloved." It's possible that Maliyah's jump from #638 to #296 was inspired by the White House. President Obama's elder daughter is Malia, which is also Hawaiian for "Beloved."(Malia itself saw tremendous gain in popularity too, as did Sasha, the younger of the two Obama girls.
The Twilight Saga
The name Cullen made the biggest leap for the boys. It's pretty obvious that Cullen moved from #782 to #485 due to the monstrous success of the Twilight saga. Cullen is the surname of the heroic vampire family, including sexy Edward Cullen (aka Rob Pattinson). Cullen has Gaelic, Irish and Celtic roots and means "Good-looking lad." Twilight can also take credit for the growing popularity of the names Jasper, Alice and Bella.
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Isla was right behind Cullen, jumping 297 spots on the girl's list. While Isla might stand for a specific place (Isla Vista, for example), it more likely represents a specific someone -- actress Isla Fisher. Isla's most notable roles were in Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) and Definitely, Maybe (2008).
A More Likeable Jesse James?
The male name Jax was next. Rising 266 spots, Jax may attribute its popularity to the name Jackson, as in Jackson "Jax" Teller of Sons of Anarchy on FX. The tattooed, Harley-driving character of Jax, brilliantly portrayed by Charlie Hunnam, sports sneakers and jeans and is just so cool. With both English and Spanish roots, Jax means "God has been gracious."
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Rounding out the top five biggest movers was Caylee. Its predecessor Kaylie entered SSA"s 500 Most Popular Names in 1995 and peaked in 2006 at #280. In 2009, both Kaylie and Kaylee were ranked in the 300s. The new spelling, Caylee, has seen tremendous growth in response to the tragic tale of little Caylee Anthony who, in 2008, was allegedly murdered by her mother Casey Anthony.
Another name inspired by tragedy is Jett. Jumping 143 spots, Jett was the name of the son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston. Jett died unexpectedly on January 2, 2009, while the family was vacationing in the Bahamas.
Love and Romance
Juliet is riding the pop culture wave. The 2010 movie Letters to Juliet has been touted as the romantic movie of the millennium. Traditionally, of course, Juliet always represented the heroine of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. With French and Italian origins, Juliet is a diminutive of Julia. The alternate spelling, Juliette, also made the list.
Baby Name List of Popularity Change
Check out the rest of these names and tell us why you think they've suddenly become so popular.
Popular Names 
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