It's all in the name: Parents send a message with kids' names

Part of the fun of being pregnant, and for some the only fun they'll have for nine months, is being able to explore baby names and their origins. Most parents-to-be have a list, at least in their minds, of what they want to name the new addition to the family.

Family can be the deciding factor in the baby's name. Whether he or she is named after parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, family names can be passed from generation to generation.

Sometimes, inspiration comes from ethnic origins, or a religious tie. The latest trend sees parents looking into the past for their baby's name.

In 2006, more than half of the top 10 boys names and just a little less than half of the top 10 girls names are Hebrew in origin. Their meanings for the most part hearken back to God or point out stellar characteristics.

According to www.parents.com, the top 10 boys names, their origins and meanings are:

Jacob - Hebrew - holder of the feet

Michael - Hebrew - who resembles God

Joshua - Hebrew - God is salvation

Ethan - Hebrew - firm, steadfast

Matthew - Hebrew - gift of God

Daniel - Hebrew - God is my judge

Christopher - Greek - Christ bearer

Andrew - Greek - manly

Anthony - Latin - priceless, praiseworthy

William - Old German - determined protector

The top 10 girls names, their origins and meanings are according to www.parents.com:

Emily - Latin - industrious, striving

Emma - Old German - whole, universal

Madison - English - son of Maud

Isabella - Hebrew - devoted to God

Ava - Latin - Like a bird

Abigail - Hebrew - a father's joy

Olivia - English - olive tree

Hannah - Hebrew - grace of God

Sophia - Greek - wisdom

Samantha - Hebrew - name of God

Not all Web sites agree about the top names or where they fall on the list. At www.babycenter.com, some of the same names appear, but a few new names debut, especially on the boys' list.

Aiden - Celtic - fire

Ryan - Gaelic - little king

Jack - English - God is gracious

Noah - Hebrew - rest, comfort

Nicholas - Greek - victory of the people

Logan - Gaelic - from the little hollow

Unlike the boys' list, the girls top 10 list of baby names sees few name changes. Joining the most popular are:

Kaitlyn - Greek - pure

Hailey - Scandinavian - hero