Emily

Emily may have dropped in the standings to Number 6, but it was the most popular name for over a decade because it appeals as a girls' name on many levels: Emily is feminine, classic, simple, pretty, and strong. But, at this point, Emily's waaaaaaay overused, though it does have those nice literary namesakes, like Emily Dickinson and Emily Bronte.

Parents who a decade ago might have chosen Emily have moved on to Emma, which briefly captured the number one crown, and now are looking at such alternatives as Amelia and Emmeline. But those girls' names, like Emma, may soon feel overused too.

Popularity issues aside, Emily is a wonderful name: simple, musical, classic, feminine, easy to understand and to like. If you have a complicated last name or you want a name that's accessible on every level, Emily may be your girl.

Modern Emilys in the spotlight include a number of the hottest young actresses-- Emily Blunt, Emily Mortimer, Emily Deschanel-- and even Emma Watson was christened Emily.