Utah Parents Embrace Unique Baby Names

From Hyrum to Covey, Utah leads the nation in distinctive name choices.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A recent analysis shows Utah parents are bucking national trends by choosing baby names that stand out, with the state accounting for a disproportionate share of unique monikers like Hyrum, Covey, McKay, Alta, Afton, and Ivie.

Why it matters

Utah's penchant for distinctive baby names reflects the state's strong cultural identity and desire to differentiate itself from the rest of the country. This trend highlights how Utah maintains its own unique character even as the rest of the nation gravitates toward more popular name choices.

The details

While much of the country favors common names like Olivia and Liam, Utah parents are embracing monikers that make people elsewhere raise an eyebrow. The state accounts for 56% of all Hyrums, over 52% of Coveys, and exactly half of all McKays in the United States. On the girls' side, Utah is home to 30% of Altas, over 22% of Aftons, and nearly 20% of Ivies nationwide.

  • In 2025, Utah saw 19 baby boys named Hyrum, making it the 244th most popular name in the state.
  • Last year, 10 Utah babies were named Covey, representing over 52% of all Coveys nationwide.

The players

Hyrum

A name that is ranked a modest #3,400 nationally but is the 244th most popular choice for Utah parents, with the state accounting for nearly 56% of all Hyrums in the United States.

Covey

A name ranked #5,053 nationally, but with Utah accounting for over 52% of all Coveys in the country.

McKay

A name that represents exactly half of all McKays in the United States, highlighting Utah's unique naming preferences.

Alta

A girls' name ranked #4,548 nationally, but with Utah accounting for 30% of all Altas in America.

Afton

Another girls' name that represents over 22% of all Aftons nationwide, reflecting Utah's distinctive naming trends.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Utah's embrace of unique baby names, from Hyrum to Ivie, reflects the state's strong cultural identity and desire to differentiate itself from the rest of the country. This trend highlights how Utah maintains its own distinct character, even as the rest of the nation gravitates toward more popular name choices.