List of most popular baby names released

When couples have a baby on the way, they face countless decisions that may seem overwhelming, especially if they are first-time parents. Should they find out the sex of their baby? What type of newborn baby gifts should they ask for from friends and family? What baby items should they buy before their little one is born?

Although these are all significant choices that must be made, perhaps the most significant, not to mention nerve wracking, is deciding on a name. In today's world, there are so many chic names that are in one minute and out the next. That's why it is important to pick something that the baby will enjoy being called for the rest of his or her life.

And to help give mommies and daddies to-be some help, many couples turn to lists that rank the year's top baby names, such as the one Parenting.com recently released. These lists not only give parents new ideas, but they also provide the meaning behind the names.

One name that has been ranked as the most popular baby boy name since 1999, is Jacob, according to Parenting.com. This strong name is not only very masculine, but the shortened version, Jake, is an adorable nickname. Mason has also risen in the rankings to the number two spot, thanks to super-starlett Kourtney Kardashian, who gave her first born son this name in 2009.

When it comes to girl's names, Sophia took the number one spot, rising past former two-year champion, Isabella. The magazine mentioned that ultra-feminine names are coming back in style. For example, Emma was ranked as the number five most popular name. Other names, like Ava and Olivia were in top the five.