By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — The newest generation of New Yorkers answers to Sophia and Jayden -- the two names that topped the Health Department's list of city baby names for 2008.
The list of names includes a mix of traditional Biblical names, like Esther and Joshua, with contemporary variations including Jayden and Nevaeh, which is Heaven spelled backwards.
Ranked below Sophia on the girls' list were Isabella, Emily, Olivia and Sarah. The names Daniel, Michael, Matthew and David followed Jayden in popularity on the boys list.
Jayden, meaning "Jehova has heard" in Hebrew, was the most popular name for male Hispanic and black newborns, pushing the name to the top of the list.
Over the years, the non-traditional name has gained recognition through celebrities, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith as well as Britney Spears have children named Jayden.
Among Hispanic baby girls, Ashley and Isabella topped the list. For African-American girls, Madison and Kayla were tops.
Olivia took the top spot for White newborn girls with Esther coming in second.
Some unique names made it on to the list, as well. The department noted a dozen Clementines and Keons, a boy name of Irish origin.
Despite a World Series win and a Sportsman of the Year Award for Derek Jeter, less than 10 baby boys were named Jeter.
