Top Virginia Baby Names of 2023

Have you heard? The Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records just published a list of the most popular baby names given to Virginia infants in 2023! 

Topping the list of the most popular name for boys in 2023 was Liam, while Charlotte continued to be the most popular name for girls for the second year in a row. In 2022, there were 95,583 babies born; while the numbers for 2023 are still being counted, the Office of Vital Records estimates there were a similar number of births last year. 

Top 10 Names for Girls in VA

#1 Charlotte

Emma

Olivia

Sophia

Amelia

Evelyn

Ava

Isabella

Elizabeth

Mia

Eleanor

Harper

Sofia

Luna

Abigail

Top 10 Names for Boy in VA

#1 Liam

Noah

James

Oliver

William

Lucas

Henry

Theodore

Benjamin

Levi

Elijah

Luke

John

Michael

Gabriel

Read VDH's full press release to see what other names were most popular among new parents in 2023!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

February is Children’s Dental Health Month and a great time to learn about healthy dental habits for kids. For a healthy mouth, children should see a dentist every six months. This dentist will watch and care for their teeth as the child grows. Brushing teeth or wiping gums twice a day can prevent tooth decay. Do not forget to limit sugar intake, as sugary foods can cause tooth decay. Let’s work together to make sure children have healthy smiles that last a lifetime! 

Medicaid members can call 1-888-912-3456 for assistance with finding a dentist or making an appointment. For those with no insurance, visit the Free and Charitable Clinics webpage for a list of all Virginia locations.

Spread Love, Not STIs

Ready for Valentine’s Day? While you’ll probably busy planning dinner dates and buying gifts for your special someone(s), don’t neglect your sexual health after the love fest ends! Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regularly is an important part of infection prevention to keep you in tip top shape. Not sure where you can find testing? BRHD’s monthly walk-in Test & Go clinic has got you covered!  

Stop by the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department via Door #1 on Tuesday, February 20 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM for free testing of the following STIs: 

• Gonorrhea 
• Chlamydia 
• HIV 
• Syphilis 
• Hepatitis B & C 



Free safer sex items like condoms, dental dams, and lube will also be available. No appointment or ID needed! Testing is provided on a first come, first served basis as capacity is limited. Exams and treatment are not available at this event, but can be scheduled as follow up appointments with our nursing team. For more information or specific questions, call 434-972-6269.  

Happy 50th Anniversary, WIC!

February 2024 marks a huge milestone for the Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) program- a 50th anniversary! For 50 years, WIC has been dedicated to helping mothers and families access healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. At BRHD, our WIC team has been on a roll- serving a whopping almost 3,000 clients a month on average! To learn more about the program, read the latest Health Whys on WIC or visit our WIC webpage for contact information.  

BRHD Job Opportunities

If you’re passionate about public health and ready to put your skills to good use in your own community, it might be time to join the BRHD Team! We are currently hiring for: 

• Office Services Specialist (OSS) Supervisor, Nelson County Health Department



For more details on the available positions, visit the BRHD Job Opportunities webpage.