Each year, Social Security announces the top baby names for boys and girls, based on Social Security card applications for babies born in the previous year. If you have children or you’re friends or relatives with those who do, chances are you might know a few babies with the “in” names.

This year, the most popular baby names in the playpen are Jacob and Sophia, followed by Mason and Isabella. You can visit them in their online “crib” at www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.

At the website, you also can see other lists of popular baby names. For example, you can search for the 1,000 most popular names of a decade, the five most popular names of the past century, or search for the most popular names in your state.

You can even get popular baby names for twins. Plug in any name, including your own, to see where it comes in on the list.

But Jacob and Sophia’s web page isn’t just about baby names.

There’s information about getting a Social Security number for your baby and other information that every parent should know about Social Security like benefits for children and grandchildren and help planning for your family’s financial future.

There are also links to information about having a healthy pregnancy, taking care of your newborn, and childproofing your home. Need to read up on childhood immunizations, food stamps, or other nutrition assistance programs? The links are there, along with more information than there are gifts at a baby shower.

When people think about Social Security, they often think of the retirement years. But Social Security is there throughout your life—from the day a child is named.

Essie Landry is the Social Security public affairs specialist in West Los Angeles.