Little Emma Marlene Bauman takes it easy with mom Brenna Bauman Wednesday afternoon. Emma was the first baby born in Austin in 2013. — Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

If Austin and Albert Lea were in a competition for most babies born in 2012, Austin won by a baby’s hair.

A total of 810 babies were born at Mayo Clinic Health System in both Albert Lea and Austin locations. Albert Lea had 400 and Austin 410. Of the 810 total, 451 were boys, outnumbering the girls by 92.

“We had a wonderful year in the Women’s Special Care Unit in 2012,” said Nancy Hoversten, nurse manager at the Special Care Unit.

Most Popular baby names

Austin girls
1. Jayden/Jaedon/ Jaden
2. Aubrey/Aubree
3. McKenna/Mikenna

Austin boys
1. Owen
2. Caden/Kaden/ Caiden
3. Jack/Jaxon/Jaxson

Albert Lea girls
1. Emma, Jayla, Grace, and Chloe (tied)
2. Lucy and Laila (tied)
3. Justice

Albert Lea boys
1. Ethan
2. Jaxxon
3. Dakota, Mason, Connor, Carter, Angel, James and Zachary (tied)

Austin’s total has dropped for two-straight years, from 438 in 2010 to 418 in 2011 and 410 in 2012, according to the medical center’s stats.

In Austin last year, the most popular girl’s name was Jayden, Jaedon or Jaden, while most popular for boys was Owen. Coming in second for the girls was Aubrey or Aubree, and third was McKenna or Mikenna. For the boys, Caden/Kaden/Caiden took second, while Jack/Jaxon/Jaxson grabbed third place.

In Albert Lea, the most popular girl’s name was a four-way tie between Emma, Jayla, Grace and Chloe, while Ethan took the top spot for boys.

For more information about the Baby Place in Albert Lea or Women’s Special Care Unit in Austin, visit www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org.