* Number of native speakers: This would likely put Spanish and Portuguese at the top, followed by English.
* Number of total speakers: This would likely shift the order, putting English first due to its widespread use as a second language.
* Official language status: Here, English, Spanish, and French would be the most prominent, as they are official languages in many countries.
However, based on a combination of these factors, the top three languages in the Western Hemisphere are likely:
1. Spanish: Spoken by over 500 million people in the region, making it the most spoken native language.
2. English: Has a large number of native speakers and is also widely used as a second language, particularly in North America and the Caribbean.
3. Portuguese: Spoken by over 250 million people in Brazil, making it the most spoken language in South America.
It's important to note that:
* French is also a significant language in the region, especially in Canada and the Caribbean.
* Other languages like Haitian Creole, Dutch, and indigenous languages are also important in specific areas.
Ultimately, the "most popular" languages depend on how you define popularity.