Can You Guess The Most Popular Baby Name The Year You Were Born?
Can You Guess The Most Popular Baby Name The Year You Were Born?
Some names never get old, but others come and go with the changing decades. Find out if your moniker was the popular choice the year you were born, or if you're parent totally went rogue.
1915
A century ago, the most popular names for boys were classic choices John, William, and James. For girls, it was Mary, Helen, and Dorothy.
1916
The top names — John, William, James, Mary, Helen, and Dorothy — didn't budge the following year.
1917
That year, Cleopatra, with lavish sets and costumes, became one of the most elaborate Hollywood films ever produced at the time. Dorothy Drake (bearing the year's No. 3 baby name, after Mary and Helen) starred as Charmian. The title role was played by Theda Bara, whose name surged in popularity, albeit to the 343rd spot, around that time. (John, William, and James remained in their spots, too.)
1918
As World War I raged, Ernest Hemingway joined the Red Cross. The day he arrived, a munitions factory exploded and he had to carry mutilated bodies to a makeshift morgue; the horrors of war inspired many of his later novels. His name was number 37 that year. John, William, and James continued their streak — as did Mary, Helen, and Dorothy.
1919
Part of top name Mary's continued popularity? Actress Mary Pickford was known as America's Sweetheart and "the girl with curls." (That year, along with D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks, she formed the independent film production company United Artists.) As for baby names, Helen, Dorothy, John, William and James stayed in the top 3, too.
1920
Woodrow Wilson is President and the First Lady's name is Edith, whose pretty name was on the charts at No. 32. Still at the top? Usual suspects Mary, Dorothy, Helen, John, William, and Robert (surpassing James).
1921
This year, silent film star Charlie Chaplin released the first-ever full-length comedy, The Kid. While the film was the second-highest grossing movie that year, the creators name was the fifth most popular for boys. (The boys' top trio merely shuffled around: John, Robert, and William. And Mary, Dorothy and Helen were the picks for girls.)
1922
Josephine Baker sashayed onto a Paris stage during the 1920s with a comic, yet sensual appeal that took Europe by storm. Famous for barely-there dresses and no-holds-barred dance routines, her exotic beauty generated nicknames like "Black Venus" and "Creole Goddess." Her name was equally beloved, taking the 27 spot on the charts. The top three for boys and girls? Unsurprisingly, they held fast: John, Robert, William, Mary, Helen, and Dorothy.
1923
Oldies but goodies! Robert, John, William, Mary, Dorothy, and Helen were still crowd pleasers. American tennis player Helen Wills Roark, who later became famous for holding the top position in women's tennis for a total of nine years, won her first women's national title in 1923 at the age of 17.
1924
The Roaring Twenties ushered in an era of prosperity, new social freedoms, and innovation. What didn't change? The top baby names John, Robert, William, Mary, Dorothy, and Helen.
1925
An iconic version of The Phantom Of The Opera hit the silver screen, starring Mary Philbon as Christine Daae. Mary was the No.1 name for girls all through the 1920s – and the actress only made it more popular. That year, Betty dethroned Helen to take the No. 3 spot, while Dorothy held steady. Boys' picks were still Robert, John, and William.
1926
Calvin Coolidge was in the middle of his tenure as President of the United States. His name was also in the middle of an upswing, coming at 65. Favorites Robert, John, James, Mary, Dorothy, and Betty were all still in the top 3.
1927
Legendary Yankees like Babe Ruth and Lou Gerhig were stealing bases and American hearts that year. Ruth's real first name, George, was the No. 7 pick for boys, while Ruth was the No. 6 for girls. The top three? Still Robert, John, James, Mary, Dorothy, and Betty.
1928
Charlie Chaplin continued his winning streak, writing and starring in the silent film, The Circus. Charles kept up its streak, too, at as the No. 5 for boys (along with Robert, James, and John.) Mary, Betty, and newcomer Barbara were the top three names for girls.
1929
As the Roaring Twenties crashed to a halt, parents opted for consistency: Robert, James, John, Mary, Betty, and Barbara were the top three names for each gender.
1930
As Betty continued to hold the No. 2 spot, the cartoon Betty Boop made her big debut. (Rounding out the top 3 are still Mary and Barbara). Robert, John and James are the top 3 boys' names.
1931
James Cagney's Chicago gangster film The Public Enemy came out this year — and was nominated for an Oscar. The popular actor's name continued its reign on the boys' charts, along with Robert and John. Mary, Betty, and Dorothy held their rank for girls.
1932
Hot cartoon Betty Boop remained a big deal in 1932 — as did her name! Mary, Barbara, Robert, James and John rounded out that year's top rankings.
1933
Robert, James, and John were the most popular boys names — and prevalent girls' picks were still Mary, Betty, and Barbara. But Helen remained in the top 10, possibly spurred by the renown of women like Helen Keller, who was active politically and culturally at the time. In May of that year, Americans learned that students in German universities planned to burn a long list of books deemed "un-German" — and Keller's essay "How I Became a Socialist" was on this list. In response, Keller penned a popular letter (the 1933 equivalent of a viral blog post) letting the students know exactly how she felt.
1934
Both Anna and Ann are in the top 100 for girls' names. This year, an early adaptation of Ann of Green Gables came out in theaters. Fun fact: The actress who played the heroine adopted her name, Ann Shirley, after playing the part. At the top of the charts, Mary, Betty, Barbara, Robert, James, and John hold tight.
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1935
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was midway through his first term of office in 1935. And his name was also surging in popularity: It hit 65 that year, while Frank came in at 16. (The top three were no shock, though. Robert, James, and John and Mary, Shirley, and Barbara held steady.)
1936
Robert, James, and John continued their reign among boys' names. But jumping into the No. 2 spot for little girls was Shirley (joining Mary and Barbara). That year, Stowaway starring none other than a pint-sized star Shirley Temple came out.
1937
Shirley's time among the top 3 was brief: Mary, Barbara, and Patrice rounded out the trio. Robert, James, and John are the top boys' names.
1938
Donald remained the top 10. Could this have anything to do with Walt Disney? Probably. In 1938, the company released Donald's Nephews, an animated cartoon which features Donald Duck being visited by his three nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Meanwhile, Robert, James, John, Mary, Barbara and Patricia prove consistency was a trend in the 1930s.
1939
As the decade came to a close, Robert, James and John remained at the top, as did Mary, Barbara, and Patricia. Another name rising? Vivian — like the star of epic Gone With the Wind, which debuted that year.
1940
Boys continued to be dubbed James, Robert, and John, and girls often got Mary, Barbara, and Patricia. However, in 1940, Judith jumped four spots into #4. What happened in 1939? Judy Garland stole Americans' hearts as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
1941
As the United States avoided direct involvement in World War II (until the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor), the country strove to maintain normalcy. So it's no surprise that the top names — James, Robert, and John and Mary, Barbara, and Patricia — also stayed consistent.
1942
Hollywood legend James Cagney starred in Yankee Doodle Dandy. And his name, along with Robert and John, remained equally popular. Mary, Barbara, and Patricia stayed the top three names for girls, too.
1943
Spurred by World War II productivity, the Great Depression ended this year. Rogers and Hammerstein's musical Oklahoma! opened on Broadway. Frank Sinatra went solo and released the single "Close to You." And parents across the country continued to dub many of their babies James, Robert, John, Mary, Barbara, and Patricia.
1944
Another star keeping Betty in the No. 10 spot? Elizabeth Ruth "Betty" Grable, whose film Pin Up Girl came out this year. And the most popular spots still went to James, Robert, John, Mary, and Barbara — though Linda joined the ranks, too!
1945
As the war ended, soldiers like Ronald Reagan came home. The future 40th President of the United States resumed his acting career over the next 20 years. (He'd eventually star in 53 motion pictures.) And his name held steady in the top 10. Other parent pleasers? James, Robert, John were still ruling the boys' charts. But moms and dads of girls started to mix it up slightly with Mary, Linda, and Barbara.
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1946
Classic film It's A Wonderful Life hit on the silver screen. And star James Stewart's moniker is the No. 1 name for boys. The movie's female lead was Donna Reed, who's name came in at No. 13 that year. The top three, however, feature old standbys Robert, John, Mary, Linda, and Patricia.
1947
Sure, 1947 wasn't too surprising on the boys' side as James, Robert, and John held the top spots. But Larry, a nickname for Lawrence or Laurence was ranked No. 10. And this year proved especially surprising for girls' names. Mary was dethroned to second place for the first time since the 1800s (by Linda!)
1948
One of the year's biggest hit songs? Doris Day's "It's Magic." And the singer's name also rose in popularity, at No. 64. Linda, Mary, and Barbara continued to rank in the top 3, while James, Robert, and John maintained their lead on the boys' charts.
1949
The 1940s wrapped with few changes in baby names: James, Robert, and John were the top 3 for boys. Linda, Mary, and Patricia were the girls' dominant trio.
1950
Possibly in honor of President Harry Truman, the name Harold hit No. 5. James, Robert and John are in the top three. As for girls', Linda, Mary and Patricia are the most popular.
1951
James, Robert, and John are the top names for boys' this year. Linda, Mary, and Patricia come in as the top 3 choices for baby girls. Also in 1951, well-known actress Lucille Ball made her TV debut in the show I Love Lucy. Lucy came in at 216.
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1952
Singin' In The Rain — starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Fields — was released and became an instant classic. Fields' moniker, Deborah, was in the top 5 names for girls. At the top, James, Robert, John, Linda, Mary, and Patricia remained popular.
1953
Robert jumped to No.1 from No. 3 in 1953. James came in second and Michael third, while Mary, Linda, and Deborah were the top 3 picks for girls. Cute fact: In Hebrew, Deborah means "bee."
1954
In 1954, Michael, James and Robert remained popular — as did actor James Stewart, who starred with Grace Kelly in Rear Window. Mary, Linda, and Deborah were popular girls' names.
1955
This year, David jumped into the No. 2 spot. Michael and James were the other top picks for boys. For girls, it was still Mary, Deborah, and Linda.
1956
Michael, James, and Robert are the most popular baby boy names this year. For girls, there was a switch: Debra came in at No. 2, with Deborah at No. 4. (Mary and Linda stayed in first and third, respectively.) In 1956, "Whatever Will Be Will Be" performed by Doris Day was the 7th most popular song — and this year Doris showed up in the top 100 girls' names. Que Sera Sera, it is.
1957
Michael James and David were in the top three. In Hebrew, David means beloved or friend. Mary, Susan and Linda held tight in the top 3 slots.
1958
The top boys names were Michael, David, and James. Mary, Linda, and newcomer Susan rounded out the girls' top 3. However, this year Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, starring Elizabeth Taylor, was released — and her name charted at No. 22.
1959
In 1959, parents still loved Michael, David, and James for boys. Mary, Susan, and Linda remained the top picks for girls' names.
1960
David, Michael, and James are the top three boys names. Mary, Susan, and Linda are crowned the best baby girl names. Fun fact: Linda is the feminine form of lindo, meaning beautiful, pretty, and cute.
1961
In 1961, John returned to the top 3 names for boys. This could have something to do with John F. Kennedy's election as the 35th President of the United States. Mary, Lisa, and Susan were big girls' names.
1962
Michael, David, and John were the top three boys' names. Lisa, Mary, and Susan fared best for girls.
1963
In 1963, John placed at No. 2 as the country mourned John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated on November 22 in Dallas, Texas. Other notable names that year were Michael, David, Lisa, Mary and Susan.
1964
Michael, John, and David were the top 3 names for boys. Lisa, Mary, and Susan continued their streak. Susan traces its roots from the French Susanne, literally meaning "lily."
1965
Michael, John and David were strong boys' names. Lisa, Mary and Karen took the top three girls spots. Karen is a Greek name and means "pure."
1966
Michael, David, and James topped the charts, while Lisa, Kimberly, and Mary became the biggest girls' names. In Hebrew, the ever-popular Mary translates to wished-for-child.
1967
For the first time during the 20th century, Mary dropped out of the top 3. Its replacements? Lisa, Kimberly and Michelle. For boys, Michael, David, and James were the most popular picks.
1968
Despite the changing times of the decade, the most trendy baby names didn't change much. Michael, David and John proved to be solid names for little guys. Lisa, Michelle, and Kimberly won for girls!
1969
Michael, David, James, Lisa and Michelle were parents' picks in 1969. And Jennifer joined the most loved girls' names.
1970
Parents rang in the new decade with Michael, David, and James. Making its debut on the top of the charts? Jennifer, which would stay there until 1984. It was trailed by Lisa and Kimberly — an English name meaning from the wood of the royal forest.
1971
David, like previous years, remained highly popular. This year David Bowie's song "Holy, Holy" came out on a 45. Michael and James were also solid gold choices. For girls, Jennifer, Michelle, and Lisa also continued their streaks.
1972
Boys names Michael, Christopher, and James were parents' three favorites. Jennifer and Michelle are joined by Lisa. Cabaret, starring Judy Garland's daughter Liza Minnelli, came out in theaters — and Liza (super close to Lisa) jumped from 537 to 479.
1973
Michael, Christopher, and newcomer Jason were the biggest boys' names. Jennifer, Amy, and Michelle marked a transition from more traditional girls' picks into trendier ones.
1974
In 1974, Michael was still No. 1 for boys. The Godfather: Part II was also released — Al Pachino reprised his role as Michael, of course. Jason and Christopher were second and third. Jennifer, Amy, and Michelle rounded out the girls' top spots.
1975
Michael, Jason, and Christopher held steady for boys. Jennifer and Amy maintain popularity, but were joined by fast-rising Heather. The botanical name describes a purple-flowered Eurasian heath that grows abundantly on moorland and heathland. It became one of the most popular names in the 70s.
1976
Michael, Jason, Christopher, Jennifer, Amy, and Melissa were top picks for 1976. But that year, as America celebrated 200 years since the Declaration of Independence, one name hopped onto the top 1,000 for the first time since 1918: Liberty.
1977
In 1977, Amy was still a popular girls' name, placing at third. Amy – or Amee — is French for beloved. That year, singer/songwriter Amy Grant, later known for the 1991 hit "Baby, Baby," released her first album. (Michael, Jason, Christopher, Jennifer, and Melissa were also chart-toppers.)
1978
Grease was the word in 1978! The ones parents wanted? Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. Daniel was No. 11 for boys, while Sandy moved from 315 up to 274. And yes, Michael, Jason, Christopher, Jennifer, Melissa, and Jessica stayed on the charts that year, too.
1979
Michael, Christopher, Jason, Jennifer, Melissa and Amanda all placed in the top 3.
1980
At the start of the 1980s, Michael, Christopher, and Jason still topped the list. J names were popular for girls too: Jennifer and Jessica topped the list, followed by Amanda. But that year, the buzziest name was Brooke, ranking at No. 57. Brooke Shields made a stunning turn in the film Blue Lagoon.
1981
In 1981, Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jennifer, Jessica, and Amanda remained a big deal in the name game. That year, Diana made a big jump to No. 75, thanks to the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer to England's Prince Charles.
1982
Michael remained a hot name in 1982 and not just because of its long winning streak. What song blew off the charts this year? Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Christopher, Matthew, Jennifer, Jessica, and Amanda were the other most popular monikers, too.
1983
Michael, Christopher, and Matthew were the lead boy baby names. In 1983, the iconic Superman, Christopher Reeve, hung up his cape, completing his super hero films. While the may not have been heroic, Jennifer, Jessica, and Amanda were the top 3 girls' names.
1984
Jennifer, Jessica, and newbie Ashley held the top spots. In a twist on the trend, Ashlee Simpson (sister of Jessica Simpson) was born that year. Michael, Christopher, and Matthew were still in the top 3 for boys' names.
1985
Parents consistently loved 80s-favorites Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley, and Jennifer. This was also a hot year for the name Laura, coming in at No. 14. For some, this could have been a tribute to Laura Harring, who became the first Latina woman crowned Miss USA that year.
1986
Perennial favorites Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley and Amanda continued to dominate.
1987
In 1987, the most popular names for boys were Michael, Christopher, and Matthew. For girls, parents favored Jessica, Ashley, and Amanda.
1988
Michael, Christopher, and Matthew were still running the show for boys' names. Jessica held at No. 1 for girls. The live action/animated film Who Framed Roger Rabbit hit theaters that year, so maybe Roger's cartoon wife, Jessica, had some influence.
1989
At the end of the 1980s, Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley and Brittany rocked the charts.
1990
At least parents are consistent. The top boys' names continued to be Michael, Christopher, and Matthew. Trendier names Jessica, Ashley, and Brittany stayed the girls' top 3 in 1990.
1991
In 1991, Britney Spears wowed the judges on "Star Search. While her spelling only hit No. 137, Brittany stayed at No. 3 (following Ashley and Jessica). The boys' top 3 were Michael, Christopher, and Matthew.
1992
Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Ashley, and Jessica were still top picks. Continuing favorite Amanda came in at No. 3. It means "having to be loved."
1993
Michael, Christopher, and Matthew ranked as top 3 boys' names. Jessica, Ashley, were also popular — as was newcomer Sarah. Its meaning? "Lady, newcomer, princess" in Hebrew.
1994
1994 proved to be a strong year for Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley, and Emily — all placing in the top 3.
1995
Parents wanted their kids to be like Mike in 1995! After dabbling in minor league baseball, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA in 1995. In March of that same year the Bulls player faced off against the Indiana Pacers, scoring 19 points. The game had the highest Nielson rating of a regular season NBA game since 1975. The name-game runner-ups were Matthew and Christopher. Jessica, Ashley, and Emily were the top 3 girls' choices.
1996
That year, 1990s classics Michael, Matthew, Jacob, Emily, Jessica, and Ashley all placed in the top 3 baby names.
1997
In 1997, the world fell in love with Jack and Rose as they cruised on the doomed Titanic. That year, Jack made in the top 100, coming in at No. 76. Rose actually dropped a couple spots in popularity. (Maybe she shouldn't have let him go!) Michael, Matthew, Jacob, Emily, Jessica, and Ashley all claime the top 3 baby names.
1998
Michael, Jacob, and Matthew remained popular. New to the girls' trend? Samantha. Maybe pregnant moms were watching a little too much Sex and the City on TV. After all, it was the award-winning HBO show's premiere year. Another newcomer and second most popular girls' name was Hannah —Hebrew for "favor or grace." And that year saw an upswing for Daniel, Joseph, and Christopher.
1999
In 1999, Jacob, Michael, and Matthew remained popular boy names. There was a surprising surge for girls when Alexis jumped to No. 3. This pretty name is actually considered unisex and is derived from the Greek word, Alexo, meaning "helper or defender." Emily and Hannah hung tight in the top 3.
2000
In 2000, "T" names were trending: Tyler for a boy and Taylor for a girl came in at No. 10. We think they made super cute names for twins. Other names placing in the top spots were Andrew and Alexis, Joseph and Jessica.
2001
In 2001, classic girls' names including Sarah, Elizabeth and Abigail turn up in the top 10. But the chart-toppers were Emily, Madison, and Hannah. William, Christopher, and Daniel hold rank in the top 10, too. (But Jacob, Michael, and Matthew remained on top.)
2002
As 2002 rolled around, parents proved consistent again: Emily, Madison and Hannah didn't budge, while Jacob, Michael, and Joshua were the top 3 boys' names.
2003
Jacob, Michael, Joshua, Emily, Emma (a new one!), and Madison reigned on the list of favorite baby names. However, royal classics like Andrew and Elizabeth were also among the top 10.
2004
In the top 10 this year were boys' names Anthony, Christopher and Joseph. As for girls, Emily, Emma, and Madison held onto their top spots. Ava was a big mover, jumping from No. 25 to No. 9.
2005
Jacob, Michael, and Joshua reigned in 2005 — as did Emma, Emily and Madison.
2006
Wanna guess the boys' names? Yes, Jacob, Michael, and Joshua. Joshua holds at No. 3. Jacob and Michael are ever popular, too. And Emily, Emma and Madison stayed the favorites. A notable pick was Zachary, at No. 33. That year, Zac Efron was doing his High School Musical star turn.
2007
Parents still loved Jacob, Michael, Emily, and Isabella but Ethan and Isabella also stole top 3 spots. But another major name that year was Shiloh. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie gave the name to their first biological child in May 2006, so by 2007, the name came blasting onto the charts at 788 — and rising.
2008
Jacob, Ethan, Michael, Emma, Isabella, and Emily were huge in 2008. Giving the No. 2 name a boost? The film Twilight premiered in 2008, and the real name of Kristin Stewart's character Bella Swan is Isabella — which would hit the top spot the following year.
2009
Jacob, Ethan and Michael were still holding strong for boys. Sadly, pop star Michael Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication at his home in Los Angeles this year, which added to the name's notoriety. Isabella and Olivia were the top picks for girls' names – and Emma took the top slot for the seventh year in a row.
2010
In 2010, Jacob, Ethan and Michael were in the top 3. But Jayden – the only non-traditional name to have broken into the boys' top 5 — made it to No. 4. Isabella, Sophia and Emma still ranked in the top 3.
2011
Jacob and Mason remained popular in 2011, but William jumped to No. 3. It may have had something to do with events across the pond: Prince William married his longtime love Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011. For girls, names ending in A — Sophia, Isabella and Emma — held tight at the top.
2012
This was a big year for Jacob, Mason, Ethan, Sophia, Emma, and Isabella. But another name really changed the game: Blue Ivy. Reports suggest Jay-Z and Beyoncé gave their daughter the unique name because the rapper's favorite hue is "Jay-Z blue."
2013
Noah, Liam, and Jacob (Hebrew for "he grasps the heel") contended in the top 3 for best boys' names in 2013. Meanwhile Sophia, Emma and Olivia stole the show for girls. Also making her debut? Disney's newest — and littlest — animated princess, Sofia the First.
2014
The top names for boys were Noah, Liam, and Mason. And Emma, Olivia, and Sophia remained crowd pleasers for baby girls. Interestingly, the name Rose, while not in the top ranks, jumped into the high 200s thanks to the likes of celebs — including Scarlett Johansson, Carson Daly, Kelly Clarkson and Rachel Bilson — who gave this floral moniker to their daughters.
2015
Sites like Baby Center tracked what parents are giving their little ones. For boys, Liam, Noah and Ethan were the top picks, while Emma, Olivia and Sophia reigned as queen bees of girls' names. What else in happened in 2015? Prince William and Duchess Kate welcomed a daughter, Princess Charlotte. So it's no surprise that Charlotte (along with Ezra for boys) skyrocketed to the top of Nameberry's 2015 list.
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2016
For the ladies, Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Ava held the top titles while Jackson, Alden, Lucas, and Liam all made their mark for the gents. Perhaps Liam was top of mind due to Liam Payne’s (AKA your daughter’s celebrity crush) abrupt exit from the famed boy band, One Direction.
2017
Sophia pulled into first place this year for girls while Olivia, Emma and Ava trailed behind. Jackson, Liam, Noah, and Alden were the favorite boy names of 2017. Noah gives us all sorts of nostalgia for The Notebook, so we're not complaining!
2018
The Social Security Administration reports that the top names for boys in 2018 were Liam (as in Liam Payne), Noah, and William, while the most popular names for girls were Emma, Olivia, and Ava.
Baby, we've come a long way.