Most pop baby names in the terminal 100 years

Names have power.

Numerous studies accept shown that names can impact a person's level of career success along with their likelihood of getting a task. In that location have besides been cases where judges have had to legally arbitrate and foreclose attempted name changes on the grounds of corruption, confusion, or simply being too bizarre.

Stacker combed through Social Security Assistants data, examining births from 1920 to 2019 (most recent information), and the corresponding names given to newborns. All names are from Social Security bill of fare applications for births within the U.Due south., and the top fifty for each gender are ranked according to their popularity within the total births over the past 100 years.

Whether a child is named in honor of a grandparent, a fictional graphic symbol, or just because a chosen moniker sounds pretty, that option remains with that person for the balance of their life, brusque of an official name modify. No matter how arbitrary, our given names resonate as meaning components of our identities.

Keep reading to detect the most popular infant names in the last 100 years—and if yours made the cut.

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#50. Jerry (boys)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 602,696
- 2019 popularity rank: #676 (377 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1947

Mayhap the multitude of famous Jerrys, from Seinfeld to a certain mischievous mouse, accept contributed to the popularity of this love name. Jerry has somewhat fallen from grace—there were more than than 17,000 baby Jerrys in 1943 and merely 488 in 2017.

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#50. Virginia (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 531,894
- 2019 popularity rank: #537 (567 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1922

The popularity of the name Virginia may be linked to the state's crucial role in American history. When the English began colonizing N America in the late 16th century, Virginia covered more than area than the land's modernistic boundaries and was named such in honor of "The Virgin Queen," Elizabeth I of England.

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#49. Dennis (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 611,319
- 2019 popularity rank: #552 (506 babies born)
- Peak year: 1952

Modern-day Dennises have a long name lineage with varied cultural touchstones. The name's Greek origin is "Dionysios," which refers to a follower of the god of wine and revelry, Dionysos. The proper noun is also connected to St. Denis, a third-century martyr—not to mention the titular character from the classic TV series "Dennis the Menace" that ran from 1959 to 1963.

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#49. Janet (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 541,277
- 2019 popularity rank: #1,696 (122 babies born)
- Peak year: 1954

The name Janet was originally inspired by a shorter version of the name Jane, which itself comes from the French for Jehanne. From early Hollywood starlets Janet Gaynor and Janet Leigh to singer-songwriter Janet Jackson, Janets accept been making amusement headlines for the last century.

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#48. Jack (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 637,347
- 2019 popularity rank: #19 (9,349 babies built-in)
- Summit year: 1927

Historically and in folklore, Jack is ofttimes used to correspond a charming, clever, if not slightly off-kilter character—there's Jack Frost, Jack of "Jack and Jill," Jack with his infamous beanstalk, and even Capt. Jack Sparrow. The name tends to represent the success of the common homo, although of course has been lent to some darker figures like Jack the Ripper, also.

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#48. Carolyn (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 542,250
- 2019 popularity rank: #940 (279 babies built-in)
- Peak yr: 1947

The popularity of Carolyn steadily increased throughout the 1930s, rocketing from the #41 spot in girl infant names in 1933 to #10 in 1942. From there, however, its cache began to decrease once again. Carolyn was ranked as 841st in 2017. Well-known Carolyns include actor Carolyn McCormick ("Law and Order," "You Know my Name") and Carolyn Cassady, an American author who was married to Neal Cassady and was a major character in Jack Kerouac'southward classic memoir "On the Road."

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#47. Patrick (boys)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 663,725
- 2019 popularity rank: #206 (1,870 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1964

Saint Patrick himself was vastly responsible for both the Christianization of Republic of ireland and bringing the name Patrick into vogue. Nevertheless, the proper name was non used much on the Emerald Isle earlier the 17th century, as it was seen as "also sacred for everyday use."

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#47. Rachel (girls)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 546,309
- 2019 popularity rank: #191 (1,529 babies born)
- Peak year: 1985

A proper name is truly office of the cultural zeitgeist when it's linked to a particular hairstyle, only the name Rachel far outdates Jennifer Aniston'due south lovely locks on "Friends." Rachel was a biblical figure, appearing in Genesis as the wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin.

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#46. Alexander (boys)

- Babies born in the final century: 666,982
- 2019 popularity rank: #11 (xi,230 babies born)
- Summit year: 1993

Early on popularity of Alexander tin can almost certainly be traced back to Alexander the Great, the Macedonian ruler who established i of the largest empires of the ancient world. The name remains beloved and for several years throughout the 1990s, virtually 1% of male babies took the proper name Alexander. In 2019, the name did not scissure the pinnacle 10 but was notwithstanding a fairly common choice.

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#46. Debra (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 548,279
- 2019 popularity rank: #3,068 (52 babies born)
- Meridian yr: 1955

Debra, a variant of the proper noun Deborah, has strong Jewish origins. In Hebrew, "devorah" translates to "bee," and Deborah is also the name of a Book of Judges effigy in the One-time Attestation, who leads the Israelites to safety abroad from the Canaanites. Deborah was later adopted by the English.

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#45. Raymond (boys)

- Babies built-in in the last century: 679,913
- 2019 popularity rank: #328 (1,011 babies born)
- Peak yr: 1924

Though there are still new Raymonds beingness born in the U.S., the proper name reached its height of popularity several decades agone. It was the 15th most popular baby name in 1918 and held a ranking close to that for several years. By 1949, Raymond was ranked #xxx for male child'southward names and generally continued to autumn from there.

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#45. Catherine (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 550,466
- 2019 popularity rank: #243 (1,299 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1956

Catherine has lost popularity by a slim margin to a very similar-looking cousin: Katherine. However, Catherines everywhere can accept solace in the fact that they have more than i legendary figure among their group; for case, Catherine of Aragon and Catherine the Corking. While the latter Russian empress is often remembered for her romantic activity, she too organized the insurrection that brought her to power.

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#44. Gregory (boys)

- Babies built-in in the last century: 706,987
- 2019 popularity rank: #390 (798 babies born)
- Top yr: 1962

Gregory stems dorsum to Greek roots, with the name itself indicating watchfulness. The name has also belonged to many a pope, beginning with Gregory I, who was commonly known equally Saint Gregory the Great and is considered a founding figure of the medieval papacy.

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#44. Christine (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 563,333
- 2019 popularity rank: #922 (285 babies born)
- Summit year: 1952

It probable comes every bit no surprise that Christine comes from Christian origins. The name's significant, with Latin roots, is unremarkably understood as "follower of Christ." The popularity of this proper noun was highest in 1952 just has fallen since.

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#43. Frank (boys)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 707,244
- 2019 popularity rank: #403 (768 babies born)
- Peak yr: 1918

Frank nearly certainly falls into the category of unproblematic, classic boys names that in one case experienced a boom only have taken a dive in popularity in contempo years. However, there's a chance that Frank could come up dorsum in a slightly different form. In 2018, Today noted that a vintage naming trend was on its way back: using boyish nicknames such every bit Frankie for girls.

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#43. Ruth (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 563,391
- 2019 popularity rank: #231 (one,335 babies born)
- Meridian year: 1920

Ruth has ane of the earliest peak years of any name on this list, having reached its apex in 1920. The name has biblical roots, but the well-nigh notable modern-day Ruth is likely Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was built-in in 1933 and served as associate justice of the Supreme Court.

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#42. Samuel (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 710,086
- 2019 popularity rank: #22 (9,237 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 2001

Samuel, a name with extensive historical origins, has consistently ranked in the 21st century every bit one of the most-favored name choices for baby boys. Samuel is originally derived from the Hebrew proper noun Shemuel. Important historical figures bearing this name include Samuel the Prophet, a revered figure in Judaism.

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#42. Emma (girls)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 570,150
- 2019 popularity rank: #2 (17,102 babies born)
- Elevation twelvemonth: 2003

Though the origin of the name Emma dates back earlier than the 18th century, the rising of its popularity may be connected to the 1709 Matthew prior poem chosen "Henry and Emma." Of course, Jane Austen's "Emma," published in 1815, probably didn't injure either. The proper noun striking its acme in 2003—ane year later Rachel and Ross named their girl Emma on "Friends."

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#41. Benjamin (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 730,425
- 2019 popularity rank: #7 (12,942 babies born)
- Peak year: 1989

The name Benjamin comes from the Hebrew name Binyamin, which translates to "son of the south." Benjamin has fabricated a strong showing in recent years, increasing in popularity from the #22 most popular babe name in 2010.

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#41. Katherine (girls)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 574,858
- 2019 popularity rank: #121 (ii,431 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1990

The proper name Katherine has Greek origins and translates to "pure." Famous Katherines, both real and otherwise, include Katherine of Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" and actress Katherine Heigl.

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#40. Brandon (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 759,155
- 2019 popularity rank: #140 (two,671 babies built-in)
- Acme year: 1992

Throughout England, Brandon is the proper name of several pocket-sized towns and parishes. There are Brandons located in Warwickshire, Suffolk, and elsewhere. The significant, derived from the Old English language "brom" and "dun," translates closely to "the hill where broom grows."

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#40. Samantha (girls)

- Babies built-in in the last century: 576,029
- 2019 popularity rank: #eighty (3,351 babies born)
- Peak yr: 1990

In the decade leading up to Samantha's height popularity year, Molly Ringwald played Samantha "Sam" Baker in the 1984 film "Sixteen Candles" and Samantha of immense American Girl Doll fame was initially released in 1986. From 2000 to 2019, Samantha fell from #7 to #80 on the list of most popular girl baby names in the U.Southward.

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#39. Scott (boys)

- Babies born in the final century: 769,663
- 2019 popularity rank: #527 (536 babies born)
- Peak year: 1971

The name Scott, unsurprisingly, has a centuries-long Scottish history. Early records of Scott every bit a last name date back to the 12th century in Roxburgh, Scotland. However, there is also evidence of the Former English language word "scotti" denoting Gaels whose conquered state (in the 5th century and earlier) eventually became Scotland.

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#39. Nicole (girls)

- Babies built-in in the final century: 588,265
- 2019 popularity rank: #228 (1,355 babies born)
- Peak year: 1985

Similar neon spandex and large, permed pilus, Nicole goes hand-in-hand with the 1980s. The name remained shut to the top-10 almost popular girl names from 1978 to 1988. During the absolute pinnacle of Nicole mania, more than 1% of female person babies born were given the name.

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#38. Justin (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 777,285
- 2019 popularity rank: #155 (ii,516 babies born)
- Summit twelvemonth: 1988

Betwixt 1971 and 1972, the name Justin saw a massive increment in popularity amongst baby boys, climbing from #103 to #60. Though the all-time yr for Justin was 1988, in which information technology was the 17th most popular boys name, Justin was solidly in the top 100 boys names every single year from 1972 to 2014. Of form, two of the most prominent Justins today were built-in within this fourth dimension frame—Justin Bieber, in 1994, and Justin Timberlake, in 1981.

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#38. Pamela (girls)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 592,694
- 2019 popularity rank: #one,496 (145 babies built-in)
- Peak yr: 1954

The U.South. Social Security website's records of Pamela stop in 2011, during which there were simply 266 niggling Pams brought into the world. However, during the 1950s, Pamela was quite a popular name. One of the earliest usages of the name occurred in the 16th century, in Sir Philip Sidney's "The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia."

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#37. Larry (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 802,430
- 2019 popularity rank: #757 (311 babies born)
- Top year: 1947

Larry was originally shorthand for Lawrence or Laurence. Larry reached its height of popularity in the 1940s, and was most popular in 1947—the year comedian Larry David was born. Other famous Larrys include TV and radio host Larry Rex, born in 1933, and basketball player Larry Bird, born in 1956.

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#37. Brenda (girls)

- Babies born in the final century: 606,286
- 2019 popularity rank: #1,069 (235 babies built-in)
- Height year: 1957

Brenda saw sustained popularity throughout the mid-20th century. Though the exact origin of this name is upwardly for speculation, some guess information technology may be linked to the Former Norse discussion "brandr," meaning "sword." Singer Brenda Lee first gained national fame as a child in 1956 when she appeared on ABC's "Ozark Jubilee"—the year earlier the name hit summit popularity.

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#36. Stephen (boys)

- Babies built-in in the terminal century: 840,005
- 2019 popularity rank: #311 (1,084 babies built-in)
- Peak year: 1952

Like another pair on this list (Catherine and Katherine), Stephen and Steven are in a bit of a boxing. Unfortunately for the "p" contingent nationwide, it'south the other spelling that has maintained a little more than consequent popularity. But it's not all bad news—Stephen was popular throughout the middle of the 20th century, and gets to merits quite a few famous namesakes.

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#36. Anna (girls)

- Babies built-in in the final century: 629,400
- 2019 popularity rank: #63 (3,807 babies built-in)
- Peak yr: 1918

Anna has been 1 of the most consistently well-liked names of the past century. In 1900, Anna was the third most popular baby daughter name in the country, and the lowest information technology always dipped since and so was to 106th place, in 1971.

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#35. Jonathan (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 844,121
- 2019 popularity rank: #64 (5,418 babies born)
- Peak year: 1988

Jonathans have maintained their place in the top 100 nearly popular boys names every year from 1962 to 2019. Originally derived from a Hebrew proper noun pronounced "Yonatan," significant "Yahweh has given," Jonathan is recognizable from the One-time Testament.

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#35. Helen (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 652,923
- 2019 popularity rank: #429 (737 babies born)
- Peak yr: 1918

While the proper name Helen peaked in American popularity a total century ago, there are quite a few famous or influential Helens to proceed its legacy alive. Between mythological figure Helen of Troy, the incredible Helen Keller, and the iconic Helen Mirren, the name Helen will certainly remain on peoples' lips.

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#34. Eric (boys)

- Babies built-in in the last century: 877,492
- 2019 popularity rank: #176 (two,187 babies built-in)
- Peak year: 1970

Eric, derived from Former Norse origins, is said to mean "eternal ruler." Eric is one of few names with the distinct accolade of being linked to a Disney prince (although there are some who contend that Prince Eric was, well, non exactly the best.

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#34. Angela (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 658,437
- 2019 popularity rank: #256 (1,266 babies built-in)
- Tiptop yr: 1971

Angela from "The Office" infamously wore American Girl doll clothes made for "big colonial dolls," but not all Angelas are quite so eccentric. The proper name Angela has a rich history, perhaps the nearly exciting function of which is the name's link to, you guessed it, angels.

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#33. Nicholas (boys)

- Babies built-in in the last century: 891,818
- 2019 popularity rank: #78 (4,601 babies born)
- Meridian yr: 1995

Nicholas is a 1990s mainstay through and through. The proper noun remained in the acme 10 for most pop baby names for boys throughout most of that decade and into the early on 2000s, merely has taken a fall since then. Nicholas is derived from "nike," significant "victory."

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#33. Shirley (girls)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 668,154
- 2019 popularity rank: #one,487 (146 babies born)
- Peak yr: 1935

Shirley Temple (the person, non the drink), tin can perhaps be thanked for this proper name'southward 1935 popularity peak, as some of her early striking films, like "Curly Top," were released effectually this time.

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#32. Gary (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 899,858
- 2019 popularity rank: #773 (302 babies born)
- Meridian year: 1952

Though the name is not immensely common among babies today, information technology did see an impressive span of high popularity. Gary began to proceeds popularity in the early on 1930s, and maintained a spot in the top xxx boy names from 1937 all the way to 1966.

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#32. Amy (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 680,682
- 2019 popularity rank: #203 (1,471 babies built-in)
- Peak year: 1975

Amy wasn't just pop in the 1970s; it was a smash hit, cracking the top two nigh popular daughter baby names 4 years in a row. Interestingly, the name seems to have caught on in the U.K. slightly afterwards. Amy was the 23rd near popular girls name in England in 2007 while information technology but landed at #119 that same year in the U.South.

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#31. Jacob (boys)

- Babies built-in in the concluding century: 925,412
- 2019 popularity rank: #thirteen (10,679 babies built-in)
- Height year: 1998

Like many other names on this list, Jacob can be traced back to biblical roots. Jacob, the Hebrew patriarch, serves every bit the traditional ancestor for the people of Israel. According to Genesis, Jacob was incredibly cunning and quick-witted, and eventually fathered 13 children.

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#31. Kathleen (girls)

- Babies built-in in the last century: 689,366
- 2019 popularity rank: #940 (279 babies born)
- Superlative twelvemonth: 1951

Kathleen has a mighty impressive tape. The name remained among the top 100 infant names for girls for seven decades, all the fashion from 1920 to 1990. Kathleen is of Irish gaelic origin, as an amending on the name Caitlin.

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#thirty. Ryan (boys)

- Babies built-in in the concluding century: 937,629
- 2019 popularity rank: #54 (6,087 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1985

Ryan is a newcomer in the name game. Co-ordinate to SSA data, there's no tape of the name, or the amount was negligible in the U.Due south. prior to 1946. Ryan so fabricated a giant leap in popularity from 1970 to 1971, moving from #139 to #51 on the list of nearly popular boys names. Ryan remained extremely pop for the adjacent xxx years.

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#30. Cynthia (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 705,685
- 2019 popularity rank: #748 (373 babies born)
- Peak year: 1957

Though some have contested that the name Cynthia has long lived "in the shadow" of its assumed nickname, Cindy, it has still found plenty of time to stand on its own. Cynthia was extremely popular through much of the 1950s and 1960s.

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#29. Jeffrey (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 975,104
- 2019 popularity rank: #364 (876 babies born)
- Peak year: 1962

Jeffrey saw is heyday during the 1960s. The proper name remained in the top 15 throughout that decade, and even into the early 1970s. Geoffrey, a version of this name that was once popular (for example, belonging to one of the most influential English writers, Chaucer), has become then uncommon that the SSA has no data on babies given this name since 2005.

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#29. Sharon (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 720,816
- 2019 popularity rank: #ane,183 (197 babies built-in)
- Peak year: 1947

The 1940s were a time for Sharons, the peak being 1947. Even so, since then, Sharon has taken an extremely abrupt turn in terms of popularity. The name did not cleft the top one,000 in 2017. Sharon is referenced every bit far back every bit the Vocal of Solomon, a volume of the Old Testament, in the phrase: "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys."

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#28. Jason (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 1,035,285
- 2019 popularity rank: #104 (3,555 babies born)
- Peak year: 1977

The most famous bearer of the name Jason may well be in Greek mythology. Jason was the leader of the Argonauts, the seeker of the Golden Fleece, and the central effigy in a lengthy stream of adventures. Inside the by century in the U.Due south., Jason's meridian of popularity took place during the 1970s (reaching the superlative two multiple years in a row), and has remained within the acme 100 boys names since and then.

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#28. Laura (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 721,299
- 2019 popularity rank: #337 (944 babies built-in)
- Peak year: 1964

Though Laura is not quite as popular today as it in one case was among babe girls, the name did pull off the impressive feat of remaining within the tiptop 100 names for nearly 6 decades, from the 1940s through the early 2000s.

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#27. Timothy (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: ane,069,165
- 2019 popularity rank: #188 (2,069 babies born)
- Peak year: 1959

Timothy has been at to the lowest degree in the meridian 400 infant names for boys since 1918, and reached its apex in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Famous Timothys include Tim Burton, Tim Allen, Tim Back-scratch, and Timothy Dalton.

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#27. Rebecca (girls)

- Babies born in the final century: 729,683
- 2019 popularity rank: #264 (ane,246 babies born)
- Peak year: 1981

Rebecca is a proper noun with Hebrew origins and remained in the superlative l about popular for baby girls in the U.S. from 1948 all the way to 2001. Rebecca also has the distinct honor of being the championship of a bestselling novel (a Gothic work by Dame Daphne du Maurier), which is however remembered and widely referenced decades later its publication in 1938.

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#26. Ronald (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: i,073,062
- 2019 popularity rank: #527 (536 babies built-in)
- Peak yr: 1947

Peaking in the 1940s, the name Ronald was quite mutual from the 1930s all the way through the early 1980s. Ronalds discover themselves in the unique position of having a proper name that has belonged to both a erstwhile president, and the mascot of i of the globe'south biggest fast-nutrient chains.

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#26. Stephanie (girls)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 738,123
- 2019 popularity rank: #352 (891 babies born)
- Tiptop twelvemonth: 1990

Stephanie was a regular in the top 100 names for baby girls for nearly fifty years, from the early 1960s into the 2000s. During this time, the name croaky the acme 10 on more ane occasion. Stephanie is derived from the ancient Greek earth for "crown."

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#25. Edward (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: one,097,742
- 2019 popularity rank: #192 (2,037 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1924

Edward has been one of the about consistently pop names of the by 100 years—and even before that. IBetween 1900 and 1990, the name never dipped below 70th identify in popularity for baby boy names. The name has a lengthy history in the United Kingdom too, having belonged to many kings including Edward VIII, who was forced to abdicate the throne due to his desire to marry the divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson.

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#25. Deborah (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 739,809
- 2019 popularity rank: #898 (293 babies born)
- Elevation twelvemonth: 1954

Deborah has seen some extreme fluctuation in popularity over the years. Between 1918 and 1954, the proper noun jumped more than than 700 spots, from 744th to a stint in the top three. The name has since fallen to a similar ranking as that of 1918, sitting in the 898th spot in 2019.

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#24. George (boys)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 1,159,331
- 2019 popularity rank: #119 (3,175 babies born)
- Peak year: 1921

George is derived from the Greek word for farmer and became a personal name in classical times, in junction with a widespread passion for pastoral verse. According to legend, the saint that shares this name, St. George, was both a martyr and a dragon slayer, and is honored as the patron saint of England.

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#24. Melissa (girls)

- Babies built-in in the last century: 753,157
- 2019 popularity rank: #339 (930 babies born)
- Meridian year: 1979

Between 1961 and 1968, Melissa went from being the 95th about pop proper noun for baby girls to the 5th. Past 1978, the proper name was the 2nd most popular, and held this spot for several years. Melissa, stemming from Greek roots, is said to mean "honeybee."

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#23. Brian (boys)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 1,166,797
- 2019 popularity rank: #247 (i,465 babies built-in)
- Peak yr: 1972

Not all Brians have the fortune (or misfortune) of being mistaken for the Messiah, but they do share the history that comes with the name. Brian likely comes from Irish gaelic roots, and the famous Irish gaelic loftier king of the 10th century was chosen Brian Boru.

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#23. Amanda (girls)

- Babies born in the final century: 772,882
- 2019 popularity rank: #405 (763 babies born)
- Peak year: 1987

Amanda remained in the height 10 most popular girl names for nearly 20 years, from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s. The name was brought into circulation after the Middle Ages, by poets who used it as a direct reference to the Latin word amanda, meaning "worthy of love." Amanda became more than commonly used during the 19th century.

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#22. Kevin (boys)

- Babies built-in in the final century: 1,172,372
- 2019 popularity rank: #149 (2,610 babies born)
- Peak year: 1963

Kevin is an anglicized version of Caoimhín, or Caomghin, pregnant "handsome, or noble, birth." Kevin peaked in popularity as a boys name in 1963, and 2017 marked the first time since the 1940s that the proper name was not in the top 100.

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#22. Ballad (girls)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 807,303
- 2019 popularity rank: #1,804 (112 babies built-in)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1946

An early on Gaelic version of the proper name Carol appears as Cearbhaill, which is derived from a name belonging to, amongst others, the Lord of Ely, who helped Brian Boru reach an Irish gaelic victory in 1014. Now a traditional woman'due south proper name, Ballad maxed its popularity in 1946, and is no longer within the summit ane,000 most popular infant names for girls.

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#21. Joshua (boys)

- Babies built-in in the concluding century: 1,214,872
- 2019 popularity rank: #48 (6,574 babies built-in)
- Summit twelvemonth: 1989

Rachel Green isn't the only one who has fawned over this proper noun. Joshua was in the top five baby names for boys 25 years in a row, from the 1983 to 2008. In Hebrew, the name Joshua means "God is conservancy."

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#21. Michelle (girls)

- Babies built-in in the last century: 811,401
- 2019 popularity rank: #292 (1,137 babies born)
- Summit year: 1969

The SSA has no data for Michelles born prior to 1938, only since the name burst onto the scene around World State of war 2, it has maintained adequately solid popularity. Originally a feminine version of the French male name Michel, Michelle was nigh popular for baby girls in the late 1960s, but remained within the meridian 25 all the way from 1964 to 1992.

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#20. Kenneth (boys)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 1,226,558
- 2019 popularity rank: #233 (ane,611 babies built-in)
- Elevation year: 1957

The contemporary name Kenneth is an anglicized version of both Cinaed and Coinneach. Amidst the about famous Kenneths today are Kenny Chesney and Kenny Rogers, who died in 2020.

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#xx. Donna (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 823,285
- 2019 popularity rank: #1,804 (112 babies born)
- Pinnacle year: 1959

In 1959, Donna reigned supreme, boasting a elevation five ranking. In Italian, the word donna translates to "lady" or "woman," especially a adult female of high rank.

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#xix. Andrew (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 1,252,016
- 2019 popularity rank: #46 (6,757 babies born)
- Top year: 1987

The real superlative of Andrew insanity was the late 1980s and early 1990s. The proper noun entered the acme five most pop boys names more than one time during this period, peaking in 1987. Famous Andrews include actor Andrew Lincoln ("Walking Dead") and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

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#19. Emily (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 826,262
- 2019 popularity rank: #12 (eight,213 babies built-in)
- Elevation year: 1999

The proper noun Emily has seen some fluctuation over the past century (for example, it wasn't big during the 1950s), but past the late 1990s, Emily was more pop than ever. Originally, Emily came from the Latin Aemilia, and at present possesses a degree of literary clan due to impactful writers Emily Dickinson and Emily Bronte.

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#xviii. Steven (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 1,281,302
- 2019 popularity rank: #200 (1,962 babies born)
- Tiptop twelvemonth: 1956

The list of notable Stevens is truly countless, ranging from Spielberg to Tyler and all the mode dorsum to the starting time martyr in Christian theology (albeit with a different spelling). Steven has Greek and Latin roots, tracing dorsum to the discussion "stephanos," meaning "crown." The variation Stephen is too quite popular.

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#eighteen. Kimberly (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 838,235
- 2019 popularity rank: #193 (1,527 babies born)
- Elevation yr: 1970

In 1970, Kimberly was the third most pop proper noun for baby girls in the United States. Information technology was popular through the decade, but has since fallen somewhat, despite the ubiquity of Kim Kardashian and her squad.

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#17. Paul (boys)

- Babies built-in in the last century: ane,286,846
- 2019 popularity rank: #245 (1,495 babies born)
- Pinnacle twelvemonth: 1957

Like many names on this list, Paul is steeped in religious history. Saint Paul, the apostle, famously converted to Christianity on the route to Damascus; he so traveled extensively spreading the message of his new religion. While Paul has remained a popular proper noun, its height of commonality was surprisingly 1957.

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#17. Dorothy (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 847,468
- 2019 popularity rank: #563 (540 babies born)
- Meridian twelvemonth: 1924

Throughout the 1920s, Dorothy maintained a steady run equally one of the summit choices for baby daughter names, and information technology remained among the top three names for over a decade. It makes sense, considering Frank L. Baum'south "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" came out in 1900 and undoubtedly influenced piddling girls' names with his precocious protagonist.

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#16. Mark (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: ane,346,509
- 2019 popularity rank: #223 (one,678 babies born)
- Peak year: 1960

There's some contention over the exact history of the proper name Mark, though some believed it comes from Mars, the Roman god of war. Whatever the proper name's origin, it has generally stood the exam of time. Today, some of the nearly famous Marks are Mark Ruffalo, Mark Wahlberg, and Marker Zuckerberg.

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#16. Ashley (girls)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 847,504
- 2019 popularity rank: #136 (2,019 babies born)
- Peak year: 1987

Some of the biggest celebrities in the early 2000s have names soaring in popularity in the 1980s, from Jessica (Simpson) and Amanda (Bynes) to Nicole (Richie). Famous Ashleys include Ashley Tisdale, Ashley Olsen, and Ashley Judd.

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#15. Donald (boys)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 1,348,220
- 2019 popularity rank: #552 (506 babies born)
- Summit year: 1934

The Gaelic version of and predecessor to the name Donald is "Domhnall." The name had long been popular in Scotland before it gained notoriety in the rest of the English-speaking world. While Donald is no longer a very popular choice for baby boys born in the U.South., it had a long run, with the elevation of its popularity being 1934.

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#15. Sandra (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 873,609
- 2019 popularity rank: #986 (260 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1947

One of the most well-known Sandras may be Sandra Dee, thanks to her iconic number in "Grease." Of course, at that place have been a few other famous Sandras over time; for instance, Sandra Mean solar day O'Connor was the kickoff woman to serve on the U.South. Supreme Court.

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#14. Anthony (boys)

- Babies built-in in the terminal century: one,403,920
- 2019 popularity rank: #38 (vii,669 babies born)
- Peak yr: 1990

Anthony comes from the Latin family proper noun "Antonius." Perhaps the about famous figure to bear this name is Marcus Antonius (commonly known every bit Marc Antony), the Roman politician and full general. Anthony was a fairly popular name a century ago, and later on a brief period of pass up, became fifty-fifty more popular in the 1990s and early 2000s.

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#14. Betty (girls)

- Babies born in the final century: 938,638
- 2019 popularity rank: #1,395 (160 babies built-in)
- Tiptop year: 1930

One half of the duo famous for fighting over a well-known redhead (a pair that has since been given a modernistic twist via the Boob tube serial "Riverdale"), Betty saw a long reign every bit a popular name for girls. Betty was even used as slang (as seen in the motion-picture show "Clueless") to mean a beautiful woman.

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#13. Matthew (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 1,600,285
- 2019 popularity rank: #23 (9,199 babies born)
- Peak year: 1983

Matthew was in the height 3 most popular boys names for nigh of the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike some names that see a brief spike so fade back to obscurity, Matthew remains in the top 20. But this kind of dear is a double-edged sword for many bearing the name.

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#13. Margaret (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 944,344
- 2019 popularity rank: #127 (2,199 babies born)
- Summit year: 1921

The acme of popularity may accept been near a century ago, but Margarets demand non fear that their name is falling entirely out of fashion. Perchance it's the plethora of nicknames fastened (Maggie, Meg, Peggy), but Margaret has begun to slowly increase in popularity in recent years.

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#12. Daniel (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 1,889,640
- 2019 popularity rank: #15 (ten,504 babies born)
- Peak year: 1985

Daniel comes from the Hebrew proper noun Daniyyel, meaning "God is my judge." The name came into popularity in England around the Middle Ages, but didn't see its twenty-four hours in the U.S. until 1985.

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#12. Lisa (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 965,003
- 2019 popularity rank: #955 (274 babies born)
- Summit yr: 1965

Lisa belongs to one of the virtually iconic cartoon characters of all time (Lisa from "The Simpsons") also as a well-known painting. Non all Lisas have such a famous grin, but they did accept a height year in 1965.

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#eleven. Christopher (boys)

- Babies born in the concluding century: ii,032,843
- 2019 popularity rank: #44 (vi,960 babies born)
- Top twelvemonth: 1984

Christopher was in one case a metaphorical name used by early on Christians to signify that they bore Christ in their hearts. Today, it's an incredibly popular selection used widely throughout the country. Christopher was in the tiptop three most popular boys names throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s.

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#11. Nancy (girls)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 969,544
- 2019 popularity rank: #903 (291 babies born)
- Top yr: 1947

Is it coincidence that Nancy became popular around when the kickoff "Nancy Drew" novels entered circulation in 1930? There's niggling bear witness to support a connection, but information technology seems to make sense that the name Nancy would rise as a fictional Nancy rocketed to success. The name remained pop for a short stretch, groovy the acme x through the 1940s and early 1950s.

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#x. Charles (boys)

- Babies built-in in the last century: two,106,078
- 2019 popularity rank: #51 (6,348 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1947

Charlie, Chuck, Flake—Charles may well be the name of nicknames. The moniker has been pop with kings, dog breeds, and many, many men in the United States. Decades later on its meridian popularity, Charles remained within the tiptop l about mutual names for boys.

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#x. Karen (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 985,728
- 2019 popularity rank: #660 (438 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1957

Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Karen was one of the most pop girls' names in the state. Somewhere along the mode, withal, the proper noun became a running joke, and the internet became peppered with Karen-axial memes. Apologies to Karens everywhere.

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#ix. Thomas (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: ii,160,330
- 2019 popularity rank: #47 (6,612 babies born)
- Meridian year: 1952

You lot know a name is elevation of the heap when it'southward featured on the definitive English muffin. Sure, there's also Thomas Jefferson and Tom Hanks, but information technology doesn't get much better than a buttery breakfast treat. The name Thomas is notwithstanding amidst the 50 near pop for boys.

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#9. Sarah (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 993,847
- 2019 popularity rank: #81 (3,287 babies born)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1982

All Sarahs sympathize the great "h" or "no h" debate, along with other struggles that come with having such a pop name. Sarah was close to the top 50 most popular girls names 100 years agone, so took a dip in the eye of the century. But it returned with strength in the early 1980s, and remains relatively popular today.

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#8. Joseph (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: 2,352,889
- 2019 popularity rank: #24 (9,058 babies born)
- Peak year: 1956

Joseph was a biblical figure, but his story is often told with a little extra flair (and a lot more dancing), via the musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The proper noun has been consistently popular throughout the terminal century, evidenced past dozens of famous Josephs throughout the years from Joe Montana and Joe Biden to Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Joseph Campbell .

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#8. Jessica (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 1,045,519
- 2019 popularity rank: #331 (962 babies born)
- Peak year: 1987

In 1918, Jessica ranked as the 963rd most popular girls proper name, barely scratching the top 1,000. The name certainly fabricated upwardly for lost fourth dimension over the side by side threescore years. By 1980, Jessica was the tertiary most popular proper noun for infant girls, and held this spot or college for nearly 20 years.

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#7. Richard (boys)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 2,467,544
- 2019 popularity rank: #198 (1,969 babies born)
- Peak year: 1946

The prevalence of the name Richard during the Middle Ages gave way to the shortened and rhyming nicknames. Some of the most famous Richards in the last half-century include Richard Nixon, Richard Attenborough, and Richard Gere.

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#7. Susan (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: 1,104,407
- 2019 popularity rank: #i,056 (240 babies born)
- Peak year: 1955

Susan is seen today as somewhat one-time-fashioned, barely cracking the top 1,000 almost popular names for girls in 2017. However, Susan saw a lengthy run of success a few decades ago, particularly throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

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#6. David (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: three,563,170
- 2019 popularity rank: #27 (8,896 babies born)
- Peak year: 1955

There have been more than 3 million Davids built-in in the terminal century. Long before so, however, Davids held a few rather impressive titles including King of State of israel and the esteemed marble masterpiece that is Michaelangelo's David.

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#six. Barbara (girls)

- Babies built-in in the concluding century: 1,402,428
- 2019 popularity rank: #945 (278 babies born)
- Meridian twelvemonth: 1947

The name Barbara was within the top 10 most popular names for girls for much of the first half of the 20th century. It is no longer considered quite as modernistic, simply that certainly does not hateful Barbara is gone for good. The runaway success of Netflix's series "Stranger Things" touched off an obsession with that show's character, Affront—it still remains to be seen what long-term effects that popularity will accept on baby names in the coming years.

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#5. William (boys)

- Babies born in the last century: iii,601,719
- 2019 popularity rank: #iv (13,542 babies born)
- Peak yr: 1947

The proper name William has been immensely popular for decades; it was the second most popular boys name in 1918, and 100 years later on remains just as desirable. Famous Williams today include Prince William, Baton Crystal (born William Edward Crystal), and Bill Murray (born William James Murray).

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#5. Elizabeth (girls)

- Babies built-in in the last century: ane,428,981
- 2019 popularity rank: #14 (seven,844 babies born)
- Pinnacle year: 1990

Another name, some other foray into royalty. Elizabeth I was the concluding Tudor monarch and, of form, Queen Elizabeth Two is very much in accuse today. Elizabeth has seen immense swells of popularity as a name—for proof, expect no farther than Elizabeth Shue, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elizabeth Hurley.

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#4. Michael (boys)

- Babies built-in in the last century: 4,330,025
- 2019 popularity rank: #14 (10,514 babies born)
- Superlative year: 1957

The name Michael literally translates in Hebrew to the rhetorical question, "Who is similar God?" The ubiquitous name has enjoyed a timelessness as a moniker, from Michael Stipe and Michael Jackson to Michael Bolton and Michael Keaton.

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#iv. Linda (girls)

- Babies built-in in the concluding century: 1,448,309
- 2019 popularity rank: #774 (355 babies born)
- Peak year: 1947

Like Karen, the proper noun Linda comes forth with sure connotations (run across short-lived Fox comedy "Linda From Hr.") At certain points, however, Linda was at the top of the heap for baby names. Through the 1940s, Linda was one of the well-nigh popular girls names in the country.

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#3. Robert (boys)

- Babies born in the concluding century: 4,499,901
- 2019 popularity rank: #76 (4,813 babies born)
- Height year: 1947

One hundred years ago, Robert was the fourth most pop name for baby boys. As of 2017, this Robert appreciation has waned slightly, but the name yet remains among the top-ranked monikers. Fun fact: Rob as a nickname for Robert was once rivaled by variations such every bit Dob and Hob.

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#3. Jennifer (girls)

- Babies born in the concluding century: ane,467,664
- 2019 popularity rank: #392 (780 babies born)
- Peak year: 1972

Today, some Jennifers may be insecure that their once massively ascendant proper noun has been overtaken by others in recent years. Still, Jennifers tin can have comfort in the fact that their name at diverse points has been then insanely pop, it was referred to equally an "epidemic."

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#two. John (boys)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 4,502,387
- 2019 popularity rank: #28 (8,779 babies born)
- Peak year: 1947

John's high ranking should non come as a surprise to about—it'south literally the name given to people whose names are unknown or withheld in particular circumstances. John was the acme name for boys in 1918, and remains quite popular a full century later on.

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#2. Patricia (girls)

- Babies born in the terminal century: 1,560,897
- 2019 popularity rank: #936 (280 babies born)
- Peak year: 1951

Hats off to Patricia. This name, the popularity of which peaked in 1951, remained within the pinnacle 10 baby names for girls for nearly three decades. Patricia is derived from the Latin word "patrician," meaning noble.

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#i. James (boys)

- Babies built-in in the final century: four,735,694
- 2019 popularity rank: #6 (thirteen,087 babies born)
- Superlative twelvemonth: 1947

James is virtually precisely as popular today every bit information technology was a century ago. The name has been among the summit 5 names for boys for a smashing deal of the past century.

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#1. Mary (girls)

- Babies born in the last century: three,265,105
- 2019 popularity rank: #126 (2,209 babies built-in)
- Peak twelvemonth: 1921

Non simply has the name Mary remained a favored choice throughout the century, information technology actually held that elevation spot from 1918 all the mode through 1946. Though in that location have been many influential Marys throughout the years, the best-known probable the Virgin Mary of the Bible.

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