These Were the Most Popular Baby Names the Year You Were Born
Some names never get old. But others come and go with the changing decades.
A century ago, the most popular names for boys were classic choices John, William, and James. For girls, it was Mary, Helen, and Dorothy.
The top names — John, William, James, Mary, Helen, and Dorothy — didn't budge the following year.
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.)
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.
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.
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).
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1959, parents still loved Michael, David, and James for boys. Mary, Susan, and Linda remained the top picks for girls' names.
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.
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.
Michael, David, and John were the top three boys' names. Lisa, Mary, and Susan fared best for girls.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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!
Michael, David, James, Lisa and Michelle were parents' picks in 1969. And Jennifer joined the most loved girls' names.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
Michael, Christopher, Jason, Jennifer, Melissa and Amanda all placed in the top 3.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Perennial favorites Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley and Amanda continued to dominate.
In 1987, the most popular names for boys were Michael, Christopher, and Matthew. For girls, parents favored Jessica, Ashley, and Amanda.
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.
At the end of the 1980s, Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley and Brittany rocked the charts.
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.
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.
Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Ashley, and Jessica were still top picks. Continuing favorite Amanda came in at No. 3. It means "having to be loved."
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 proved to be a strong year for Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley, and Emily — all placing in the top 3.
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.
That year, 1990s classics Michael, Matthew, Jacob, Emily, Jessica, and Ashley all placed in the top 3 baby names.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
Jacob, Michael, and Joshua reigned in 2005 — as did Emma, Emily and Madison.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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."
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.
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.
Though Social Security hasn't released their 2015 data yet, 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.
These Were the Most Popular Baby Names the Year You Were Born
Some names never get old. But others come and go with the changing decades.
Some baby names never get old.
Solve the daily Crossword
