Advice & How-To•Identity

Names dying out in America

by Spokeo||3387 views

The popularity of a name depends on a variety of factors, with popular culture playing a big part in if a name is in fashion, or on its way out.

With that in mind, we analyzed baby name records of first names from the Social Security Administration (SSA) from 1919 when records began to 2021 to uncover the most popular names in the U.S. and those that are dying out.

In addition to this, our data analysts reviewed Spokeo’s 378M internal data records by year of birth from 1920 to 2001 to discover the rarest names of people aged 18+ in America.

Key Findings

  • The name Mildred is dying out according to baby name data from SSA from 1919 to 2021
  • Ralph is the male name most at risk of extinction
  • Four of the top 10 names dying out by decade belong to members of the British Royal family according to internal Spokeo data from 1920 to 2001
  • James is the most popular name in America based on baby name data from SSA from 1919 to 2021. Could the name have had a helping hand from 007?
  • Mary is the most popular name for girls since record began according to SSA
  • La La Land actress Emma Stone may have caused a spike in the name Emma in 2018 and led to a 203.38% increase in the name’s popularity from 1919 – 2021

Overview

After analyzing baby name data from SSA from 1919 to 2021 we were able to determine the names that have continued to be popular and those that are slowly dying out.

The study looked into the below factors:

  • Names dying out
  • Popular names
  • Number of times the names featured in top 100 and top 1000 lists
  • Number of times the name was registered

By reviewing our internal name data from 1920 to 2001 using year of birth and grouping names by decade we could identify the names that remain popular and those that are in decline. 2021 was chosen as the end date where Spokeo is for those aged 18+.

Using these two datasets we could then accurately give a glimpse into the popularity of names across America.

The names dying out in America

We analyzed baby name data from SSA from 1919 to 2021 to establish which names are on the brink of extinction.

By looking at the number of times a name was used in 1919, compared to 2021 we could calculate the percentage difference.

Out of the top 100 names in 1919, only 6 have seen an increase in popularity in 2021. Below are the remaining 94 names that are dying out in order of most to least likely to become unused.

Click here to see the names most likely to die out

  1. Mildred
  2. Betty
  3. Doris
  4. Gladys
  5. Edna
  6. Ethel
  7. Ralph
  8. Thelma
  9. Marjorie
  10. Pauline
  11. Willie
  12. Clarence
  13. Jean
  14. Fred
  15. Gertrude
  16. Lois
  17. Earl
  18. Bernice
  19. Ernest
  20. Marion
  21. Herbert
  22. Ann
  23. Agnes
  24. Bertha
  25. Rita
  26. Ida
  27. Harold
  28. Dorothy
  29. Helen
  30. Mary
  31. Howard
  32. Virginia
  33. Carl
  34. Florence
  35. Harry
  36. Marie
  37. Frank
  38. Irene
  39. Martha
  40. Donald
  41. Eugene
  42. Albert
  43. Louise
  44. Frances
  45. Joe
  46. Alfred
  47. Stanley
  48. Ruth
  49. Edith
  50. Margaret
  51. Roy
  52. Raymond
  53. Pearl
  54. Beatrice
  55. Lawrence
  56. Edward
  57. Walter
  58. Robert
  59. George
  60. Francis
  61. Catherine
  62. Paul
  63. Richard
  64. Lucille
  65. John
  66. Annie
  67. Kenneth
  68. Anna
  69. Louis
  70. Charles
  71. Arthur
  72. Jane
  73. Rose
  74. Elsie
  75. William
  76. Esther
  77. James
  78. Alice
  79. Joseph
  80. Katherine
  81. Josephine
  82. Ruby
  83. Lillian
  84. Elizabeth
  85. Julia
  86. Thomas
  87. Clara
  88. Sarah
  89. Eva
  90. Evelyn
  91. Grace
  92. Hazel
  93. Leonard
  94. Eleanor

Click here to see the names most likely to die out

  1. Mildred
  2. Betty
  3. Doris
  4. Gladys
  5. Edna
  6. Ethel
  7. Ralph
  8. Thelma
  9. Marjorie
  10. Pauline
  11. Willie
  12. Clarence
  13. Jean
  14. Fred
  15. Gertrude
  16. Lois
  17. Earl
  18. Bernice
  19. Ernest
  20. Marion
  21. Herbert
  22. Ann
  23. Agnes
  24. Bertha
  25. Rita
  26. Ida
  27. Harold
  28. Dorothy
  29. Helen
  30. Mary
  31. Howard
  32. Virginia
  33. Carl
  34. Florence
  35. Harry
  36. Marie
  37. Frank
  38. Irene
  39. Martha
  40. Donald
  41. Eugene
  42. Albert
  43. Louise
  44. Frances
  45. Joe
  46. Alfred
  47. Stanley
  48. Ruth
  49. Edith
  50. Margaret
  51. Roy
  52. Raymond
  53. Pearl
  54. Beatrice
  55. Lawrence
  56. Edward
  57. Walter
  58. Robert
  59. George
  60. Francis
  61. Catherine
  62. Paul
  63. Richard
  64. Lucille
  65. John
  66. Annie
  67. Kenneth
  68. Anna
  69. Louis
  70. Charles
  71. Arthur
  72. Jane
  73. Rose
  74. Elsie
  75. William
  76. Esther
  77. James
  78. Alice
  79. Joseph
  80. Katherine
  81. Josephine
  82. Ruby
  83. Lillian
  84. Elizabeth
  85. Julia
  86. Thomas
  87. Clara
  88. Sarah
  89. Eva
  90. Evelyn
  91. Grace
  92. Hazel
  93. Leonard
  94. Eleanor
Top 94 overall dying names
RankNameNumber registered in 1919Number registered in 2021Percentage decrease 1919 to 2021Date not featured in top 100Notable event
1Mildred17,3000-100.00%1946Nothing to note.
2Betty10,1060-100.00%1963The Feminine Mystique book was published by Betty Friedan and was controversial.
3Doris9,4340-100.00%1955Nothing to note.
4Gladys8,7170-100.00%1938Nothing to note.
5Edna8,4040-100.00%1943Nothing to note.
6Ethel7,8090-100.00%1940Nothing to note.
7Ralph7,7090-100.00%1964Nothing to note.
8Thelma7,5580-100.00%1940Nothing to note.
9Marjorie7,3350-100.00%1946Nothing to note.
10Pauline6,9730-100.00%1939Nothing to note.
11Willie6,9420-100.00%1969Nothing to note.
12Clarence6,8250-100.00%1952Nothing to note.
13Jean6,7990-100.00%1965Nothing to note.
14Fred6,0920-100.00%1958Nothing to note.
15Gertrude6,0140-100.00%1931Nothing to note.
16Lois5,9760-100.00%1954Anti-war film Submarine Attack starring Lois Maxwell is released.
17Earl5,9750-100.00%1955Nothing to note.
18Bernice5,7930-100.00%1937Lester Brocklehurt and partner Bernice Felton carry out a six-week crime spree.
19Ernest5,2960-100.00%1957Nothing to note.
20Marion5,1580-100.00%1937Nothing to note.
21Herbert4,9600-100.00%1947Former US President Herbert Hoover was appointed chairman of the Executive Departments by President Truman.
22Ann4,9240-100.00%1975Socialite, showgirl, model, and radio actress Ann Woodward died.
23Agnes4,9010-100.00%1930Mary Agnes Moroney went missing aged 2.
24Bertha4,7540-100.00%1931Actress and singer Bertha Lewis died.
25Rita4,5150-100.00%1961Nothing to note.
26Ida4,1630-100.00%1932MFV IDA was destroyed by fire.
27Harold12,021230-98.09%1967UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson devalues the pound.
28Dorothy31,734643-97.97%1962Nothing to note.
29Helen33,706701-97.92%1959Nothing to note.
30Mary65,8372,080-96.84%2009Lady Mary sinks, claiming the lives of 6 crew.
31Howard6,844239-96.51%1959Nothing to note.
32Virginia15,636559-96.42%1960Nothing to note.
33Carl6,474241-96.28%1980Carl Icahn gains reputation as a "corporate raider" after profiting from the hostile takeover and asset stripping of Trans World Airlines.
34Florence10,482399-96.19%1941Nothing to note.
35Harry8,990356-96.04%1958Nothing to note.
36Marie12,009495-95.88%1958Nothing to note.
37Frank15,702688-95.62%1989Nothing to note.
38Irene9,712435-95.52%1951Nothing to note.
39Martha8,321389-95.33%1966Nothing to note.
40Donald9,904466-95.29%1991Donald Trump documentary Trump: What’s The Deal? airs. PEOPLE article outed Donald Trump as his own fake PR guy.
41Eugene5,892278-95.28%1958Nothing to note.
42Albert9,607497-94.83%1968Nothing to note.
43Louise8,812458-94.80%1949Nothing to note.
44Frances15,107793-94.75%1956Nothing to note.
45Joe5,709304-94.68%1973Nothing to note.
46Alfred4,615253-94.52%1952Nothing to note.
47Stanley5,238309-94.10%1960Nothing to note.
48Ruth24,5631,553-93.68%1962Morality thriller Life For Ruth is released to mixed reviews.
49Edith7,767633-91.85%1941Nothing to note.
50Margaret26,2382,232-91.49%1990UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher resigned after losing the support from her parliamentary party and a challenge was launched to her leadership.
51Roy5,970518-91.32%1969Nothing to note.
52Raymond11,383988-91.32%1992Nothing to note.
53Pearl4,273377-91.18%1927Nothing to note.
54Beatrice5,856535-90.86%1935Nothing to note.
55Lawrence5,205481-90.76%1975Nothing to note.
56Edward18,5361,739-90.62%1998Nothing to note.
57Walter12,8801,274-90.11%1973Nothing to note.
58Robert41,0264,402-89.27%n/a featured in 2021
59George25,1712,774-88.98%1993Nothing to note.
60Francis5,726633-88.95%1956Nothing to note.
61Catherine8,335998-88.03%2002Nothing to note.
62Paul11,3051,370-87.88%2001Nothing to note.
63Richard12,4411,767-85.80%2007Actor Richard Gere becomes involved in legal action after an incident involving Shilpa Shetty at an Aids awareness event.
64Lucille7,8561,133-85.58%1938Nothing to note.
65John53,5268,130-84.81%n/a featured in 2021
66Annie7,1461,295-81.88%1949Nothing to note.
67Kenneth6,7961,365-79.91%2002Nothing to note.
68Anna14,4983,044-79.00%n/a featured in 2021
69Louis6,6611,404-78.92%1960Nothing to note.
70Charles25,1925,952-76.37%n/a featured in 2021
71Arthur9,5402,453-74.29%1970Nothing to note.
72Jane4,5261,164-74.28%1966Nothing to note.
73Rose9,1952,377-74.15%1961Nothing to note.
74Elsie4,9951,335-73.27%1964Nothing to note.
75William43,97012,088-72.51%n/a featured in 2021
76Esther6,2481,819-70.89%1936Nothing to note.
77James42,39212,367-70.83%n/a featured in 2021
78Alice11,1413,494-68.64%n/a featured in 2021
79Joseph24,2658,067-66.75%n/a featured in 2021
80Katherine4,8461,802-62.81%2017Nothing to note.
81Josephine8,1043,364-58.49%n/a featured in 2021
82Ruby8,3343,562-57.26%n/a featured in 2021
83Lillian9,5164,302-54.79%2021Nothing to note.
84Elizabeth15,2877,190-52.97%n/a featured in 2021
85Julia4,9502,418-51.15%n/a featured in 2021
86Thomas13,4346,642-50.56%n/a featured in 2021
87Clara5,4042,675-50.50%2020Nothing to note.
88Sarah5,0222,825-43.75%n/a featured in 2021
89Eva4,4842,812-37.29%n/a featured in 2021
90Evelyn13,3219,434-29.18%n/a featured in 2021
91Grace7,1955,486-23.75%n/a featured in 2021
92Hazel7,4305,967-19.69%n/a featured in 2021
93Leonard5,0104,081-18.54%n/a featured in 2021
94Eleanor7,6117,059-7.25%n/a featured in 2021

The name that is most at risk of dying out in America is Mildred, which was popular in 1919 with 17,300 babies given the name, but data from SSA showing the name didn’t feature on the top 100 or top 1,000 names in the U.S in 2021. That’s a 100% decrease since records began in 1919. SSA shows that the name was last registered in 1984 with the number of births with the name Mildred being 150. Research doesn’t uncover a standout reason for the name’s initial decline in 1946.

In 2nd place is the name Betty which 10,106 babies were given in 1919, but like Mildred failed to appear on SSA’s list of the top 100 or 1,000 names in 2021. It was last used in 1996 when 217 babies were registered with the name. The first decline in the name was in 1963 when the name failed to appear in the top 100 names. This may have been influenced by the release of the book ‘The Feminine Mystique’ by Betty Friedan which was very controversial at the time.

When we look at the impact that popular culture, politics and the news has had on the popularity of names we can see a clear correlation with negative events and the decline of certain names. For example, the decline of the name Bernice in 1937, when it failed to appear in the top 100 names. This could have been impacted by the six-week crime spree that Sunday school teacher Lester Brocklehurt and partner Bernice Felton went on that year that ended with dozens of armed robberies and three murders.

Similarly we see a decline in use of the name Herbert in 1947 when the name failed to make it in the top 100 names. Perhaps this was a direct result of events that year that saw former US President Herbert Hoover appointed chairman of the Executive Departments by President Truman. Both scholars and the American public at the time blamed him for the Great Depression and criticized his efforts to solve the crisis.

Read on below to find out more about the endangered baby names in America.

Top 10 names dying out in America
RankNameGenderNumber registered in 1919Number registered in 2021Percentage decrease 1919 to 2021
1MildredFemale17,3000-100.00%
2BettyFemale10,1060-100.00%
3DorisFemale9,4340-100.00%
4GladysFemale8,7170-100.00%
5EdnaFemale8,4040-100.00%
6EthelFemale7,8090-100.00%
7RalphMale7,7090-100.00%
8ThelmaFemale7,5580-100.00%
9MarjorieFemale7,3350-100.00%
10PaulineFemale6,9730-100.00%

Male names dying out in America

Comparing the frequency of the male names in the top 100 names from 1919 to those in 2021 identified those that have experienced a decline in popularity, with some not featuring in the top 100 or top 1,000 names in 2021 according to data from SSA.

Ralph, which was popular in its day with 7,709 boys registered with the name in 1919, failed to feature in 2021 resulting in a 100% decrease. The name Ralph was last registered in 2018 for 219 babies.

In 2nd place is Willie, with 6,942 babies given the name in 1919, but none in 2021. However, 215 babies were given the name in 2020 according to SSA data.

The list below could provide inspiration for soon-to-be parents looking to give their child a vintage name.

Top 10 male names dying out in America
RankNameNumber registered in 1919Number registered in 2021Percentage decrease 1919 to 2021
1Ralph7,7090-100.00%
2Willie6,9420-100.00%
3Clarence6,8250-100.00%
4Fred6,0920-100.00%
5Earl5,9750-100.00%
6Ernest5,2960-100.00%
7Herbert4,9600-100.00%
8Harold12,021230-98.09%
9Howard6,844239-96.51%
10Carl6,474241-96.28%

Female names dying out in America

By comparing the top 100 names in 1919 to 2021 we could identify those falling out of favor. Nine of the top ten names dying out were female.

As shown in the main table of names dying out in America, Mildred took the top spot at the name in America that is dying out followed by Betty. Doris, Gladys and Edna followed in 3rd, 4th and 5th place respectively.

The list below is perfect for those looking to give their child a unique name while also helping bring it back from extinction.

Top 10 female names dying out in America
RankNameNumber registered in 1919Number registered in 2021Percentage decrease 1919 to 2021
1Mildred17,3000-100.00%
2Betty10,1060-100.00%
3Doris9,4340-100.00%
4Gladys8,7170-100.00%
5Edna8,4040-100.00%
6Ethel7,8090-100.00%
7Thelma7,5580-100.00%
8Marjorie7,3350-100.00%
9Pauline6,9730-100.00%
10Jean6,7990-100.00%

Names decreasing in popularity over the decades

To gain more of an understanding of how the popularity of names has changed over the decades, the study analyzed over 378M internal year of birth data records at Spokeo to discover which names had fallen out of favor over time.

Looking at name data from the year of birth from internal records from the 1920s to the 2000s helped to identify the names at risk of dying out.

Taking the number of instances of a name in 1920 compared to those in 2001 highlighted the overall percentage change which helped us rank the top 100 names dying out.

Top 10 names dying out
RankGenderNamePercentage decrease 1920 to 2001
1FemaleHelen99.99%
2MaleGeorge99.99%
3FemaleElizabeth99.99%
4FemaleDorothy99.99%
5FemaleMildred99.99%
6FemaleMargaret99.99%
7FemaleDoris99.98%
8FemaleAnna99.98%
9MaleWilliam99.98%
10FemaleJean99.98%

Male names dying out over the decades

When looking into male names that have died out since 1920 to 2001 the analysis found that five of the top 10 names, George, William, Harry, Charles and Edward, belong to members of the British Royal family.

The name that appears to be at risk of dying out the most is George, with internal data showing that only 19 people that were born in 2001 with that name. That’s a 99.9955% decrease since 1920 when 241,325 people were given that name that decade.

Below are the top 10 male names that have died out over the decades. All have a significant decrease from the 1990 to the 2001.

Male names dying out over the decades
RankNamePercentage decrease 1920 to 2001
1George-100.00%
2William-99.99%
3Harry-99.99%
4James-99.99%
5Kenneth-99.99%
6John-99.98%
7Charles-99.98%
8Francis-99.98%
9Eugene-99.98%
10Edward-99.98%

Female names dying out over the decades

Similar to the list of male names that are dying out, data from Spokeo’s internal data shows that three of the top 10 female names at risk of extinction, Elizabeth, Margaret and Catherine, are current or past members of the British Royal family.

Helen took the top spot at the female name on its way out, with only five people born in 2001 having this name. That’s a 99.9964% decrease from the 252,390 people who were born in 1920 named Helen.

Female names dying out over the decades
RankNamePercentage decrease 1920 to 2001
1Helen-100.00%
2Elizabeth-99.99%
3Dorothy-99.99%
4Mildred-99.99%
5Margaret-99.99%
6Doris-99.99%
7Anna-99.99%
8Jean-99.99%
9Louise-99.99%
10Catherine-99.99%

Most popular names in America

An analysis of baby names on SSA from 1919 to 2021 uncovered the most popular names in America.

Taking the names featured in the top 100 lists from SSA from 1919 to 2021 we were able to calculate names that were used the most. Below is the list of the top 100 most popular names in America.

Click here to view the 100 most popular names in America

  1. James
  2. John
  3. Robert
  4. Michael
  5. William
  6. David
  7. Mary
  8. Richard
  9. Joseph
  10. Thomas
  11. Charles
  12. Christopher
  13. Daniel
  14. Matthew
  15. Patricia
  16. Elizabeth
  17. Anthony
  18. Jennifer
  19. Linda
  20. Barbara
  21. Donald
  22. Mark
  23. Andrew
  24. Paul
  25. Steven
  26. Joshua
  27. Kenneth
  28. Kevin
  29. Brian
  30. George
  31. Susan
  32. Edward
  33. Ronald
  34. Timothy
  35. Jason
  36. Jessica
  37. Sarah
  38. Ryan
  39. Lisa
  40. Jeffrey
  41. Karen
  42. Nancy
  43. Betty
  44. Jacob
  45. Margaret
  46. Gary
  47. Eric
  48. Dorothy
  49. Sandra
  50. Ashley
  51. Kimberly
  52. Nicholas
  53. Jonathan
  54. Donna
  55. Stephen
  56. Michelle
  57. Emily
  58. Carol
  59. Larry
  60. Justin
  61. Brandon
  62. Samuel
  63. Scott
  64. Amanda
  65. Melissa
  66. Deborah
  67. Rebecca
  68. Sharon
  69. Benjamin
  70. Laura
  71. Frank
  72. Stephanie
  73. Gregory
  74. Kathleen
  75. Cynthia
  76. Raymond
  77. Shirley
  78. Alexander
  79. Anna
  80. Helen
  81. Patrick
  82. Jack
  83. Amy
  84. Angela
  85. Tyler
  86. Katherine
  87. Samantha
  88. Pamela
  89. Nicole
  90. Dennis
  91. Jerry
  92. Emma
  93. Aaron
  94. Brenda
  95. Debra
  96. Adam
  97. Catherine
  98. Zachary
  99. Ruth
  100. Nathan

Click here to view the 100 most popular names in America

  1. James
  2. John
  3. Robert
  4. Michael
  5. William
  6. David
  7. Mary
  8. Richard
  9. Joseph
  10. Thomas
  11. Charles
  12. Christopher
  13. Daniel
  14. Matthew
  15. Patricia
  16. Elizabeth
  17. Anthony
  18. Jennifer
  19. Linda
  20. Barbara
  21. Donald
  22. Mark
  23. Andrew
  24. Paul
  25. Steven
  26. Joshua
  27. Kenneth
  28. Kevin
  29. Brian
  30. George
  31. Susan
  32. Edward
  33. Ronald
  34. Timothy
  35. Jason
  36. Jessica
  37. Sarah
  38. Ryan
  39. Lisa
  40. Jeffrey
  41. Karen
  42. Nancy
  43. Betty
  44. Jacob
  45. Margaret
  46. Gary
  47. Eric
  48. Dorothy
  49. Sandra
  50. Ashley
  51. Kimberly
  52. Nicholas
  53. Jonathan
  54. Donna
  55. Stephen
  56. Michelle
  57. Emily
  58. Carol
  59. Larry
  60. Justin
  61. Brandon
  62. Samuel
  63. Scott
  64. Amanda
  65. Melissa
  66. Deborah
  67. Rebecca
  68. Sharon
  69. Benjamin
  70. Laura
  71. Frank
  72. Stephanie
  73. Gregory
  74. Kathleen
  75. Cynthia
  76. Raymond
  77. Shirley
  78. Alexander
  79. Anna
  80. Helen
  81. Patrick
  82. Jack
  83. Amy
  84. Angela
  85. Tyler
  86. Katherine
  87. Samantha
  88. Pamela
  89. Nicole
  90. Dennis
  91. Jerry
  92. Emma
  93. Aaron
  94. Brenda
  95. Debra
  96. Adam
  97. Catherine
  98. Zachary
  99. Ruth
  100. Nathan

James is the most popular name with research showing that the name According to SSA data the name James was registered nearly 5 million times, 4,803,085 to be exact, between 1919 and 2021. John and Robert followed in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

Top 10 most popular names in America
RankGenderNameTotal times name registered 1919-2021
1MaleJames4,803,085
2MaleJohn4,572,516
3MaleRobert4,549,864
4MaleMichael4,353,042
5MaleWilliam3,670,650
6MaleDavid3,586,241
7FemaleMary3,302,314
8MaleRichard2,441,273
9MaleJoseph2,393,895
10MaleThomas2,186,960

The most popular male names in America

To drill into the most popular names by gender from 1919 to 2021 data from SSA was segmented further.

James was shown to be the most popular male name in America, followed by John, Robert and Michael.

Top 10 most popular male names in America
RankNameTotal times name registered 1919-2021
1James4,803,085
2John4,572,516
3Robert4,549,864
4Michael4,353,042
5William3,670,650
6David3,586,241
7Richard2,441,273
8Joseph2,393,895
9Thomas2,186,960
10Charles2,143,578

The most popular female names across America

Mary took the top spot for the most popular female name in America due to 3,302,314 babies being registered with the name between 1919 and 2021.

In 2nd place and with over half the number of registrations as Helen, is Patricia followed by Elizabeth.

Top 10 most popular female names in America
RankNameTotal times name registered 1919-2021
1Mary3,302,314
2Patricia1,524,852
3Elizabeth1,458,912
4Jennifer1,417,906
5Linda1,389,169
6Barbara1,362,764
7Susan1,056,218
8Jessica1,009,988
9Sarah972,815
10Lisa931,520

Popular names from 1920s to 2000s

Spokeo’s data team looked at the number of names per decade using internal data on year of birth data. This helped to identify the names used the most over the years, to provide an overall total from 1920s all the way through to the 2000s.

John was shown to be the most popular name overall, with a total of 5,626,337 boys given the name from 1920 to 2001. James came in 2nd place with 5,618,812 and Robert with 5,519,665.

Top 10 popular names over the decades
RankGenderNameTotal times name registered 1920-2001
1MaleJohn5,626,337
2MaleJames5,618,812
3MaleRobert5,519,665
4MaleMichael5,140,978
5MaleDavid4,308,549
6MaleWilliam4,014,065
7FemaleMary3,854,105
8MaleRichard3,021,150
9MaleThomas2,518,554
10MaleJoseph2,497,246

Male names popular over the decades

As noted in the above table John was shown to be the most popular male name throughout the years, totaling 5,62,337 babies with the name from 1920 to 2001.

John (5,618,812) and Robert (5,519,665) followed closely in 2nd and 3rd place. Michael and David make up the remaining top five most popular male names.

Popular male names over the decades
RankNameTotal times name registered 1920-2001
1John5,626,337
2James5,618,812
3Robert5,519,665
4Michael5,140,978
5David4,308,549
6William4,014,065
7Richard3,021,150
8Thomas2,518,554
9Joseph2,497,246
10Charles2,423,651

Popular female names over 1920s to 2000s

Mary was shown to be the most popular female name from 1920 to 2001 resulting in 3,854,105 babies being given the name. Maria followed in 2nd place with 2,186,218 girls given the name.

Patricia, Linda and Jennifer followed in 3rd, 4th and 5th place respectively.

Popular female names over the decades
RankNameTotal times name registered 1920-2001
1Mary3,854,105
2Maria2,186,218
3Patricia2,049,471
4Linda1,918,872
5Jennifer1,794,511
6Barbara1,783,048
7Elizabeth1,641,380
8Susan1,527,515
9Lisa1,351,323
10Karen1,302,766

Outside influence on popularity of names

Everything from the news and politics to popular culture and literature can have a positive or negative impact on how we view a name.

Here are the most popular 100 names from 1919 to 2021 and the pop culture events that influenced them.

The impact of popular culture on the popularity of names in America
YearTop male nameNumber registeredNotable eventNumber registeredTop female nameNotable event
1919John53,526Nothing to note.Mary65,837

Queen Mary of Teck reigns in United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V.
Daddy-Long-Legs starring Mary Pickford is released.

1920John56,914John Steel releases The Love Nest song.Mary70,982Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Mary Pickford stars in Pollyanna.
1921John58,214General John Regan is released.Mary73,985Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Three Musketeers starring Mary MacLaren is released.
1922John57,281Nothing to note.Mary72,177Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Princess Mary married Viscount Lascelles.
1923John57,469Nothing to note.Mary71,635Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Mary of the Movies is released.
1924Robert60,801Robert M. La Follette nominated for President.Mary73,535Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V.
1925Robert60,897Nothing to note.Mary70,587Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V.
1926Robert61,129Nothing to note.Mary67,835Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Lovey Mary is released.
1927Robert61,673Nothing to note.Mary70,639Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V.
1928Robert60,701Nothing to note.Mary66,873Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Mary Jane shoes became a fashion staple.
1929Robert59,802Nothing to note.Mary63,512Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Coquette featuring Mary Pickford is released.
1930Robert62,151Nothing to note.Mary64,151Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Mary Jane shoes became a fashion staple. The Runaway Bride starring Mary Astor as Mary Gray is released.
1931Robert60,520Nothing to note.Mary60,295Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Mary Jane shoes became a fashion staple. Alfred Hitchcock’s movie Mary is released.
1932Robert59,265Robert Campbell TV series aired.Mary59,883Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Mary Jane shoes became a fashion staple. Alias Mary Smith movie is released.
1933Robert54,224Nothing to note.Mary55,517Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Mary Jane shoes became a fashion staple. Midnight Mary is released. Mary Stevens, M.D. is released.
1934Robert55,834Nothing to note.Mary56,934Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Shirley Temple wore white Mary Janes in the movie Baby Takes a Bow. Mary Poppins book is published.
1935Robert56,523The 39 Steps starring Robert Donat is released.Mary55,071Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Mary Jane shoes became a fashion staple.
1936Robert58,499Camille starring Robert Taylor is released.Mary54,373Queen Mary of Teck reigns in the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and as Empress of India as the wife of King-Emperor George V. Mary Jane shoes became a fashion staple. Mary of Scotland is released.
1937Robert61,842Nothing to note.Mary55,643Mary Jane shoes have become a fashion staple.
1938Robert62,269Nothing to note.Mary56,214Mary Jane shoes have become a fashion staple.
1939Robert59,654Nothing to note.Mary54,905Mary Jane shoes have become a fashion staple.
1940James62,475The Return of Frank James is released.Mary56,212Nothing to note.
1941James66,743Nothing to note.Mary58,043The Trial of Mary Dugan is released.
1942James77,175Jesse James, Jr. is released.Mary63,254Nothing to note.
1943James80,275Nothing to note.Mary66,178Nothing to note.
1944James76,956Nothing to note.Mary62,469Nothing to note.
1945James74,456Nothing to note.Mary59,282The Bells of St. Mary’s is released.
1946James87,440It’s a Wonderful Life starring James Stewart released.Mary67,471Nothing to note.
1947James94,762Nothing to note.Linda99,693Linda, Be Good is released.
1948James88,595Adventures of Frank and Jesse James is released.Linda96,212Nothing to note.
1949James86,858I Shot Jesse James released.Linda91,019Nothing to note.
1950James86,229The Return of Jesse James is released.Linda80,431Nothing to note.
1951James87,253Nothing to note.Linda73,977Nothing to note.
1952James87,065Face to Face starring James Mason released.Linda67,081Jane Russell stars as Linda Rollins in The Las Vegas Story.
1953Robert86,250Nothing to note.Mary64,389Nothing to note.
1954Michael88,570Jesse James vs. the Daltons released.Mary68,018Marian year.
1955Michael88,353Nothing to note.Mary63,175All For Mary is released.
1956Michael90,715Michael Strogoff is released.Mary61,747Mary Murphy stars as Evelyn Stewart in Finger of Guilt. Mary’s Boy Child Christmas song is released.
1957Michael92,723Nothing to note.Mary61,104Fender release the Mary Kaye Stratocaster.
1958Michael90,574Nothing to note.Mary55,852Charles and Mary is released.
1959Michael85,238Nothing to note.Mary54,485Blankenship Brothers release song Mary.
1960David85,926David and Goliath is released.Mary51,476Just Mary TV series airs. Mary Quant designs have become a fashion staple.
1961Michael86,919The Highwaymen release Michael.Mary47,682Mary Had a Little… is released. Mary Quant designs have become a fashion staple.
1962Michael85,037Nothing to note.Lisa46,074Lisa is released.
1963Michael83,778Nothing to note.Lisa56,036Andy Warhol created the colored Mona Lisa.
1964Michael82,636Zulu starring Michael Caine is released.Lisa54,269Nothing to note.
1965Michael81,012Nothing to note.Lisa60,271Three Hats for Lisa is released.
1966Michael79,990Michael Caine stars in Gambit. Michael Caine stars in Alfie.Lisa56,918Nothing to note.
1967Michael82,433Nothing to note.Lisa52,434Who’s Lisa? is released.
1968Michael81,984Nothing to note.Lisa49,537Elvis and Priscilla Presley welcome their daughter Lisa Marie Presley.
1969Michael85,191Michael Caine stars in The Italian Job.Lisa45,027Nothing to note.
1970Michael85,288The Jackson 5 featuring Michael Jackson released their Third Album. The Jackson 5 featuring Michael Jackson released the Jackson 5 Christmas Album. The Jackson 5 featuring Michael Jackson released on ABC.Jennifer46,153The movie Jennifer is released.
1971Michael77,594Get Carter starring Michael Caine released.Jennifer56,779Jennifer in my mind is released.
1972Michael71,395When Michael Calls is released.Jennifer63,603Jennifer album released by Jennifer Warnes.
1973Michael67,843Nothing to note.Jennifer62,447Nothing to note.
1974Michael67,575Nothing to note.Jennifer63,112Jennifer is released.
1975Michael68,448Michael Jackson releases Forever.Jennifer58,187Say Goodbye to Jennifer is released.
1976Michael66,940The Jackson 5 featuring Michael Jackson release The Jacksons.Jennifer59,473Jennifer released ‘Do It For Me’. Misty starring Jennifer Jordan is released.
1977Michael67,606Nothing to note.Jennifer58,966Nothing to note.
1978Michael67,158The Jackson 5 featuring Michael Jackson released Destiny.Jennifer56,320Jennifer is released.
1979Michael67,741Michael Jackson releases Off The Wall.Jennifer56,719Jennifer: A Woman’s Story is released.
1980Michael68,702The Island starring Michael Caine is released.Jennifer58,381Nothing to note.
1981Michael68,782Nothing to note.Jennifer57,048Nothing to note.
1982Michael68,248Michael Jackson releases Thriller. Family Ties airs featuring Michael J. Fox.Jennifer57,119The Secrets of Jennifer is released.
1983Michael68,013Family Ties airs featuring Michael J. Fox.Jennifer54,349Jennifer Slept Here TV series airs. Flashdance starring Jennider Beals is released. Eurythmics release song Jennifer.
1984Michael67,746Michael Jordan signs with the Bulls. The Jackson 5 featuring Michael Jackson released Victory. Family Ties airs featuring Michael J. Fox.Jennifer50,561Jennifer Slept Here TV series airs.
1985Michael64,921Michael J. Fox stars in Back to the Future. Michael J. Fox stars in Teen Wolf. Family Ties airs featuring Michael J. Fox.Jessica48,347Cocoon starring Jessica Tandy is released.
1986Michael64,226Michael Jackson releases Bad. Family Ties airs featuring Michael J. Fox.Jessica52,682Nothing to note.
1987Michael63,654George Micheal releases Faith. Family Ties airs featuring Michael J. Fox.Jessica55,997Nothing to note.
1988Michael64,151George Michael releases Ladies & Gentlemen. Family Ties airs featuring Michael J. Fox.Jessica51,549Nothing to note.
1989Michael65,401Michael Jackson is awarded lifetime achievement awards at the 1990 AMAs. Michael J. Fox stars in Back to the Future Part II. Family Ties airs featuring Michael J. Fox.Jessica47,890Jessica doll is released. Driving Miss Daisy starring Jessica Tandy is released.
1990Michael65,306George Michael releases Listen Without Prejudice. Michael J. Fox stars in Back to the Future Part III.Jessica46,481Jessica Tandy Wins Best Actress: 1990 Oscars.
1991Michael60,796Michael Schumacher makes his Formula One debut. Michael Jackson releases Dangerous.Ashley43,481Ashley Olsen stars in Full House.
1992Michael54,400Michael Jordan featured in the Olympic team at the 1992 Olympics.Ashley38,457Ashley Olsen stars in Full House.
1993Michael49,562George Michael performs at The Concert of Hope.Jessica34,990Sarah Jessica Parker stars in Hocus Pocus. Losing Isiah starring Jessica Lange is released.
1994Michael44,472Michael Schumacher wins the first of his seven World Championship titles.Jessica32,120Blue Sky starring Jessica Lange is released.
1995Michael41,402Micahel Jackson releases HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.Jessica27,938A Streetcar Named Desire starring Jessica Lange is released. Rob Roy starring Jessica Lange is released.
1996Michael38,366George Michael releases Older. Michael Owen signs for Liverpool. Michael Schumacher signs with Ferrari.Emily25,151Emily Watson stars in Breaking the Waves.
1997Michael37,550George Michael releases Unplugged.Emily25,735Picture book Emily is released.
1998Michael36,617Nothing to note.Emily26,185Emily of New Moon airs.
1999Jacob35,367Nothing to note.Emily26,539Emily of New Moon airs.
2000Jacob34,489Nothing to note.Emily25,957Emily of New Moon airs.
2001Jacob32,560Nothing to note.Emily25,058Emily The Strange book is released. Emily of New Moon airs.
2002Jacob30,580Jacob: The Movie is released.Emily24,468Emily book is released. Emily of New Moon airs.
2003Jacob29,645Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Emily25,691Emily Blunt stars in the Henry VIII TV series. Emily of New Moon airs.
2004Jacob27,890Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Emily25,039Emily Blunt stars in My Summer of Love.
2005Jacob25,838Stephanie Meyer releases the Twilight book featuring the character Jacob Black. Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Emily23,948Emily Blunt stars in Empire TV series.
2006Jacob24,852Stephanie Meyer releases Twilight: New Moon book featuring the character Jacob Black. Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Emily21,409Emily Blunt stars in The Devil Wears Prada.
2007Jacob24,296Stephanie Meyer releases Twilight: Eclipse book featuring the character Jacob Black. Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Emily19,358Emily Blunt stars in Charlie Wilson’s War.
2008Jacob22,607Stephanie Meyer releases Twilight:Breaking Dawn book featuring the character Jacob Black. Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in Twilight. Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Emma18,821Nothing to note.
2009Jacob21,188Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Isabella22,3123 x Isabella short movies released.
2010Jacob22,139Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Isabella22,925Isabella short movie is released.
2011Jacob20,381Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1. Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Sophia21,855One Tree Hill TV series featuring Sophia Bush airs.
2012Jacob19,091Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2. Jacob Two-Two TV series airs.Sophia22,322One Tree Hill TV series featuring Sophia Bush airs.
2013Noah18,269Trevor Noah star on the Daily Show.Sophia21,236Nothing to note.
2014Noah19,324The movie Noah is released. Trevor Noah star on the Daily Show.Emma20,949The Amazing Spider-Man 2 featuring Emma Stone is released. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2015Noah19,654Trevor Noah star on the Daily Show.Emma20,468Scream Queens TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2016Noah19,164Trevor Noah releases Born a Crime book. Trevor Noah star on the Daily Show.Emma19,531Scream Queens TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2017Liam18,838Liam Gallagher releases As You Were album.Emma19,847La La Land featuring Emma Stone is released. Emma Stone is named the world’s highest-paid actress by Forbes. Scream Queens TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2018Liam19,940Liam Gallagher performs live at the Brit Awards 2018.Emma18,786Scream Queens TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2019Liam20,578Liam Payne releases LP1 album. Liam Gallagher releases Why Me? Why Not album.Olivia18,534Olivia Wilde’s movie Booksmart is released.
2020Liam19,777Liam Hemsworth stars in Arkansas.Olivia17,641Olivia Munn stars in Love, Wedding, Repeat.
2021Liam20,272Liam Neeson stars in The Ice RoadOlivia17,728Olivia Rodrigo releases Sour album.

Data from SSA shows that James is the most popular name in America. In fact, its most popular year was 1952 and the name continued to remain in the top 10 male names in the U.S until 1993, before coming back into the top 10 in 2014 where it has remained since.

So what could be the cause? Well coincidentally there have been a flurry of James Bond movies within that time frame, with the 1993 to 2013 dip from the top aligning with when Pierce Brosnan played the titular role and Daniel Craig his first three performances as the spy. Perhaps Spectre’s release in 2015 helped bring people back around to the name?

The impact of James Bond movies on the popularity of the name James
YearRankNumber of James registeredJames Bond movie release
1919342,392No release
1920447,908No release
1921449,750No release
1922449,803No release
1923450,465No release
1924452,942No release
1925452,681No release
1926353,200No release
1927353,675No release
1928352,757No release
1929252,126No release
1930253,955No release
1931251,222No release
1932251,920No release
1933251,113No release
1934254,265No release
1935255,000No release
1936254,692No release
1937256,554No release
1938259,100No release
1939259,635No release
1940162,475No release
1941166,743No release
1942177,175No release
1943180,275No release
1944176,956No release
1945174,456No release
1946187,440No release
1947194,762No release
1948188,595No release
1949186,858No release
1950186,229No release
1951187,253No release
1952187,065No release
1953286,079No release
1954386,314No release
1955384,181No release
1956284,913No release
1957284,301No release
1958378,736No release
1959378,618No release
1960376,822No release
1961475,932No release
1962472,555Dr. No
1963471,317From Russia with Love
1964473,033Goldfinger
1965467,692Thunderball
1966365,171No release
1967361,693You Only Live Twice, Casino Royale*
1968460,680No release
1969359,907On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
1970261,756No release
1971254,618Diamonds Are Forever
1972347,075No release
1973442,871Live and Let Die
1974541,350The Man with the Golden Gun
1975439,585No release
1976538,310No release
1977540,051The Spy Who Loved Me
1978539,913No release
1979539,371Moonraker
1980539,330No release
1981738,314For Your Eyes Only
1982638,879No release
1983636,353Octopussy, Never Say Never Again*
1984735,870No release
1985735,864A View To A Kill
1986734,047No release
1987832,660The Living Daylights
1988932,521No release
1989932,710License to Kill
1990832,361No release
1991730,512No release
1992928,507No release
19931426,252No release
19941424,772No release
19951722,730GoldenEye
19961721,162No release
19971720,404Tomorrow Never Dies
19981819,687No release
19991918,553The World Is Not Enough
20001817,989No release
20011917,073No release
20021816,966Die Another Day
20031816,895No release
20041716,467No release
20051716,138No release
20061616,247Casino Royale
20071515,966No release
20081715,182Quantum of Solace
20091814,215No release
20101913,888No release
20111713,260No release
20121413,442Skyfall
20131313,582No release
2014914,447No release
2015714,850Spectre
2016514,892No release
2017414,337No release
2018413,613No release
2019613,157No release
2020612,343No release
2021512,367No Time to Die

So what could have caused the boost in popularity for the name? Data from SSA shows that the name Emma was most popular in 2018 when the number of babies given the name was 18,786, which equates to 1.012% of total female births that year.

Multiple on screen adaptations of the Jane Austen novel of the same name were aired or in the works in 2017, before the 2018 spike. Also in 2017 the star of the multi-award-winning movie La La Land, Emma Stone was catapulted into fame further due to its record-breaking seven awards from seven nominations at the 74th Golden Globes and five BAFTA wins from eleven nominations.

In fact Emma Stone was named the world’s highest-paid actress by Forbes in 2017. Perhaps the toe-tapping musical is to thank for the rise in Emmas the following year when 2018’s babies started to arrive in the world.To get a better understanding we analyzed the culture events featuring Ranker’s top Emmas.

The impact of popular culture on the popularity of the name Emma
YearRankNumber of Emma registeredEmma-related event
1919455,087Nothing to note
1920465,238Nothing to note
1921525,072Nothing to note
1922505,013Nothing to note
1923534,977Nothing to note
1924574,897Nothing to note
1925574,714Nothing to note
1926594,481Nothing to note
1927654,326Nothing to note
1928674,017Nothing to note
1929693,803Nothing to note
1930733,555Nothing to note
1931763,308Nothing to note
1932763,329Nothing to note
1933753,151Nothing to note
1934852,940Nothing to note
1935892,800Nothing to note
1936852,833Nothing to note
1937892,750Nothing to note
1938962,669Nothing to note
1939892,684Nothing to note
1940942,607Nothing to note
1941992,545Nothing to note
1942108Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1943113Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1944118Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1945122Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1946131Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1947141Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1948138Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1949147Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1950154Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1951174Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1952179Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1953195Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1954202Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1955211Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1956226Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1957243Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1958266Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1959270Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1960296Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1961307Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1962332Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1963352Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1964343Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1965359Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1966364Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1967385Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1968427Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1969426Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1970422Not featured in top 100 namesLove Story released with Emma as the main character.
1971442Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1972428Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1973447Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1974408Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1975422Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1976463Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1977423Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1978447Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1979429Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1980416Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1981413Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1982409Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1983397Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1984342Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1985263Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1986210Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1987175Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1988160Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1989149Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1990130Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1991123Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1992104Not featured in top 100 namesNothing to note
1993804,108Nothing to note
1994744,765Spice Girls girl band is formed featuring Emma Bunton.
1995675,048Sense and Sensibility starring Emma Thompson is released.
1996536,145A TV movie of Emma was released. Emma movie is released. Spice album released featuring Emma Bunton.
1997367,748Spiceworld album released featuring Emma Bunton. Spice World movie featuring Emma Bunton released.
19982210,448Nothing to note
19991711,743Nothing to note
20001712,559Forever album released featuring Emma Bunton.
20011313,322Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone featuring Emma Watson is released. Emma Bunton releases the album A Girl Like Me album.
2002416,550Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets featuring Emma Watson and Love Actually starring Emma Thompson is released. The One Where Rachel Has A Baby, Part 2 episode of Friends airs where Rachel Green names her baby Emma.
2003222,711Nothing to note
2004221,614Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban featuring Emma Watson and Emma Thompson. Emma Bunton releases the Free Me album.
2005220,349Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire featuring Emma Watson is released.
2006219,124Emma Bunton releases Life in Mono album.
2007318,377Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix featuring Emma Watson. Emma Thompson is released. Superbad featuring Emma Stone is released.
2008118,821Nothing to note
2009217,906Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince featuring Emma Watson is released. Emma TV series is released.
2010317,354Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 featuring Emma Watson. Easy A featuring Emma Stone is released.
2011318,811Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 featuring Emma Watson and Emma Thompson is released. Crazy, Stupid, Love featuring Emma Stone is released. The Help featuring Emma Stone is released.
2012220,960The Spice Girls featuring Emma Bunton perform at the Summer 2021 Olympics closing ceremony.
2013220,954American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2014120,949The Amazing Spider-Man 2 featuring Emma Stone is released. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2015120,468Scream Queens TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2016119,531Scream Queens TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2017119,847La La Land featuring Emma Stone is released. Emma Stone is named the world’s highest-paid actress by Forbes. Scream Queens TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2018118,786Scream Queens TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2019217,176Spice World – 2019 Tour featuring Emma Bunton. Emma Bunton releases the My Happy Place album. Scream Queens TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs. American Horror Story TV series featuring Emma Roberts airs.
2020215,656Series 5 of The Crown airs featuring Emma Corri. Emma movie is released.
2021215,433Cruella featuring Emma Stone is released. Short movie Emma is released.

Below are the top six names that have seen the biggest increase in popularity from 1919 to 2021.

Names with the largest increase in popularity from 1919 to 2021
RankGenderNameNumber in 1919Number in 2021Percentage increase 1919 to 2021
1FemaleEmma5,08715,433203.38%
2MaleSamuel4,4728,50190.09%
3MaleAnthony4,7376,74142.31%
4MaleDavid6,7177,84316.76%
5MaleJack8,2639,50415.02%
6MaleHenry10,61311,3076.54%

Methodology

Name data from 1919 to 2021 was taken from SSA using a list of the most popular 100 baby names for each year.

Names that featured in the top 100 names list in 1919 but didn’t feature in the top 100 list in 2021 were searched for on SSA in the top 1,000 list to provide accurate data on their popularity in 2021.

Spokeo’s data analysts reviewed over 378M, 378,747,894 to be exact, internal data records from 1920 to 2001 using year of birth information to determine the number of different names per year and decade to help calculate increases and decreases in the popularity of names in America.

Popular names were identified by analyzing the number of total names from the first date investigated to the last one and calculating the overall percentage change total.

SSA data was taken from 1919 when record began, to 2021. Spokeo data was taken from year of birth data 1920 to 2001. The date 2001 was chosen as the end date as Spokeo is for those aged 18+.
Data was pulled in November 2022.

Sources