The most popular US baby names for every decade since the 1880s
'John' and 'Mary' were the No. 1 baby names in the 1880s.
And again in the 1890s. This was the last appearance of 'Emma' in the top 10 for more than 100 years.
Source: Social Security Administration
John and Mary reigned through the 1900s, while names like 'Mildred' and 'Florence' made appearances on the girls' side.
Source: Social Security Administration
Little changed through the 1910s — John, 'William,' and 'James' were the top three names for a fourth straight decade.
Source: Social Security Administration
John was finally usurped by 'Robert' in the 1920s. Meanwhile, 'Dorothy' reached a peak of No. 2 on the girls' side.
Source: Social Security Administration
In the 1930s, Robert and Mary continued to top the charts. 'Barbara' made its first of three straight appearances, and Betty peaked at No. 2.
Source: Social Security Administration
In the 1940s, Robert gave way to 'James,' and 'Linda' soared to the second spot behind Mary. This decade was also the first appearance of 'Michael' in the top 10.
Source: Social Security Administration
In the 1950s, James and Mary were the most popular names for a second straight decade. Meanwhile, both 'Deborah' and 'Debra' appeared on the girls' list.
Source: Social Security Administration
But in the 1960s, 'Michael' and 'Lisa' took over. James would hang around for a few more decades, but this was Linda's last appearance in the top 10.
Source: Social Security Administration
'Jennifer' topped the 1970s charts as Michael continued its reign. Christopher and Amy both debuted at No. 2, but Amy would not appear again.
Source: Social Security Administration
'Jessica' bumped Jennifer down to No. 2 in the 1980s. The decade also saw 'Amanda' and 'Joshua' rise to prominence.
Source: Social Security Administration
In the 1990s, Michael and Christopher stayed at the top while 'Ashley' crept up on the longtime favorites.
Source: Social Security Administration
In the 2000s, the No. 1 baby names were 'Jacob' and 'Emily.' The girls' side saw a resurgence of old favorites, such as 'Olivia,' 'Abigail,' and 'Isabella,' as well as the return of Emma in the top 10 for the first time in more than a century.
Source: Social Security Administration
In the 2010s, 'Emma' joined Jacob at the top. 'Noah,' 'Liam,' and 'Jayden' debuted on the boys' side, while 'Ava,' 'Sophia' and 'Mia' made the girls' list.
Source: Social Security Administration
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