Exploring the nations paving the way for the future of AI
From an early age, many of us contemplate the names we'd want to bestow upon our future children. These ideas are often rooted in the culture of our upbringing and the prevailing social milieu. Indeed, the popularity of names across history evolved gradually, influenced by notable figures and the prominence of religion within society. But while many boys' names have consistently drawn from the Christian Bible, girls' names have exhibited more variability.
The information presented in this gallery primarily encompasses Western countries. That said, to uncover the most favored names from the year of your birth, simply click through!
The new millennium ushered in a set of fresh names. Among the girls, the most favored names included Madison, Emily, and Jessica. On the boys' side, top names included Andrew and Joseph.
As the millennium came to a close, a new name emerged in popularity: Alexis became one of the most favored girls' names. Alongside it, other popular names included Hannah, Emily, Matthew, Michael, and Jacob.
In 1998, it seems many parents were influenced by 'Sex and the City,' as the name Samantha surged into the top three. Joining it were the newcomer Hannah, along with Emily, Jacob, Matthew, and Michael, which were also high on the list.
Jacob Elordi, known for his role in the series 'Euphoria,' was born in 1997 and received one of the most popular names of that year.
Meaning "to follow" or "to supplant," it was in 1996 that the name Jacob gained great popularity. Jacob was accompanied by the names Michael, Matthew, Emily, Jessica, and Ashley.
The resurgence of parents naming their sons Michael in 1995 could be attributed to Michael Jordan's impactful return to the NBA that year. Many boys were also given the names Christopher and Matthew. For girls, Emily, Jessica, and Ashley remained prominent choices.
In 1994, there was a shift in name trends for girls when Emily joined the ranks. The familiar contenders were also present on the list: Christopher, Michael, Matthew, Jessica, and Ashley.
In 1993, a fresh name made its debut: Sarah, which conveys the meanings of "Lady" or "Princess." The other prevalent names of that year included Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, and Ashley.
When Britney Spears was still a young child, she showcased her singing talent on the show 'Star Search.' It's possible that her performances influenced parents globally, as the name Brittany regained popularity once again (despite the difference in spelling).
The '90s witnessed the continued dominance of the same popular names. The most commonly chosen names were Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Ashley, Jessica, and Brittany.
The fashionable names Ashley, Brittany, and Jessica maintained their positions in the top three for girls in 1990. The boys' names continued to embrace classic choices, such as Michael, Christopher, and Matthew.
Chris Brown also possesses a fairly common name. Indeed, the prevailing names in 1989 were Christopher, Matthew, Michael, Jessica, Ashley, and the newly introduced Brittany.
The stage name Jessie J comes from the star's birth name, Jessica. Jessica was one of the most popular names of 1988, alongside Ashley, Amanda, Michael, Christopher, and Matthew.
Talented actor Michael B. Jordan continued the trend of the name Michael in 1987. Other frequently chosen names included Matthew, Christopher, Amanda, Ashley, and Jessica.
This year witnessed the resurgence of the name Amanda on parents' lists of baby names. Ashley, Jessica, Michael, Christopher, and Matthew also continued to maintain their popularity.
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic swimmer of all time, was born in 1985 and was given the most popular name of that year. Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Ashley, and Jennifer also maintained their prominence at the top of the list of names.
Ashley Simpson was born in 1984, and she received one of the prevalent names of that era. Additionally, Jennifer, Jessica, Michael, Christopher, and Matthew were among the most commonly chosen names.
In 1983, the leading names for girls included Jennifer, Amanda, and the fresh addition Jessica. Among boys, the popular names were Michael, Matthew, and Christopher. Chris Hemsworth, born in 1983, carries the name with distinction.
There might have been some added motivation for parents to choose the name Michael in 1982, as it was the year when Michael Jackson (1958-2009) released 'Thriller.' Other prominent names included Christopher, Jennifer, Amy, Amanda, and the newcomer Matthew.
Actor Chris Evans and singer/actress Jennifer Hudson were both born in 1981, and were bestowed with the most commonly used names of that era. Among them were also Jason, Amy, and Amanda.
Chris Pine was born in 1980, and his parents opted for the common yet elegant name of Christopher. Among other popular boy names were Jason and Michael. For girls, Jennifer, Amy, and Amanda were prevalent choices.
Both Chris Pratt and Jason Momoa adopted names that were widely popular. Other notable names that year included Michael, Jennifer, and Amy. Additionally, a newcomer made its appearance on the list: Amanda.
In 1978, the most popular names held on strong with Michael, Jason, Christopher, Amy, Melissa, and Jennifer taking the top spots.
Coldplay front man Chris Martin is actually named Christopher on his birth certificate. The other notable names from that year included, as expected, Jason, Jennifer, Amy, and Melissa.
Melissa Joan Hart's parents were right in line with the trend when they chose her name. The other prevailing names in 1976 included Amy, Jennifer, Christopher, Jason, and Michael.
In 1975, singer Michael Bublé was given the most enduringly popular name of all time. Jason, Christopher, Jennifer, Amy, and Michelle were also prominent choices. Additionally, the name Heather was starting to gain traction.
Amy Adams received a name that was in line with the prevailing trends of the time. Other commonly chosen names included Christopher, Michael, Jason, Jennifer, and Michelle.
In 1973, a fresh name entered the top ranks for girls. Amy, signifying "beloved," joined the top three alongside Jennifer and Michelle. Among the boys, a newcomer emerged in the name Jason. Michael and Christopher also maintained their positions.
Jennifer Garner was given one of the most popular names of 1972. Jennifer, Mary, and Michelle were at the top for girls. Christopher, James, and Michael were the most used for boys.
A number of notable individuals were given the most commonly used names in 1971. British comedian David Walliams and American actor Chris Tucker both adopted popular names. Alongside Christopher and David, Michael, Jennifer, Michelle, and Lisa also secured their spots among the most popular names of that time.
The name Jennifer holds the meaning "the fair one," which might explain its persistence in the top three. In 1970, the names Lisa, Mary, John, David, and Michael also continued to be among the most frequently chosen.
The fact that both of these iconic women were named Jennifer in 1969 is no accident. The name ranked among the top three, along with Lisa and Michelle. On the boys' side, the classics Michael, James, and David remained popular choices.
Lisa Marie Presley, the renowned singer and daughter of Elvis Presley, also sported a popular girl's name. Michelle, Kimberly, John, Michael, and David continued to dominate the charts as well.
Actress Lisa Bonet was born in 1967, and her name was among the most commonly chosen that year, alongside Kimberly and the newly popular Michelle. For boys, the prevalent names included Michael, David, and James.
Indeed, 1966 marked the birth year of actor John Cusack. He was bestowed with one of the most prevalent names of that time. Alongside John and David, the timeless names Michael, James, Mary, and Lisa also remained popular. Additionally, Kimberly was introduced to the list that year.
The majority of the favored names retained their top positions: Michael, John, David, Lisa, and Mary. However, a newcomer emerged: the name Karen gained popularity.
In 1964, the most popular names remained consistent, with Michael, John, David, Lisa, Mary, and Susan topping the list. This might explain why David Spade bears his name.
Lisa Kudrow's mother hit the mark by selecting the most fashionable name of 1963 for her daughter. Notable individuals who were similarly bestowed with the most prevailing names include Michael Jordan, Mike Myers, and Lisa Rinna. Mary, Susan, and John also continued to rank high on the list.
Consistent names held steadfast in the highest ranks. The male names predominantly bear religious associations, as does one of the female names. The leading names included Michael, David, John, Lisa, Mary, and Susan.
Actor Michael J. Fox was born in 1961 and took one of the year's most popular names. Michael, James, Mary, Lisa, and Susan were the most chosen names that year.
For boys, the most popular names this year were David, Michael, and James. For the girls, it was Mary, Susan, and Linda.
Sources: (Good Housekeeping) (Social Security Administration)
See also: Khaleesi, breaker of toys? Popular baby names inspired by fiction
Discover the most popular baby names from your birth year
Can you find your name on this list?
LIFESTYLE Baby names
From an early age, many of us contemplate the names we'd want to bestow upon our future children. These ideas are often rooted in the culture of our upbringing and the prevailing social milieu. Indeed, the popularity of names across history evolved gradually, influenced by notable figures and the prominence of religion within society. But while many boys' names have consistently drawn from the Christian Bible, girls' names have exhibited more variability.
The information presented in this gallery primarily encompasses Western countries. That said, to uncover the most favored names from the year of your birth, simply click through!