The Social Security Administration has been keeping track of baby name trends and statistics since 1890—but now the Internet is providing us with fun ways to entertain ourselves with the data. Take, for example, Time.com’s brand new “Find Out What Your Name Would Be Today” interactive/time suck, where you can type in your name and see what other choices were at exactly the same popularity level for each decade over the past 110 years. For instance, Lisa was the third most popular in the year I was born, so I’d be a Sophia today, a Brittany back in the 1990s, and a Margaret way back in the 1910s.
It’s a fun mid-day diversion, to be sure, but I’m thinking this might be a good way to explore the baby name lists and look for some winners for your own baby, especially if you look at the vintage monikers. For example, If you love Madison but aren’t loving the fact that it’s currently in the top 10, you could be inspired by what was equally popular decades before. Madison’s 1920s equivalent is up-and-comer Evelyn, and in the 1940s, it’s Dorothy. Also on the same popularity level: Florence (1910s), Grace (1890s), Virginia (1930s), and yes, Tiffany (so 1980s!).
Or plug in the grandpa-to-be’s name (we tested a Kenneth born in the 1940s), and you could get a fun way to pay homage, if the moniker in question isn’t one you’d want to utilize. Ken brings up Austin, Jayden, Tyler, George, Albert, and Kenneth again (way back in the 1970s, when all those Ken Juniors were born).
Tell us: Are there any hidden gems at your popularity level? Which one would you pick for your son or daughter?
Check out the latest on the top baby names of the year, and if you’re still hunting for the perfect name, try our Baby Name Finder or email me at lamilbrand@gmail.com. And don’t forget to like In Name Only on Facebook!
Image: Shutterstock.com