How popular is the baby name Greg in the United States right now? How popular was it historically? Use the popularity graph and data table below to find out! Plus, see all the blog posts that mention the name Greg.

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Popularity of the baby name Greg


Posts that mention the name Greg

What gave the baby name Dharma a boost in the late 1990s?

The character Dharma Montgomery from the TV series "Dharma & Greg" (1997-2002)
Dharma Montgomery from “Dharma & Greg“

After popping up in the U.S. baby name data a few times during the ’60s and ’70s, the name Dharma re-appeared in 1997 and reached peak usage the very next year:

  • 2000: 53 baby girls named Dharma
  • 1999: 55 baby girls named Dharma
  • 1998: 68 baby girls named Dharma (peak usage)
  • 1997: 9 baby girls named Dharma
  • 1996: unlisted
  • 1995: unlisted

What brought the name back?

The sitcom Dharma & Greg, which began airing on television in September of 1997.

Character Dharma Finkelstein (played by Jenna Elfman) was a “dog-training, yoga-teaching free spirit” raised by hippies. In the pilot episode, she met — and impulsively married — “button-down, anal-retentive Ivy League lawyer” Greg Montgomery (played by Thomas Gibson).

Regarding her name, Dharma explained: “My dad was Jewish, but he wished he was the Dalai Lama.”

In Buddhism, the term dharma refers to the true nature of reality as taught by the Buddha. (The concept of dharma is taught in the other Indic religions as well, but each religion defines the term differently.)

What are your thoughts on Dharma as a baby name?

P.S. Jenna Elfman’s real-life husband, actor Bodhi Elfman, also happens to have a name inspired by Buddhism. The term bodhi is often defined as “awakening” or “enlightenment.”

Sources:

Image: Screenshot of Dharma & Greg

Popular and unique baby names in each U.S. state in 2024

USA topographic map

Which baby names were the most popular in each U.S. state in 2024?

And which baby names appeared in the data for just one state last year?

Let’s check it out…

Alabama

Girl names (AL)Boy names (AL)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 234 babies
2. Olivia, 224
3. Amelia, 214		1. William, 314 babies
2. John, 303
3. James, 297
Unique to AL’s dataAlona, Kaziah, Laiklyn, MarcieBryston, Gaines, Javaris, Kamir, Raylon, Talan

Alaska

Girl names (AK)Boy names (AK)
Most popular1. Amelia, 39 babies
2. Olivia, 36
3. Aurora, 31		1. Oliver, 52 babies
2. Theodore, 40
3. Liam/Noah (tie), 39 each
Unique to AK’s data(none)(none)

Arizona

Girl names (AZ)Boy names (AZ)
Most popular1. Olivia, 346 babies
2. Emma, 326
3. Isabella, 306		1. Liam, 504 babies
2. Noah, 446
3. Mateo, 420
Unique to AZ’s dataAriza, Nizhoni, Adelani, Aryella, Blu, RehemaPayson, Huey, Tillman

The Navajo word nizhóní means “beautiful” or “good.”

Payson might be a reference to the Arizona town of Payson.

Tillman could be a tribute to Arizona Cardinals player Pat Tillman, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004.

Arkansas

Girl names (AR)Boy names (AR)
Most popular1. Olivia, 132 babies
2. Amelia, 117
3. Emma, 104		1. Liam, 173 babies
2. Oliver, 159
3. Noah, 149
Unique to AR’s data(none)(none)

California

Girl names (CA)Boy names (CA)
Most popular1. Mia, 1,986 babies
2. Olivia, 1,931
3. Camila, 1,885		1. Liam, 2,716 babies
2. Noah, 2,674
3. Mateo, 2,360
Unique to CA’s dataMannat, Rahil, Shaya, Imara, Anayat, Genevie, Hennessy, Roya, Venice, Arlyn, Itzia, Iyari, Izabel, Jiana, Lulu, Sandy, Seerat, Yaneth, Avnoor, Daleysa, Dayra, Inayat, Iona, Magali, Nadar, Nazanin, Nico, Sahar, Ameli, Anahat, Arissa, Arpi, Avleen, Bani, Carmel, Delphine, Gisel, Jazlene, Justine, Kirpa, Ora, Raylene, Ruhani, Sidak, Xochi, Zephyr, Adelynne, Amanat, Arisa, Aritzia…
(top 50 of 502 total)		Armen, Hero, Remmy, Agam, Dara, Ekam, Mehtab, Himmat, Waris, Jujhar, Jun, Sahib, Jorawar, Lenin, Skye, Tejas, Tigran, Galileo, Hari, Kirin, Rai, Zeno, Kavir, Rigo, Sora, Aadvik, Franky, Gibran, Greg, Hovhannes, Kasra, Laksh, Nasser, Oz, Ara, Arin, Artur, Ashot, Bosco, Broderick, Eduin, Eliano, Ferdinand, Juno, Kavin, Marius, Matisse, Mehran, Mihir, Ojas…
(top 50 of 356 total)

Another unique-to-California girl name was Topanga.

Colorado

Girl names (CO)Boy names (CO)
Most popular1. Olivia, 277 babies
2. Charlotte, 262
3. Emma, 229		1. Liam, 423 babies
2. Oliver, 367
3. Noah, 341
Unique to CO’s data(none)Wacey

Connecticut

Girl names (CT)Boy names (CT)
Most popular1. Mia/Olivia (tie), 167 babies each
3. Charlotte, 155		1. Liam, 253 babies
2. Noah, 252
3. Oliver, 170
Unique to CT’s data(none)Kendriel

Delaware

Girl names (DE)Boy names (DE)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 46 babies
2. Sophia, 43
3. Emma, 38		1. Liam, 74 babies
2. Noah, 54
3. Oliver, 44
Unique to DE’s data(none)(none)

District of Columbia

Girl names (DC)Boy names (DC)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 48 babies
2. Olivia, 43
3. Zoe, 39		1. James, 58 babies
2. Liam, 56
3. Henry, 51
Unique to DC’s data(none)(none)

Florida

Girl names (FL)Boy names (FL)
Most popular1. Olivia, 1,142 babies
2. Emma, 1,084
3. Mia, 1,058		1. Liam, 1,818 babies
2. Noah, 1,736
3. Lucas, 926
Unique to FL’s dataElianis, Icelyn, Pera, Adel, Ainoah, Daliana, Emunah, Jaziyah, Kiarah, Saraiyah, Alanys, Aluna, Leyna, Sephora, Zayelle, Alaiia, Alesia, Anahia, Christelle, Christie, Daily, Dillon, Lidya, Mehlani, Reigna, Taisha, Taylynn, Viktoria, Yemaya, Zorah, Abigael, Ahsoka, Ainoa, Ariyana, Cailee, Cailynn, Cristy, Daniyah, Darah, Derin, Elayah, Florencia, Gaelle, Gracey, Jaelle, Jaia, Jasper, Jemimah, Kamoni, Khai…
(top 50 of 117 total)		Diago, Fabrizio, Piero, Yan, Woodley, Carlens, Eliyah, Kervens, Maelo, Zahmir, Adams, Geoffrey, Jakeem, Janiel, Khairo, Lamir, Mako, Nilo, Tavaris, Xian, Amael, Apolo, Armand, Artis, Chaz, Costa, Dequan, Ege, Filippo, Jahani, Jahmyr, Jardani, Jazir, Jomar, Keion, Khaleb, Kimani, Kuzey, Mattia, Matvey, Millan, Peace, Romir, Shamar, Thane, Trae, Yamil, Aeden, Antwon, Beckam…
(top 50 of 96 total)

Georgia

Girl names (GA)Boy names (GA)
Most popular1. Charlotte/Olivia (tie), 451 babies each
2. Amelia, 431		1. Liam, 771 babies
2. Noah, 708
3. James, 478
Unique to GA’s dataJalia, Amryn, Choyce, Honest, Ameria, Atley, Jaida, Jamiya, Kaiori, Nalayah, Teyana, Zori, Alden, Alonna, Amiria, Amouri, Annsley, Azani, Braylin, Cree, Dasia, Drue, Esma, Heran, Jazaiyah, Justyce, Kaidence, Kanyla, Kayani, Khylee, Kohen, Legacie, Mariya, Noriah, Nyrobi, Purity, Purpose, Savani, Waverley, Zakiya, ZanaiLawton, Jhacari, Kari, Nahmir, Quamir, Amarii, Kidus, Kmari, Murray, Sevin, Xylan, Britt, Chancellor, Charleston, Dayvon, Gaspar, Honest, Hutson, Jahsier, Jailen, Jakori, Jalani, Jameer, Jamiri, Kaedyn, Kamiri, Kendell, Keyshawn, Khayir, Kory, Kyier, Kymari, Makhari, Marquez, Oseas, Rahzi, Romari, Taylan, Taylon, Wilkes

Hawaii

Girl names (HI)Boy names (HI)
Most popular1. Olivia, 40 babies
2. Emma/Kaia (tie), 38 each		1. Noah, 59 babies
2. Elijah/Ezra/Liam (3-way tie), 40 each
Unique to HI’s dataNanea, Pualena, Malie, Olena, IlihiaKaimana, Kanaloa, Kaikoa, Kainalu, Kanoa, Makana, Ryzen, Nainoa, Ikaika, Kamahao, Kanai

Idaho

Girl names (ID)Boy names (ID)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 95 babies
2. Hazel, 91
3. Olivia, 89		1. Oliver, 143 babies
2. Henry, 113
3. Liam, 105
Unique to ID’s data(none)(none)

Illinois

Girl names (IL)Boy names (IL)
Most popular1. Olivia, 501 babies
2. Mia, 477
3. Charlotte, 463		1. Liam, 737 babies
2. Noah, 670
3. Oliver, 556
Unique to IL’s dataAlicja, Carley, Auden, Camora, Germany, Hajar, Jouri, Maja, Sila, Sofiia, Sofija, SusannahNikodem, Kacper, Maksym, Andrej, Damarion, Emry, Tadei, Zaviel, Ansar, Darrion, Eldon, Jozef, Lukyan, Nox, Trayvon

Indiana

Girl names (IN)Boy names (IN)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 354 babies
2. Amelia, 346
3. Sophia, 254		1. Oliver, 397 babies
2. Liam, 384
3. Theodore, 341
Unique to IN’s dataApolonia, Charlette, Halen, Maris, QuinnleyDarrin, Wrigley, Grayden, Jamin, Maciah, Naunihal, Oaklyn

Iowa

Girl names (IA)Boy names (IA)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 140 babies
2. Amelia, 133
3. Evelyn/Harper (tie), 121 each		1. Oliver, 192 babies
2. Henry, 187
3. Liam, 164
Unique to IA’s dataPosieWilbur, Willard

Kansas

Girl names (KS)Boy names (KS)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 166 babies
2. Olivia, 151
3. Emma, 131		1. Oliver, 174 babies
2. Theodore, 163
3. Liam, 150
Unique to KS’s data(none)Kipton

Kentucky

Girl names (KY)Boy names (KY)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 204 babies
2. Amelia, 191
3. Lainey/Willow (tie), 161 each		1. Liam, 256 babies
2. Oliver, 244
3. Waylon, 223
Unique to KY’s dataAnistyn, Blaklee, JorjaWoodson, Brentlee, Rook, Janson, Kashten

Louisiana

Girl names (LA)Boy names (LA)
Most popular1. Olivia, 204 babies
2. Amelia, 178
3. Charlotte, 173		1. Liam, 261 babies
2. Noah, 256
3. Elijah, 214
Unique to LA’s dataDaliyah, Makenzi, Baileigh, Jamari, Jori, KaislynDenym, Kylon, Crews, Demond, Mykel, Tyren, Kailon, Khyren, Kullen, Zaylon

Maine

Girl names (ME)Boy names (ME)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 60 babies
2. Olivia, 51
3. Evelyn, 45		1. Oliver, 79 babies
2. Theodore, 69
3. Henry, 51
Unique to ME’s data(none)Horace

Maryland

Girl names (MD)Boy names (MD)
Most popular1. Olivia, 231 babies
2. Charlotte, 225
3. Emma, 207		1. Liam, 455 babies
2. Noah, 348
3. James/Oliver (tie), 211 each
Unique to MD’s dataYari, Arsema, Ephrata, ImisioluwaRecord, Dyland, Drue, Hazel

The placeholder “Record” also popped up in Maryland’s data in 2023.

Massachusetts

Girl names (MA)Boy names (MA)
Most popular1. Olivia, 339 babies
2. Charlotte, 294
3. Emma, 294		1. Noah, 514 babies
2. Liam, 441
3. Oliver, 346
Unique to MA’s dataMariaclara, Mariaalice, Analiz, Isabelly, Lunna, MarialuizaJoaomiguel, Otavio

Michigan

Girl names (MI)Boy names (MI)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 382 babies
2. Amelia, 377
3. Olivia, 316		1. Noah, 488 babies
2. Theodore, 469
3. Oliver, 454
Unique to MI’s dataZahraa, Raneem, Maram, Onalee, Winnifred, Annastasia, Jersei, Kamoura, Lainie, Lenni, Lyndie, Mielle, Raevyn, RhileyHaidar, Hutch, Hutchinson, Majd, Masyn, Wellington, Callaghan, Colston, Henryk, Kavon, Khyaire, Marquan, Myair, Orrin, Siraj, Uthman

Minnesota

Girl names (MN)Boy names (MN)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 225 babies
2. Evelyn, 222
3. Olivia, 208		1. Liam, 340 babies
2. Henry/Theodore (tie), 326 each
Unique to MN’s dataMaiza, Maryama, Nawal, Manal, Anzal, Svea, Munira, Maryan, Solveig, Ahlaam, Hamdi, Hikma, Salwa, Britta, Freja, Ikhlas, Manaal, Nada, Paw, Sabrin, Suhaila, YemariamAbdullahi, Muad, Mubarak, Bauer, Eh, Munasar, Sabir, Mohamedamin, Jabir, Maher, Masud, Mazin, Mubashir, Muzamil, Nels, Ole, Sajid, Suhaib

Mississippi

Girl names (MS)Boy names (MS)
Most popular1. Ava, 94 babies
2. Olivia, 93
3. Amelia, 86		1. William, 161 babies
2. John, 158
3. James, 146
Unique to MS’s dataKhylie, Jaisley, LoxleyJamarius

Missouri

Girl names (MO)Boy names (MO)
Most popular1. Amelia/Charlotte (tie), 292 each
2. Olivia, 252		1. Oliver, 425 babies
2. Henry, 323
3. Theodore, 303
Unique to MO’s dataSaloma, Jensyn, Kayori, LettiEverhett, Huxlee, Bently, Dietrich, Maclin

Montana

Girl names (MT)Boy names (MT)
Most popular1. Lainey, 47 babies
2. Charlotte, 41
3. Olivia, 37		1. Oliver, 58 babies
2. James, 56
3. Theodore, 49
Unique to MT’s data(none)(none)

Nebraska

Girl names (NE)Boy names (NE)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 107 babies
2. Evelyn, 83
3. Amelia/Harper/Olivia (3-way tie), 82 each		1. Oliver, 137 babies
2. Theodore, 122
3. Henry, 113
Unique to NE’s dataHalsey, Lennie(none)

Nevada

Girl names (NV)Boy names (NV)
Most popular1. Olivia, 159 babies
2. Isabella, 121
3. Sophia, 119		1. Liam, 213 babies
2. Mateo, 187
3. Noah, 177
Unique to NV’s data(none)(none)

New Hampshire

Girl names (NH)Boy names (NH)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 93 babies
2. Olivia, 55
3. Amelia, 54		1. Theodore, 91 babies
2. Oliver, 90
3. Henry, 82
Unique to NH’s data(none)(none)

New Jersey

Girl names (NJ)Boy names (NJ)
Most popular1. Mia, 468 babies
2. Sophia, 465
3. Emma, 456		1. Liam, 773 babies
2. Noah, 717
3. Lucas, 428
Unique to NJ’s dataTzipora, Tzivia, Leba, Ettel, Tzipporah, Deena, Mahi, Radhika, Reena, Rus, Temi, Temima, Arna, Asani, Dena, Fatema, Heloisa, Nili, Perri, TammyYechezkel, Michoel, Elchonon, Shaul, Avigdor, Nosson, Naftoli, Arda, Shimshon, Shivaay, Domenick, Joniel, Maahir, Mordy, Nochum, Aryav, Harshiv, Nechemia, Refoel, Shivay, Shiven, Shua

New Mexico

Girl names (NM)Boy names (NM)
Most popular1. Mia, 81 babies
2. Camila, 74
3. Emma, 72		1. Noah, 102 babies
2. Mateo, 96
3. Ezekiel/Liam (tie), 95 each
Unique to NM’s data(none)(none)

New York

Girl names (NY)Boy names (NY)
Most popular1. Mia, 836 babies
2. Emma, 830
3. Sophia, 821		1. Liam, 1,445 babies
2. Noah, 1,409
3. Lucas, 774
Unique to NY’s dataGitty, Faigy, Rivky, Sury, Chany, Hindy, Esty, Goldy, Hinda, Yides, Faiga, Henny, Perel, Shevy, Etty, Brucha, Frady, Yenty, Frimet, Shaindel, Aissatou, Mushka, Frimmy, Kadiatou, Zlaty, Mirel, Abiha, Ayelet, Bina, Reizel, Toba, Ajla, Chani, Maha, Muntaha, Penina, Ratzy, Rivkah, Sari, Chumy, Faiza, Frimy, Hadja, Mali, Yittel, Arfa, Baily, Fatiha, Fotima, Henchy…
(top 50 of 192 total)		Hershy, Mendy, Usher, Yechiel, Hersh, Elimelech, Yossi, Avrumy, Lazer, Hershel, Pinchas, Motty, Shloma, Shraga, Duvid, Meilech, Pinchus, Mordche, Yida, Ousmane, Burech, Leiby, Boruch, Faizan, Safwan, Muhammadamin, Sruly, Aboubacar, Nuchem, Rakan, Yona, Ahnaf, Boubacar, Nachman, Tovia, Abdoul, Ibrohim, Menashe, Arish, Mechel, Noach, Akil, Imron, Ioannis, Mouhamadou, Naseem, Abrar, Antonino, Giacomo, Nazar…
(top 50 of 181 total)

North Carolina

Girl names (NC)Boy names (NC)
Most popular1. Olivia, 469 babies
2. Amelia, 466
3. Emma, 425		1. Liam, 745 babies
2. Noah, 685
3. Oliver, 536
Unique to NC’s dataKeagan, Lynleigh, Myers, Niara, Lynnox, Nalaya, Nyasia, Talayah, Xenovia, Emaline, Grayson, Layloni, Mailynn, Rian, Tahani, Taylen, Xylani, Xylia, ZenayaNakari, Nylan, Cyncere, Daquan, Macon, Righteous, Takoda, Wheeler, Wisdom, Dani, Jaceyon, Kaesyn, Laine, Lakota, Talen, Zaelyn

North Dakota

Girl names (ND)Boy names (ND)
Most popular1. Evelyn, 48 babies
2. Amelia/Lainey (tie), 37 each		1. Oliver, 56 babies
2. Henry, 49
3. Theodore, 45
Unique to ND’s data(none)(none)

Ohio

Girl names (OH)Boy names (OH)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 531 babies
2. Amelia, 480
3. Olivia, 420		1. Oliver, 617 babies
2. Noah, 597
3. Theodore, 595
Unique to OH’s dataMaizey, Maylynn, Renn, Adlee, Bexleigh, Winsley, Amyla, Coralynn, Corrine, Elayne, Jayonna, Kamara, Kiah, Kierra, Kimberlee, Krista, Laci, Lanae, Layonna, Leigha, Lenyx, Leonna, Treazure, WeslynJoni, Kenyon, Larkin, Martez, Raymir, Rennick, Shreyansh, Trevin, Bodey, Brantlee, Cincere, Dameir, Domani, Ebenezer, Harlen, Javin, Kallan, Kingstyn, Tymeir, Urban, Weller, Zylon

Oklahoma

Girl names (OK)Boy names (OK)
Most popular1. Olivia, 165 babies
2. Amelia/Charlotte (tie), 149 each		1. Liam, 262 babies
2. Oliver, 210
3. Noah, 192
Unique to OK’s dataNiang, MyleighThang

Oregon

Girl names (OR)Boy names (OR)
Most popular1. Olivia, 164 babies
2. Amelia, 149
3. Charlotte, 135		1. Oliver, 237 babies
2. Liam, 201
3. Theodore, 189
Unique to OR’s data(none)Timber

Pennsylvania

Girl names (PA)Boy names (PA)
Most popular1. Olivia, 513 babies
2. Charlotte, 487
3. Emma, 460		1. Noah, 740 babies
2. Liam, 611
3. Oliver, 597
Unique to PA’s dataFannie, Lavina, Kelce, Sumayyah, Surah, Avamarie, Danni, Harlo, Keegan, Kree, Liani, Sarann, Verna, Ameenah, Ayuri, Azarah, Daysha, Jazara, Kerri, Khori, Liviana, Michaella, Roseanna, Shree, Tayla, Vivia, Wrenna, ZuriyahBenuel, Mahlon, Nino, Trea, Azier, Boyd, Muadh, Aasir, Aayush, Ahzir, Azim, Conall, Freeman, Jamian, Jaxiel, Karon, Nasai, Nevin, Penn

Fannie, Lavina, Benuel, and Mahlon are often used by the Amish.

Kelce could have been influenced by longtime Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce, who announced his retirement in early 2024.

Rhode Island

Girl names (RI)Boy names (RI)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 48 babies
2. Mia, 44
3. Emma, 42		1. Liam, 74 babies
2. Noah, 68
3. Lucas, 66
Unique to RI’s data(none)(none)

South Carolina

Girl names (SC)Boy names (SC)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 227 babies
2. Amelia, 202
3. Olivia, 197		1. Noah, 310 babies
2. Liam, 295
3. William, 274
Unique to SC’s dataGracen, Nature, RoyaltiDrayton, Creighton, Kymere

South Dakota

Girl names (SD)Boy names (SD)
Most popular1. Amelia, 47 babies
2. Charlotte/Lainey (tie), 45 each		1. Liam/Oliver (tie), 52 babies each
2. Henry, 51
Unique to SD’s data(none)(none)

Tennessee

Girl names (TN)Boy names (TN)
Most popular1. Amelia, 354 babies
2. Charlotte, 343
3. Olivia, 304		1. Liam, 532 babies
2. Oliver, 427
3. William, 421
Unique to TN’s dataWeslynn, Acelyn, Azayla, Brilee, Cing, Deasia, Lakely, Lemon, Maevry, Posey, RileighNeyland, Ryman, Holston, Kavion, Zamarion, Ladarius, Breyer, Huntlee, Locklan, Martavious, Walton

Neyland and Ryman are references to Neyland Stadium and Ryman Auditorium.

Texas

Girl names (TX)Boy names (TX)
Most popular1. Olivia, 1,757 babies
2. Emma, 1,754
3. Mia, 1,689		1. Liam, 3,084 babies
2. Noah, 2,396
3. Mateo, 2,087
Unique to TX’s dataEugenia, Berenice, Cambri, Analeigha, Ailen, Maribella, Myka, Silvana, Amorette, Ayelen, Channing, Chimamanda, Chizaram, Conley, Dariela, Emarie, Lyriq, Alizay, Aven, Azlynn, Karli, Kiari, Maysen, Taryn, Tiaraoluwa, Collyns, Karson, Kimberlyn, Kolbi, Leddy, Leigh, Mialani, Shaddai, Steely, Vibha, Xayla, Yeshna, Zailee, Aeliana, Arlie, Atenea, Chizara, Golden, Hannia, Ivyanna, Kaisleigh, Kambrie, Katalyna, Kayliana, Leilanni…
(top 50 of 535 total)		Roel, Stoney, Witten, Cutter, Ediel, Homero, Hays, Judge, Amelio, Cross, Jr, Rhyder, Texas, Eduar, Eliud, Hilario, Kaycee, Zacchaeus, Avik, Ayaansh, Azlaan, Banner, Brahim, Dimas, Fabricio, Fermin, Jaceon, Jehu, Manvik, Riyansh, Tilden, Yamin, Zayvian, Aavyan, Alam, Anias, Audie, Azreal, Caine, Collins, Enmanuel, Esiah, Exodus, Gamaliel, Hamdan, Jazhiel, Judas, Kiyaan, Magdiel, Mathieu…
(top 50 of 343 total)

Utah

Girl names (UT)Boy names (UT)
Most popular1. Olivia, 215 babies
2. Charlotte, 189
3. Emma, 175		1. Oliver, 285 babies
2. Liam, 260
3. Henry, 238
Unique to UT’s dataAfton, Brexlee, Bronwyn, Maizee, Quincey, SwayzeeMckay, Hyrum, Jeter, Talmage, Covey, Bruin, Dallin, Elden, Clancy, Garth, Griffey, Kove, Quin, Sosaia, Tomasi

Past and current leaders of the LDS Church include David O. McKay, Hyrum Smith, James E. Talmage, and Dallin H. Oaks. And I think it’s possible that Covey was influenced by LDS-associated business writer Stephen Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People).

Vermont

Girl names (VT)Boy names (VT)
Most popular1. Amelia, 29 babies
2. Charlotte, 28
3. Harper, 24		1. Oliver, 34 babies
2. Henry, 28
3. Theodore, 27
Unique to VT’s data(none)(none)

Virginia

Girl names (VA)Boy names (VA)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 435 babies
2. Olivia, 362
3. Sophia, 354		1. Liam, 585 babies
2. Noah, 511
3. James, 425
Unique to VA’s dataDakotah, Aaryn, Odyssey, Rayelle, SoliyanaCaelan, Afton, Emaan, Johannes, Leul, Terence, Tyus

Washington

Girl names (WA)Boy names (WA)
Most popular1. Olivia, 354 babies
2. Charlotte, 284
3. Amelia, 269		1. Oliver, 448 babies
2. Liam, 444
3. Noah, 388
Unique to WA’s dataAmen, Solomiya, Airi, Ishira, MaanyaAvenir, Babyboy, Ruvim, Anav

West Virginia

Girl names (WV)Boy names (WV)
Most popular1. Amelia, 89 babies
2. Lainey/Olivia (tie), 72 each		1. Oliver, 102 babies
2. Waylon, 92
3. Maverick, 83
Unique to WV’s data(none)Koleson

Wisconsin

Girl names (WI)Boy names (WI)
Most popular1. Charlotte, 248 babies
2. Olivia, 209
3. Evelyn, 206		1. Oliver, 314 babies
2. Henry, 303
3. Liam, 296
Unique to WI’s dataLorene, SigridTidus

Lorene is another name often used by the Amish.

Wyoming

Girl names (WY)Boy names (WY)
Most popular1. Emma, 19 babies
2. Harper/Hazel (tie), 18 each		1. Oliver, 27 babies
2. Hudson/James (tie), 24 each
Unique to WY’s data(none)(none)

Do you have thoughts/theories about any of these single-state names?

Source: Popular Names by State – SSA

Image: Topographical Map of the USA by NOAA

How did “The Real World” influence baby names?

Title of the TV series "The Real World" (1992-2019)
“This is the true story…of seven strangers…picked to live in a loft…and have their lives taped…”

Several months ago, the cast of the inaugural season of MTV’s The Real World held a 6-day reunion in the very same NYC loft they shared back in 1992. The reunion — which was filmed, of course — is now airing as a series on the Paramount+ platform. (Here’s the trailer.)

When I was a teenager, I loved watching The Real World. (And I appreciated that the names of the cast members were always prominently displayed in the opening credits!) So I think now would be a great time to go back and see if any Real World cast member names had an influence on U.S. baby names.

First, let’s start with a comprehensive list of all the cast member names from each of RW‘s 33 (!) seasons…

  1. The Real World: New York (1992): Andre, Becky, Eric, Heather, Julie, Kevin, Norman
  2. The Real World: California (1993): Aaron, Beth (x2), David, Dominic, Glen, Irene, Jon, Tami
  3. The Real World: San Francisco (1994): Cory, Jo, Judd, Mohammed, Pam, Pedro, Puck, Rachel
  4. The Real World: London (1995): Jacinda, Jay, Kat, Lars, Mike, Neil, Sharon
  5. The Real World: Miami (1996): Cynthia, Dan, Flora, Joe, Melissa, Mike, Sarah
  6. The Real World: Boston (1997): Elka, Genesis, Jason, Kameelah, Montana, Sean, Syrus
  7. The Real World: Seattle (1998): David, Irene, Janet, Lindsay, Nathan, Rebecca, Stephen
  8. The Real World: Hawaii (1999): Amaya, Colin, Justin, Kaia, Matt, Ruthie, Teck
  9. The Real World: New Orleans (2000): Danny, David, Jamie, Julie, Kelley, Matt, Melissa
  10. The Real World: Back to New York (2001): Coral, Kevin, Lori, Malik, Mike, Nicole, Rachel
  11. The Real World: Chicago (2002): Aneesa, Cara, Chris, Keri, Kyle, Theo, Tonya
  12. The Real World: Las Vegas (2002-2003): Alton, Arissa, Brynn, Frank, Irulan, Steven, Trishelle
  13. The Real World: Paris (2003): Ace, Adam, Chris, Christina, Leah, Mallory, Simon
  14. The Real World: San Diego (2004): Brad, Cameran, Charlie, Frankie, Jacquese, Jamie, Randy, Robin
  15. The Real World: Philadelphia (2004-2005): Karamo, Landon, Melanie, M.J., Sarah, Shavonda, Willie
  16. The Real World: Austin (2005): Danny, Johanna, Lacey, Melinda, Nehemiah, Rachel, Wes
  17. The Real World: Key West (2006): Janelle, John, Jose, Paula, Svetlana, Tyler, Zach
  18. The Real World: Denver (2006-2007): Alex, Brooke, Colie, Davis, Jenn, Stephen, Tyrie
  19. The Real World: Sydney (2007-2008): Ashli, Cohutta, Dunbar, Isaac, KellyAnne, Parisa, Shauvon, Trisha
  20. The Real World: Hollywood (2008): Brianna, Brittini, Dave, Greg, Joey, Kimberly, Nick, Sarah, Will
  21. The Real World: Brooklyn (2009): Baya, Chet, Devyn, J.D., Katelynn, Ryan, Sarah, Scott
  22. The Real World: Cancun (2009): Ayiiia, Bronne, CJ, Derek, Emilee, Jasmine, Joey, Jonna
  23. The Real World: D.C. (2009-2010): Andrew, Ashley, Callie, Emily, Erika, Josh, Mike, Ty
  24. The Real World: New Orleans (2010): Ashlee, Eric, Jemmye, McKenzie, Preston, Ryan (x2), Sahar
  25. The Real World: Las Vegas (2011): Adam, Dustin, Heather (x2), Leroy, Michael, Nany, Naomi
  26. The Real World: San Diego (2011): Alexandra, Ashley, Frank, Nate, Priscilla, Sam, Zach
  27. The Real World: St. Thomas (2012): Brandon (x2), LaToya, Laura, Marie, Robb, Trey
  28. The Real World: Portland (2013): Anastasia, Averey, Jessica, Johnny, Joi, Jordan, Marlon, Nia
  29. Real World: Ex-Plosion (2014): Arielle, Ashley (x2), Brian, Cory, Hailey, Jamie, Jay, Jenna, Jenny, Lauren, Thomas
  30. Real World: Skeletons (2014-2015): Bruno, Jason, Madison, Nicole, Sylvia, Tony, Violetta
  31. Real World: Go Big or Go Home (2016): CeeJai, Chris, Dean, Dione, Dylan, Jenna, Kailah, Sabrina
  32. Real World Seattle: Bad Blood (2016-2017): Anika, Anna, Jennifer, Jordan, Kassius, Katrina, Kimberly, Mike, Orlana, Peter, Robbie, Theo, Tyara, Will
  33. The Real World: Atlanta (2019): Arely, Clint, Dondre, Justin, Meagan, Tovah, Yasmin

The names in boldface line up with a discernible increase in baby name usage. (Other Real World names may have affected baby names as well, but it can be hard to tell when, say, a name is already common, or already on the rise.)

Here are details on all the boldfaced names, plus two more influential RW names (from seasons 6 and 18) that didn’t even belong to primary cast members.

  • The name Jacinda (from season 4; 1995) saw peak usage in 1996.
  • The name Flora (5; 1996) saw increased usage in 1997.
  • The name Kameelah (6; 1997) saw increased usage in 1998.
  • The name Syrus (6; 1997) saw increased usage in 1997.
  • The name Jason (6; 1997) was probably not affected, but the name of Jason’s girlfriend, Timber, saw increased usage in 1998.
  • The name Amaya (8; 1999) saw sharply increased usage in 1999 and 2000.
  • The name Kaia (8; 1999) saw increased usage in 1999.
  • The name Ruthie (8; 1999) saw increased usage in 1999.
  • The name Aneesa (11; 2002) saw peak usage in 2002.
  • The name Arissa (12; 2002-3) saw peak usage in 2003.
  • The name Brynn (12; 2002-3) saw sharply increased usage in 2003.
  • The name Irulan (12; 2002-3) debuted in the data in 2003.
    • It looks like she was named after the fictional character Princess Irulan from Frank Herbert’s Dune books…?
  • The name Trishelle (12; 2002-3) saw peak usage in 2004.
  • The name Mallory (13; 2003) saw increased usage in 2003 and 2004.
  • The name Cameran (14; 2004) saw peak usage in 2004.
  • The name Jacquese (14; 2004) both returned to the data and saw peak usage in 2004.
  • The name Johanna (16; 2005) saw increased usage in 2005.
  • The name Nehemiah (16; 2005) saw increased usage in 2005 and 2006.
  • The name Janelle (17; 2006) saw increased usage in 2006.
  • The name Svetlana (17; 2006) saw peak usage in 2007.
  • The name Colie (18; 2006-7) both returned to the data and saw peak usage in 2007.
  • The name Tyrie (18; 2006-7) saw peak usage in 2007.
  • The name of Tyrie’s girlfriend, Jazalle, debuted in 2007 and is a one-hit wonder so far.
  • The name Kellyanne (19; 2007-8) returned to the data in 2008.
  • The name Baya (21; 2009) saw sharply increased usage in 2009. In fact, Baya was one of the fastest-rising baby names of 2009.
  • The name Averey (28; 2013) saw peak usage in 2013.
  • The name Kassius (32; 2016-17) saw increased usage in 2017.

Of all the names above, which one(s) do you like most?

And, for all the Real World fans out there: which season(s) do you like most? :)

Source: The Real World (TV series) – Wikipedia

Contrarian baby names: Cliff, Janet, Steve, Wanda…

corn

“Everly” is hot…”Beverly” is not. It’s a one-letter difference between fashionable and fusty.

If you’re sensitive to style, you’ll prefer Everly. It fits with today’s trends far better than Beverly does.

But if you’re someone who isn’t concerned about style, or prefers to go against style, then you may not automatically go for Everly. In fact, you may be more attracted to Beverly because it’s the choice that most modern parents would avoid.

If you’ve ever thought about intentionally giving your baby a dated name (like Debbie, Grover, Marcia, or Vernon) for the sake of uniqueness within his/her peer group — if you have no problem sacrificing style for distinctiveness — then this list is for you.

Years ago, the concept of “contrarian” baby names came up in the comments of a post about Lois. Ever since then, creating a collection of uncool/contrarian baby names has been on my to-do list.

Finally, last month, I experimented with various formulas for pulling unstylish baby names out of the SSA dataset. Keeping the great-grandparent rule in mind, I aimed for names that would have been fashionable among the grandparents of today’s babies. The names below are the best results I got.

Contrarian Baby Names: Girls

Alberta
Anita
Ann
Annetta
Annette
Bambi
Becky
Benita
Bertha
Bessie
Beth
Betty
Beverley
Beverly
Blanche
Bobbie
Bobby
Bonita
Candy
Caren
Carlene
Carol
Carole
Cary
Caryn
Cathleen
Cathy
Charla
Charlene
Charmaine
Cheri
Cherie
Cheryl
Chris
Christi
Cindy
Claudette
Coleen
Colleen
Connie
Dale
Danette
Danita
Darlene
Dawn
Dawna
Deanne
Debbie
Debora
Debra		Deirdre
Delores
Denice
Denise
Diane
Dianna
Dianne
Dollie
Dolores
Dona
Donna
Doreen
Dori
Doris
Dorthy
Eddie
Edwina
Ernestine
Ethel
Gail
Gayle
Gena
Geralyn
Germaine
Gilda
Glenda
Glenna
Harriett
Jackie
Janet
Janice
Janis
Jayne
Jean
Jeanette
Jeanie
Jeanine
Jeanne
Jeannette
Jeannie
Jeannine
Jeri
Jerri
Jerry
Jill
Jimmie
Jo
Joan
Joann
Joanne		Jodi
Jody
Joellen
Joni
Juanita
Judi
Judy
Juli
Kandi
Karin
Kathie
Kathy
Kay
Kaye
Kerrie
Kerry
Kim
Kimberley
Kitty
Kris
Kristi
Ladonna
Laureen
Lauretta
Laurie
Lavonne
Lee
Leesa
Lois
Lorene
Lori
Lorie
Lorinda
Lorna
Lorraine
Lorrie
Lou
Louann
Lu
Luann
Luanne
Lucretia
Lupe
Lyn
Lynda
Lynn
Lynne
Madonna
Marcia
Marcy		Margie
Mariann
Marianne
Marla
Marsha
Maryjo
Maureen
Meg
Melba
Melinda
Melva
Michele
Migdalia
Mitzi
Myrna
Nanette
Nelda
Nicki
Nita
Norma
Pamela
Patrice
Patsy
Patti
Patty
Pauline
Peggy
Pennie
Phyllis
Randy
Reba
Rene
Rhonda
Rita
Robbie
Robbin
Roberta
Robin
Rochelle
Ronda
Rosanne
Roseann
Roxane
Roxann
Sandy
Saundra
Sharon
Sheila
Shelia
Shelley		Shelly
Sheri
Sherri
Sherry
Sheryl
Shirley
Sondra
Sue
Susanne
Suzan
Suzanne
Tammie
Tammy
Tena
Teri
Terri
Terry
Thelma
Theresa
Therese
Tina
Tonia
Tonya
Tracey
Traci
Tracie
Tracy
Treva
Trina
Trudy
Velma
Verna
Vicki
Vickie
Vicky
Wanda
Wendy
Willie
Wilma
Yolanda
Yvonne

Contrarian Baby Names: Boys

Adolph
Al
Alford
Alphonso
Arne
Arnie
Arnold
Artie
Barry
Barton
Bennie
Bernard
Bernie
Bert
Bill
Billie
Bob
Bobbie
Brad
Bradford
Brent
Bret
Britt
Bud
Buddy
Burl
Burt
Butch
Carey
Carleton
Carlton
Carmen
Carroll
Cary
Cecil
Chester
Chuck
Clarence
Claude
Cletus
Cleveland
Cliff
Clifford
Clifton
Columbus
Curt
Curtiss
Dale
Dan
Dana		Dannie
Darrel
Darryl
Daryl
Dave
Davie
Del
Delbert
Dell
Delmer
Denny
Derwin
Dewey
Dirk
Don
Donnie
Donny
Doug
Douglass
Doyle
Duane
Dudley
Duwayne
Dwain
Dwaine
Dwane
Dwight
Earl
Earnest
Ed
Edsel
Elbert
Ernie
Farrell
Floyd
Fred
Freddie
Fredric
Gale
Garland
Garry
Garth
Gene
Geoffrey
Gerard
Gerry
Gilbert
Glen
Glenn
Greg		Gregg
Greggory
Grover
Guy
Hal
Haywood
Herbert
Herman
Homer
Horace
Howell
Hubert
Irwin
Jackie
Jame
Jeff
Jefferey
Jeffry
Jerald
Jerold
Jess
Jim
Jimmie
Jodie
Jody
Johnie
Johnnie
Karl
Kelly
Ken
Kenney
Kennith
Kent
Kermit
Kerry
Kim
Kirk
Kraig
Kurt
Laurence
Lawrance
Len
Lenard
Lennie
Les
Leslie
Lester
Lindell
Lindsay
Lindsey		Linwood
Lloyd
Lonnie
Lonny
Loren
Lorin
Lowell
Loyd
Lynn
Marion
Marty
Matt
Maxie
Mel
Merle
Merrill
Mickel
Mickey
Millard
Milton
Mitch
Mitchel
Monty
Neal
Ned
Nicky
Norbert
Norman
Norris
Orville
Perry
Pete
Phil
Ralph
Randal
Randel
Randell
Randolph
Rayford
Rick
Rickey
Rickie
Rob
Robby
Robin
Rock
Rodger
Rogers
Rojelio
Rolf		Ron
Roosevelt
Rudolfo
Rudolph
Rufus
Russ
Rusty
Sal
Sammie
Sandy
Sanford
Scot
Sherman
Sherwood
Skip
Stan
Stanford
Steve
Stevie
Stewart
Stuart
Sylvester
Tad
Ted
Terence
Thurman
Tim
Timmothy
Timmy
Tod
Todd
Tom
Tommie
Toney
Tracey
Tracy
Val
Vernell
Vernon
Waymon
Wendell
Wilbert
Wilbur
Wilford
Wilfred
Willard
Willis
Winfred
Woody

Interestingly, thirteen of the names above — Bobbie, Cary, Dale, Jackie, Jimmie, Jody, Kerry, Kim, Lynn, Robin, Sandy, Tracey, Tracy — managed to make both lists.

Now some questions for you…

Do you like any of these names? Would you be willing to use any of them on a modern-day baby? Why or why not?