How popular is the baby name Macarther 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 Macarther.

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Popularity of the baby name Macarther


Posts that mention the name Macarther

Interesting one-hit wonder names in the U.S. baby name data

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They came, they went, and they never came back!

These baby names are one-hit wonders in the U.S. baby name data. That is, they’ve only popped up once, ever, in the entire dataset of U.S. baby names (which accounts for all names given to at least 5 U.S. babies per year since 1880).

There are thousands of one-hit wonders in the dataset, but the names below have interesting stories behind their single appearance, so these are the one-hits I’m writing specific posts about. Just click on a name to read more.

2020s

2010s

2000s

1990s

1980s

1970s

1960s

1950s

1940s

1930s

1920s

1910s

1900s

  • (none yet)

1890s

As I discover (and write about) more one-hit wonders in the data, I’ll add the names/links to this page. In the meanwhile, do you have any favorite one-hit wonder baby names?

Image: Adapted from Solitary Poppy by Andy Beecroft under CC BY-SA 2.0.

[Latest update: Apr. 2024]

Top one-hit wonder boy names of all time in the U.S. baby name data

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Here are the top one-hit wonder boy names of all time, from 1880 to 2012:

  1. Christop, 1,082 baby boys in 1989.
  2. Christia, 82 baby boys in 1989.
  3. Jometh, 23 baby boys in 2008.
  4. Jefre, 21 baby boys in 1961.
  5. Eriksson, 15 baby boys in 2008; Alfy, 15 baby boys in 1966; and Andamo, 15 baby boys in 1960.
  6. Coopar, 14 baby boys in 2010; Sunel, 14 baby boys in 2006; Johnbenedict, 14 baby boys in 2005; and Tamija, 14 baby boys in 1998.
  7. Ardan, 13 baby boys in 2012; Maurkice, 13 baby boys in 2011; Koli, 13 baby boys in 2010; Fardy, 13 baby boys in 2005; Kya, 13 baby boys in 2001; Zaykeese, 13 baby boys in 2000; Jamiroquan, 13 baby boys in 1995; Pajtim, 13 baby boys in 1990; Kimario, 13 baby boys in 1980; Dilanjan, 13 baby boys in 1979; Terdell, 13 baby boys in 1979; Chandar, 13 baby boys in 1973; and Willkie, 13 baby boys in 1940.
  8. Ramzee, 12 baby boys in 2006; Anhuar, 12 baby boys in 2005; Amareion, 12 baby boys in 2003; Albieri, 12 baby boys in 2002; Jervontae, 12 baby boys in 1996; Johnatho, 12 baby boys in 1989; Tio, 12 baby boys in 1983; Ebay, 12 baby boys in 1977; Demea, 12 baby boys in 1971; Tremelle, 12 baby boys in 1966; and Gevan, 12 baby boys in 1952.
  9. Brettly, 11 baby boys in 2012; Maksimus, 11 baby boys in 2011; Vadir, 11 baby boys in 2011; Tyten, 11 baby boys in 2009; Joset, 11 baby boys in 2007; Elionaid, 11 baby boys in 2006; Neyzer, 11 baby boys in 2005; Mikayla, 11 baby boys in 2004; Quanye, 11 baby boys in 2004; Hasim, 11 baby boys in 2001; Dontonio, 11 baby boys in 1994; Kendrae, 11 baby boys in 1992; Quaysean, 11 baby boys in 1991; Mackenzi, 11 baby boys in 1989; Sebastia, 11 baby boys in 1989; Sarith, 11 baby boys in 1986; Starbuck, 11 baby boys in 1979; Quarterrio, 11 baby boys in 1978; Travolta, 11 baby boys in 1978; and Saford, 11 baby boys in 1941.
  10. Aaro, 10 baby boys in 2012; Zikora, 10 baby boys in 2012; Jermir, 10 baby boys in 2011; Loxley, 10 baby boys in 2011; Jophy, 10 baby boys in 2008; Tyzjuan, 10 baby boys in 2006; Antrel, 10 baby boys in 2005; Tmarion, 10 baby boys in 2005; Kailey, 10 baby boys in 2004; Duce, 10 baby boys in 2003; Lixandro, 10 baby boys in 2002; Taheed, 10 baby boys in 2001; Hritik, 10 baby boys in 2000; Rikishi, 10 baby boys in 2000; Dameyune, 10 baby boys in 1998; Junathean, 10 baby boys in 1998; Michaelangel, 10 baby boys in 1990; Madeleine, 10 baby boys in 1989; Nattiel, 10 baby boys in 1988; Joslin, 10 baby boys in 1977; Macarther, 10 baby boys in 1942; Lorrain, 10 baby boys in 1919; Zygmond, 10 baby boys in 1915; and Schley, 10 baby boys in 1898.

If we ignore the glitchy 1989 names, the real #1 one-hit wonder becomes Jometh.

Here’s what I can tell you about some of the above: Jometh and Elionaid were inspired by the TV show Objetivo Fama; Andamo was inspired by the TV show Mr. Lucky; Maurkice was inspired by football player Maurkice Pouncey; Kimario was inspired by a mention in Ebony magazine; Willkie was inspired by politician Wendell Willkie; Amareion was inspired by singer Omarion; Ebay was inspired by the TV show Good Times; Brettly was inspired by the TV show American Restoration; Vadir was inspired by actor Vadhir Derbez; Travolta was inspired by actor John Travolta; Macarther was inspired by Douglas MacArthur; Schley was inspired by Winfield Scott Schley.

Can you come up with explanations for any of the others?

Image: Adapted from Solitary Poppy by Andy Beecroft under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Top one-hit wonder baby names in the U.S. data, 1880 to today

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The Social Security Administration’s annual baby name list only includes names given to 5 or more U.S. babies, of either one gender or the other, per year.

Most rare names never make the list, but a select group have appeared a single time. I like to call these the one-hit wonder baby names.

One-hit wonders tend to pop up with a relatively low number of babies — 5 or 6 — but a handful are given to dozens of babies…only to disappear again the next year! Pretty intriguing, right?

Below are the highest-charting, gender-specific, one-hit wonder names since 1880. The format is: “Girl name(s), number of baby girls; Boy name(s), number of baby boys.”

1880s

  • 1880: none; Merida, 5
  • 1881: Zilpah, 9; Roll, 5
  • 1882: none; none
  • 1883: none; none
  • 1884: none; none
  • 1885: Lelie, 5; Ng & Sip, 5
  • 1886: Ottillie, 5; none
  • 1887: none; Pembroke, 5
  • 1888: Etelka & Pantha, 5; Bengiman, 5
  • 1889: Litta & Roxa, 5; Edw & Profit, 5

1890s

  • 1890: Modeste, 8; none
  • 1891: Dorilla & Euphemie, 5; Navajo, 5
  • 1892: none; Whitelaw & Wint, 5
  • 1893: Hedwige, 7; Pomp, 5
  • 1894: Onezia, 5; Bess, 5
  • 1895: Isal, 7; none
  • 1896: Phenie, 5; none
  • 1897: Phronie, 5; Rhoda, 7
  • 1898: Maine, 9; Schley, 10
  • 1899: Pellie, 5; none

1900s

  • 1900: Henrettia & Ursule, 6; Bruster, 5
  • 1901: Kinnie, 5; none
  • 1902: Azema & Lelea, 5; none
  • 1903: Pheobie, 7; none
  • 1904: Berthal, 6; none
  • 1905: Mintha, 5; Pioet, 5
  • 1906: Nellda, Ocey & Clevia, 5; none
  • 1907: Leecy, Odra & Oklahoma, 5; Lanham, 6
  • 1908: Artena, Essye, Malvie & Oshie, 5; none
  • 1909: Argatha, 5; none

1910s

  • 1910: Leneve, 7; Capus, 5
  • 1911: Gaither, 6; Caro & Lavette, 5
  • 1912: Gustina, Iras, Leavy & Senona, 6; Edlow, 7
  • 1913: Nixola & Oleane, 6; Gaillard & Rumsey, 6
  • 1914: Vica, 8; Secondo, 9
  • 1915: Desda & Vonie, 8; Zygmond, 10
  • 1916: Alvene, Bleeker, Cloteen, Deelda, Duffie, Iota, Maggielean, Matrona, Mealie, Mishie, Ortrude, Sirkka, Truma, Valasta, Valesta, Valrea & Ysobel, 6; Hafford, 9
  • 1917: Florenz & Lutrelle, 9; Annis, Clermont, Loddie, Onslow, Rosswell & Runar, 7
  • 1918: Theophila, 10; Hobby, 9
  • 1919: Johnniemae, 9; Lorrain, 10

1920s

  • 1920: Dardenella, 9; Mosby, 9
  • 1921: Garnelle, 11; Ive, 9
  • 1922: Donaldine, 12; Crafton, 9
  • 1923: Giovina & Varena, 8; Arbon, Birchel & Wolcott, 7
  • 1924: Klyda, 10; Modell, 9
  • 1925: Ivaline & Valoyce, 8; Evell & Walford, 8
  • 1926: Narice, 13; Lafon & Nola, 9
  • 1927: Genena, Milarain & Seroba, 8; Dalhart, Junor, Maclyn & Mutsuo, 8
  • 1928: Boneva, Geane, Lenard, Loeda & Louvene, 7; Dormon, Hearman, Hover & Shoso, 7
  • 1929: Miladeen, 9; Edsol, 8

1930s

  • 1930: Earnease, Lunelle, Magnola & Rhoena, 6; Elice, 7
  • 1931: Dixianna & Vergean, 7; Leroyce, 7
  • 1932: Dolorese, 9; Mannon, 7
  • 1933: Garnieta, 8; Vondal, 7
  • 1934: Delaris, Derene, Ervene, Myrline & Rheata, 6; Cardis, Carloss, Cleophes, Dockie, Exie, Pettus & Shelvie, 6
  • 1935: Nerita, 14; Deuel, 8
  • 1936: Arolyn & Verilea, 7; Rolyn, 8
  • 1937: Noreda, 17; Seavy, 6
  • 1938: Clione, 16; Dall & Vallee, 6
  • 1939: Melsa, 9; Karrol, 7

1940s

  • 1940: Lindola, 13; Willkie, 13
  • 1941: Shirey, 7; Saford, 11
  • 1942: Arvina, Floranne, Kaaran & Roine, 6; Macarther, 10
  • 1943: Jerdine, 7; Deming, Dilworth, Eugne, Keener, Rhodell, Rothwell & Sammul, 5
  • 1944: Carolsue, 11; Condy, Hennry, Lemmon & Persell, 5
  • 1945: Diedri, 10; Kermon, 6
  • 1946: Darlia, 13; Cotis, Dowl, Lohn, Rouldph, Royace, Sherryl, Speedy & Trudy, 5
  • 1947: Junellen, 12; Brookie; 7
  • 1948: Gwyned, 9; Beasley, 6
  • 1949: Jerrilyne, 9; Bradbury, Bradfield, Buckey, Hubie, Jubentino, Kurth, Nickola, Varnum & Waynne, 5

1950s

  • 1950: Gladystine, 9; Cresenciano, Frosty & Thurnell, 6
  • 1951: Glenalee & Lynnis, 9; Bronnie & Marvine, 8
  • 1952: Charliss, 7; Gevan, 12
  • 1953: Judalon, 11; Credell, Larrey & Uldis, 7
  • 1954: Lilette & Ufemia, 7; Corneall, Danail, Derf, Luann & Michie, 6
  • 1955: Dainette, 14; Christophel, 9
  • 1956: Tirrell, 13; Auddie & Naymon, 7
  • 1957: Theonita, 17; Melivn, 7
  • 1958: Deedy & Lanor, 8; Brete, 7
  • 1959: Carmelyn, 8; Tomm, 8

1960s

1970s

  • 1970: Dardi, 14; Cosmos, 9
  • 1971: Anjanet, 9; Demea, 12
  • 1972: Tyhessia, 17; Christerphor, 8
  • 1973: Desheila, 18; Chandar, 13
  • 1974: Charnissa, 32; Sirica, 8
  • 1975: Russchelle, 24; Darweshi, Tchalla & Unborn, 8
  • 1976: Norlisha, 16; Lebrone, 8
  • 1977: Kashka, 16; Ebay, 12
  • 1978: Kushana, 23; Quarterrio & Travolta, 11
  • 1979: Kitzie, 27; Dilanjan & Terdell, 13

1980s

  • 1980: Nykeba, 26; Kimario, 13
  • 1981: Tijwana, 18; Cetric & Dharmesh, 8
  • 1982: Ebelina, 11; Chachi & Chezarae, 9
  • 1983: Shadava, 25; Tio, 12
  • 1984: Meghaan, 36; Quisto & Ragene, 9
  • 1985: Miceala, 16; Sophan, 8
  • 1986: Shaquenta, 13; Sarith, 11
  • 1987: Condola & Shayeeda, 12; Calbe, 9
  • 1988: Armisha, 16; Nattiel, 10
  • 1989:
    • Alexandr, 301; Christop, 1082 (glitch names)
    • Cesilie, 10; Madeleine, 10 (non-glitch names)

1990s

  • 1990: Jakkia & Shawnic, 16; Pajtim, 13
  • 1991: Deangelis & Jeniqua, 13; Quaysean, 11
  • 1992: Caleesha, 17; Kendrae, 11
  • 1993: Solmaira, 15; Shanquille, 9
  • 1994: Mccaela, 20; Dontonio, 11
  • 1995: Shieda, 14; Jamiroquan, 13
  • 1996: Sidea, 13; Jervontae, 12
  • 1997: Jachai, 10; Asbiel & Daytwon, 9
  • 1998: Rosisela, 14; Tamija, 14
  • 1999: Ukari, 16; Tyreace, 9

2000s

  • 2000: Daebreon & Jadakiss, 13; Zaykeese, 13
  • 2001: Joharis, 12; Kya, 13
  • 2002: Eshanti, 27; Albieri, 12
  • 2003: Saribel, 22; Amareion, 12
  • 2004: Janayra, 12; Mikayla & Quanye, 11
  • 2005: Milenka, 13; Johnbenedict, 14
  • 2006: Sarela, 26; Sunel, 14
  • 2007: Aidsa & Madelis, 30; Joset, 11
  • 2008: Yaindhi, 29; Jometh, 23
  • 2009: Shastelyn, 34; Tyten, 11

2010s

  • 2010: Rossibell, 17; Coopar, 14
  • 2011: Jocell, 31; Maurkice, 13
  • 2012: Jeiza, 12; Chander, Drexton, Dristan, Elimelec, Hadeed, Khodee & Vardhan, 8
  • 2013: Jennicka, 15; Jaiceion, 11
  • 2014: Hannaley, 21; Zacardi, 11
  • 2015: Nadyalee, 17; Jersen, 21

See anything interesting?

Some of the above — Narice (1926), Saford (1941), Gevan (1952) and Jefre (1961) — are also on the top debuts list.

P.S. I’ll come back every few years and update this list with the most recent pairs of names. In the meanwhile, for more one-hit wonder content, check out this list of interesting one-hit wonder baby names…

Image: Adapted from Solitary Poppy by Andy Beecroft under CC BY-SA 2.0.

How did Douglas MacArthur influence baby names in the early 1940s?

American military leader Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964)
Douglas MacArthur

After serving in the U.S. Army for 34 years — roughly seven of which were spent stationed in the Philippines — officer Douglas MacArthur retired in 1937, at the age of 57.

In mid-1941, when entry into World War II seemed increasingly likely, President Franklin Roosevelt recalled MacArthur to active duty, naming him commander of the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), headquartered in Manila.

In December of the same year, the Empire of Japan attacked Philippines and other U.S. targets (including Hawaii). The Japanese proceeded to invade the Philippines.

MacArthur’s forces held out for several months, but their defense of the islands ultimately failed. In mid-1942, MacArthur received a Congressional Medal of Honor for his “conspicuous leadership in preparing the Philippine Islands to resist conquest.”

So, how many U.S. babies were named in honor of Douglas MacArthur in 1942?

Quite a few. The number of babies named Douglas (and Doug) nearly tripled that year:

Boys named DouglasBoys named Doug
19446,998 [rank: 34th]202 [rank: 429th]
19438,235 [rank: 28th]243 [rank: 390th]
194211,234 [rank: 23rd]229 [rank: 401st]
19414,146 [rank: 53rd]79 [rank: 692nd]
19403,732 [rank: 56th]85 [rank: 657th]

And the number of baby boys named MacArthur (or some variant thereof) similarly surged:

McarthurMacarthurMcartherMacarther
1944133
[rank: 528th]		38..
1943173
[rank: 471st]		60
[rank: 864th]		13.
1942290†
[rank: 357th]		142†
[rank: 513th]		23*†10*†
1941145*..
19409...
*Debut, †Peak usage

Variant Mcarther was the top boy-name debut of 1942, and variant Macarther was a one-hit wonder in the data.

It’s curious that Mcarthur became more popular than Macarthur itself, but this probably reflects the fact that his surname was often misspelled in the newspapers of the day.

Speaking of the media, many publications made note of the sudden trendiness of “Douglas MacArthur” as a baby name. For instance, here’s a short item from an April 1942 issue of Time magazine:

Born. Douglas MacArthur Brotherson, Douglas MacArthur Bryant, Douglas MacArthur Francis, Douglas MacArthur Miller, Douglas MacArthur Gunner, Douglas MacArthur Salavec, Douglas MacArthur Thompson, and Douglas Harold MacArthur; all in New York City.

Which do you prefer as a first name, Douglas or MacArthur?

P.S. In late 1944, MacArthur and his forces returned to and reclaimed the Philippines. The following year, Japan surrendered — ending WWII.

P.P.S. Did you know that several men in Douglas MacArthur’s family bore the partially reduplicated name Arthur MacArthur?

Sources:

Image: Adapted from Douglas MacArthur (public domain)

[Latest update: Dec. 2025]