The Social Security Administration in the United States listed the 100 most popular given names in the past century (1915 – 2014) with the number of times that name was given in the century, considering 167,106,197 female birth during this time. Only 10 girl’s names have topped the list so far. While several stayed in the same position for years, others fluctuated in popularity and rankings throughout time yet still managed to win the top spot in 2017.
Here are the top 10 arranged in order of number of girls bearing these names during 2014-2015 derived from the US Social Security Administration data:
#1. Mary
Name Numbers: 3,569,442
Mary is essentially a name from the New Testament. The name stands not only for the Mother of Jesus Christ but also as the ‘mother of all girls’ names’ in the English-speaking countries. When the SSA began keeping records in 1880, it occupied the top spot and remained there until the 1940s. Later, it experienced a decline and reached a low of 120 in 2014. But there is a resurgence of the popularity again after the character Lady Mary in ‘Downtown Abbey.’
#2. Patricia
Name Number: 1,566,449
Patricia is of Latin origin derived from the word ‘patrician’ that mean ‘noble’. According to the 1990 Census, it was the second-most popular name for girls in the US. It held the second spot on the previous year’s list.
#3. Jennifer
Name Number: 1,462,389
Welsh in origin, the name Jennifer gained popularity after the actress Jennifer Jones. The name gained notoriety when the movie “Love Story” came out in 1970. Between 1970 and 1984, Jennifer topped the list for nearly 14 years. If you meet an adult named Jennifer, the odds are good that she was born in the ’70s or ’80s. There were 859,112 Jennifers in the US when this name occupied the top slot.
#4. Elisabeth
Name Number: 1,459,038
With its origins in English and Swiss origins. It became famous after Elisabeth I ascended the throne. Lizzie or Liz are abbreviations for Elizabeth. However, compared to the other two shorter names, most parents prefer Lisa for their daughter.
#5. Linda
Name Number: 1,447,566
The bulk of the last century’s 1.4 million Lindas were born in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s—the only years that name appeared on the list of 10 most popular names. Lizzie or Liz are abbreviations for Elizabeth. However, compared to the other two shorter names, most parents prefer Lisa for their daughter.
#6. Barbara
Name Number: 1,418,293
The name Barbara is of Greek and Latin origin meaning ‘foreign’. In the 1930s, it was one of the most often used names in the US. It came in second to Mary in the 1940s. Another well-known saint from the third century is Barbara, who is the protector of individuals who work with artillery, architects, geologists, and mathematicians.
#7. Susan
Name Number: 1,107,596
Hebrew Soshana or Shoshannah, which means a lily or a rose, and English Susannah are the origins of the name Susan. In the United States, where the name was most common, Susan was given to 47,364 baby girls in 1955.
#8. Margaret
Name Number: 1,060,055
Margaret has been derived from the Greek word Maragon for ‘pearl’. It is a classic name used for saints and queens. The Scottish national name continues to be Margaret. For many people, the family name is significant. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher also went by this moniker. The modern version of the name has been reduced to Maggie or Meg.
#9. Jessica
Name Number: 1,039,233
Jessica has a dubious origin and meaning. However, it is also alluded to Jesse of Hebrew origin meaning ‘gift’. Shakespeare’s writings also contributed to its classic reputation. It peaked between 1985 and 1990, saw a decline, and then rose to the top once more between 1993 and 1995. In 1985, there were 48,346 baby girls in the US named Jessica.
#10. Sarah
Name Number: 997,279
The name Sarah has a Hebrew origin. It means ‘princess’. The wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac are also known by this name in the Bible. Between the 1980s and 2000, the name was particularly well-liked. but recently experienced a decline.
