The United States’ Social Security Administration compiled a list of the top 100 given names from 1915 to 2014 along with the number of times each name was given during that time, taking into account the 167,106,197 female births that occurred during that period. 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 names according to the number of females who went by them in 2014–2015, as determined by data from the US Social Security Administration:
1.Patricia
The actress Jennifer Jones helped the name Jennifer, which is Welsh in origin, become more well-known. 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. Evidently, no name has ever before represented a whole generation of girls or spread like this one did. In the US, there were 859,112 Jennifers at the time this name was at the top.
2.Elisabeth
With its origins in English and Swiss origins. It became famous after Elisabeth I ascended the throne. Elisabeth has shorter versions as Lizzie or Liz. But most parents prefer their daughter be called Lisa over the other two shorter versions.
3.Barbara
The name Barbara is Latin and Greek in origin, and it means “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.
4.Margaret
The name Margaret is derived from the Greek word Maragon, which means “pearl.” It is a traditional name for queens and saints. 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 name. The name has been shortened to Maggie or Meg in modern usage.
5.Sarah
The name Sarah has a Hebrew origin. It means ‘princess’. It is also the Biblical name of the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. The name was very popular between the 1980s and 2000. But has seen a slump of late.
6.Jessica
Jessica’s meaning and origin are questionable. However, the Hebrew name Jesse, which means “gift,” is also mentioned. When it was abused, Jessica passed Jennifer. 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. Jessica was the name of 48,346 newborn girls born in the US in 1985.
