Baby name trends often reflect the spirit of their era, with some surging in popularity only to disappear a generation later. Others, however, achieve the status of timeless classics. To understand which names have genuine staying power, a fascinating look back a century provides clear answers.
A Century-Old Snapshot of Naming Trends
The United States Social Security Administration maintains detailed baby naming records dating all the way back to the 1880s. By examining the top choices from 1926, we can create a perfect case study. This list reveals a mix of enduring staples that parents still love today and once-popular picks that have since fallen out of favor.
The Top 25 Names for Girls and Boys in 1926
The data presents two distinct rosters of names that defined nurseries a hundred years ago. For girls, the list was led by Mary, followed by Dorothy and Betty. The boys' list was topped by Robert, with John and William close behind.
The most popular girls' names in 1926 were:
- Mary
- Dorothy
- Betty
- Helen
- Margaret
- Ruth
- Doris
- Virginia
- Mildred
- Frances
- Elizabeth
- Jean
- Evelyn
- Shirley
- Anna
- Barbara
- Alice
- Marie
- Lois
- Gloria
- Irene
- Marjorie
- Patricia
- Martha
- Rose
The most popular boys' names in 1926 were:
- Robert
- John
- William
- James
- Charles
- George
- Richard
- Joseph
- Donald
- Edward
- Thomas
- Frank
- Paul
- Harold
- Raymond
- Jack
- Walter
- Kenneth
- Henry
- Arthur
- Albert
- David
- Eugene
- Ralph
- Harry
Which 1926 Names Stand the Test of Time?
A clear divide emerges when comparing these century-old lists to modern baby name trends. Names like James, William, Elizabeth, and Evelyn have demonstrated remarkable resilience. They have never truly left the popular consciousness and continue to be common choices for newborns in Canada and the United States today.
Conversely, many names that were top picks in 1926 have become rare. Choices such as Mildred, Doris, Harold, Ralph, and Eugene have largely faded from use. While they occasionally see a nostalgic revival, they are no longer standard selections for most parents, illustrating how cultural shifts influence naming conventions.
This historical analysis shows that while fashion in names is ever-changing, a select group of classics possess a unique, cross-generational appeal. The data from the Social Security Administration provides a valuable benchmark for understanding what makes a name truly timeless versus a product of its specific era.
