Blog
Notes on name rarity, popularity, and the quirks of 145 years of U.S. name data.
Vintage Baby Names Making a Comeback: Names That Peaked in the 1920s and Are Rising Again
Hazel, Evelyn, Henry, and more. Real vintage names that peaked a century ago and have roared back, shown with the birth data behind the comeback.
The Rarest Baby Names in America, and the 5-Baby Rule That Hides the Rest
In 2024 alone, 4,362 names were given to just 5 babies each. Here is how the rarest American baby names work and why the very rarest never show up.
How Rare Is Your Last Name? A Look at American Surnames
Smith, Johnson, Garcia, and the rest. How common the top U.S. surnames really are, and how last-name rarity differs from first names.
The Rarest Names in America, and Why You Cannot See Them
The truly rarest U.S. names are hidden on purpose. Here is how the data works, what "too rare to count" means, and how rare a name can actually get.
Why Some Names Feel Rare but Are Not
A name can feel one-of-a-kind in your class and still be common nationwide. Here is why rarity and trendiness are two different things.
How Rare Is Your Name? The Simple Math Behind the Number
The exact method behind a name rarity score, from the "1 in X" formula to the six tiers, explained with real examples like James, Emma, and Nevaeh.
The Most Common Names in America, and How Common They Really Are
The 10 most common U.S. first names of all time, plus the surprising "1 in X" figure that shows just how widely each one is shared.