It’s too early to say what the top baby names of 2007 will be, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make predictions! This year, we’re predicting a big upset in the girls’ names.
Since 1880, when the U.S. began to keep records of baby names, only 7 girls’ names have ever held the coveted number one spot for the most popular name in any given year. By far, the predominant name has been Mary, which enjoyed an uninterrupted run as the most popular girl’s name in America from 1880 to 1946. That’s an incredible 67 years on top!
In 1946, Mary was bumped from top place by the name Linda, which retained the top spot for 6 years, until 1952. Mary made a strong comeback at number one, from 1953 to 1961, the last year for which it held that spot.
After Mary, the name Jennifer has enjoyed the longest stretch at number one, for 15 years from 1970 to 1984. Not far behind Jennifer comes Emily, the current number one girl’s name, which has held that spot for the past 11 years. And that’s where we predict the big upset for 2007!
Based on our own observations, our readers’ comments, and a dash of tea leaves, we think that in 2007 the most popular girl’s name will turn out to be Ava.
Ava was never very popular, even in its heyday, the early 1950s. That is, until 1997, when it began a rocket-like move up the charts. In 1997 it was number 618; by 2000 it was 180. In 2004 it was number 25, and in 2006, number 5. And now, we think, 2007 will be Ava’s year — the year it will become the number one girls’ name, and become the 8th member of an exclusive club — the only girls’ names that have ever been number one in America.
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The Number One Girls’ Name Club, 1880 – 2006
- Mary (1880-1946; 1953-1961)
- Jennifer (1970-1984)
- Emily (1996-2006)
- Jessica (1985-1990; 1993-1995)
- Lisa (1962-1969)
- Linda (1947-1952)
- Ashley (1991-1992)
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