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Step 1
Each year, the agency compiles all the applications for Social Security for new babies for the previous year and publishes the results.
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Step 2
The baby names are ranked as the top 100 names for the previous year, and the results are usually posted in the spring.
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Step 3
The website highlights the top 10 baby names for boys and girls, and keeps track of what names are new to the top 10 and what names have been replaced from the previous year.
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Step 4
You can also search previous years for the list of most popular names as far back as 1879. Simply enter the year and the length of the list you want to display.
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Step 5
Look at the top names by decade. Simply enter in the decade you wish to search and see which names had staying power and which ones faded away.
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Step 6
Check out the top boy and girl names by state, as regional favorites may not match the national list. You can choose the birth year for the search.
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Step 7
Track the popularity of your favorite names and see how that has changed over time. You can even see how and when a name switched genders and in what year.
Comments
sarahlynnknows said
on 12/12/2008 Is this the same as babynamewizard.com? It's so fun to see how names have become popular or unpopular over time. Thanks for the article!
shannonny said
on 10/22/2008 Great advice for parents-to-be. Say aloud possible names with your last name to get a feel for the rhythm, and to avoid what looked pretty on paper but when spoken was "Claire Annette." (True story, not mine.)
westerngirl said
on 9/23/2008 I've always looks for uncommon names but this is a good way to find a good baby name. Thanks!
Thims said
on 9/14/2008 I love step 7. I find name origins and changes fascinating. Good info.
Kilogramm said
on 8/9/2008 Great how to!