What's in a name? Unfortunately, when 45 percent of adults in America say celebrity endorsements have an influence on their feelings, a whole lot of sycophancy. Using the Social Security Administration's baby name database, we've found even more evidence to support a theory we've had for a while now: many people are malleable to a fault and willing to make major life decisions based on what's popular.
For instance, in 1991, just one year after Mariah Carey released her debut, self-titled album, Mariah was the 69th most popular girl's name in the US, an appreciable jump from its position in 1989: 563. In 2005, Angelina was the 43rd most popular girl's name; it had been 304th in 1995. Kiefer debuted at 854 in the 1990 rankings of the top 1,000 boy names; two years prior, actor Kiefer Sutherland had starred as a heroic cowboy in Young Guns. Beyonce made its first and only appearance at the 700 spot in 2001.
Of course, as you well know, pop culture won't always positively shift the public opinion. In 2007, about a year after the release of the now-canonical gay film Brokeback Mountain, the name Heath dropped from 778 to 905. In 1989, Lisa was the 55th most popular girl's name in America. That year The Simpsons debuted, and Lisa has lost popularity ever since. In 2007 it was ranked 573rd.
Not at all in the top 1,000 names in the last 100 years: Barf, Cord and Apple.
Editor
Eff you! Lisa is, has and always will be #1!
Eh, who am I kidding? Even I don't like my name all that much.
"I'm looking for a mrs. talls, jenny talls."
Lisa, it's a good thing that your name is less popular now. Names are supposed to make your identification easy. When everyone in my class is named Stephanie and Mark, being named Ilnaz "What An Exotic Name! Is It Common In Persia??" Nazhad is a relief. At least my name serves its fucking purpose and I don't think Persia is still a country.
Although, it doesn't quite roll of the tongue. "I love you… ILnalsjkdnkjansd Nasmkhdfbkafn, baby." Ew.
maria, you've stumbled on my nickname. My name's actually Janet (Janice is what my drunk patrons call me most of the time) –it's amazing walking down the street and hearing someone scream "Janetalia!!" and knowing they mean you.
Barf? Who would name a kid Barf???? Or was that just a typo for Bart?
I am pleased to announce, parents all around the world continue to name their daughters in my honor. Thank you for your support, Long live Emily!
I agree with ilnaz. I went to a small school (K-12 in the same building) and 6 girls in my grade were named Jennifer - 2 of them with the last name Smith.
So glad my mother chose something a little more original (at least in my area during those times). Come to think of it, I have never met another woman with the same first name, Kori! Thanks Mom!
I have never met any other queencrone.
I like being different.
My name is also Lisa, and I love it. It's actually Lisa Marie, but only by mere coincidence do I share the name with Elvis' daughter. It's interesting that people started using it less when The Simpson's starting airing. Wierd.
We call my newborn son Odin (his first name is old fashioned - he's named after his great grandfather) and I doubt we'll ever meet another one outside of Denmark. The wierd thing is that months after we decided on his name, and about a month before he was born - on Leap Day! - my husband and I joined up with a group of heathens. When we get together they're always yelling out "Hail Odin!". My son is going to have such a complex when he gets older…
In case that didn't make sense, Odin isn't his first name.
Sorry Kat, I am name Kory with a K!!!!