Name Concentration Analysis
Name Diversity Index
How baby name diversity has exploded over 145 years - from concentrated classics to infinite choices
28.7%
of all babies had a Top 10 name
1950 - Concentrated Era
23.6% decrease
in Top 10 name concentration since 1950
Diversity Over Time
Top 10 names' share of total births by decade
29%15%0%
1900
20.4%
20%
1920
25.8%
26%
1940
29.2%
29%
1950
28.7%
29%
1960
24.9%
25%
1970
22.4%
22%
1980
19.5%
19%
1990
15.7%
16%
2000
9.6%
10%
2010
6.0%
6%
2020
5.1%
5%
2024
5.1%
5%
1900
1920
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
2024
Most Concentrated
Transitional
Most Diverse
Visual Comparison
How the Top 10 names' share has shrunk
1950 - Concentrated
29%
Top 10
About 1 in 4 babies had a Top 10 name
2024 - Diverse
5%
Top 10
Only about 1 in 17 babies have a Top 10 name
Why This Matters
The social significance of name diversity
Cultural Diversity
Increased immigration and cultural exchange have introduced names from around the world into the US naming pool.
Individuality
Modern parents increasingly prioritize unique names to help their children stand out in a connected world.
Media Influence
Television, movies, and social media expose parents to a vast array of name options beyond traditional choices.
104K+
Unique Names
145
Years of Data
5.7x
More Diverse Today
52
States Tracked
Discover more patterns in American baby naming history.