The Most Popular Baby Names of All Time

The Social Security Administration releases its list of the most popular baby names for boys and girls from the previous year annually. Last year, Jacob and Sophia topped the list. And, with only slight variability, the list has looked roughly the same in recent years (Ethan, Alexander, Emily, and Ava continue to rank high as well.)

But if you look at the most popular baby names in America over time—over the last 100 years—the landscape looks entirely different. Only two names from that list—Michael and William—remain in the current top 10. Still, these top monikers from the last century are the ones that have endured; they are classic, solid choices that have resonated with more parents than any others.