Stories
Short reads built from ninety years of American baby-name records: what names reveal about age, how tastes changed, and how the daily NameYear puzzle is made. Every number is computed from the Social Security Administration’s data.
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How NameYear Makes Sure Every Puzzle Is Solvable
Every roster is checked against the data before it ships. Here is the math, in plain words.
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How Old Is Someone Named Linda, Jason or Madison?
Half of all Lindas were born before a certain year. The typical age behind familiar names.
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Every #1 Baby Name in America Since 1935
Michael’s decades at the top, Jennifer’s 15 years, and the short reigns that followed.
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The Names That Date You (and the Ones That Never Do)
Most Brittanys share a 15-year window. Most Elizabeths do not. Which names give your age away.
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Why Fewer Kids Share a Name Than Ever
In 1935 one girl in four got a top-10 name. Today it is about one in fourteen.