The most popular baby names of the last 100 years

Being Pregnant 22 Nov 16 By

Can you guess which one is as popular today as it was in 1911?

Following the research of family history business find my past, the UK website has gone back in time to compare the leading baby names across three different periods to see what names have managed to stand the test of time.

Analysing the 1911 Census, the 1939 Register and official survey results from 2015, find my past uncovered that names like Oliver and Olivia are winners now, but it was John and Edith who led the baby-name pack back in 1911.

However, just by taking a glance at these lists, we can’t help but identify a royal theme running throughout each period. In 1911 and 1939, Mary and Margaret reigned supreme, Charles rose to fame in the early 20th century, and now Harry sits high on the 2015 list.

Then there's George, who hit the ground running at number three in 1911, was left out completely in 1939, but had a resurgence in 2015 (we do wonder if it has anything to do with a certain royal prince being given this name in 2013…).

And the one moniker that made it into the top 10 most-preferred names over all three of these time periods?

William!

To read up on the top names of the last 100-plus years, see the infographic below.

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