Based on historical data spanning the last 100 years, the most common male name is James, and the most common female name is Mary. These names have consistently topped the charts for their respective genders over the past century, reflecting enduring popularity across generations.
Understanding Common Name Statistics
When analyzing name popularity over a significant period like 100 years, statistics are typically broken down by gender, as male and female names occupy distinct categories. While a single "most common name" across all genders isn't usually aggregated in this manner, James and Mary stand out as the definitive most frequent choices for males and females, respectively, during this timeframe.
Top Names Over the Last 100 Years
According to comprehensive records, the top-ranking names for males and females over the last century are as follows:
| Rank | Male Names | Female Names |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James | Mary |
| 2 | Michael | Patricia |
| 3 | Robert | Jennifer |
This data highlights how certain names maintain a strong cultural presence and continue to be chosen by parents for many decades. The consistency of names like James and Mary at the top of these lists underscores their widespread acceptance and timeless appeal. For more detailed historical data on name popularity, various official records and statistical analyses are available.
