Baby Names: A Trend

If you grew up in the 1970s, the chances are beyond very likely that you know, or are yourself, a Jennifer. It was, after all, the most popular baby name of the decade, with Michael winning it for the boys. And after four decades of John holding the top spot from 1890 to through 1920 (Robert came in for the 1930s) the same is true: we all know a Mike, no?

What's more, if you see a name like Madison, Kaitlyn or Brooklyn, you can pretty much be assured that if they were to order a drink, it would be apple juice, straight up.

Why do we know this? Because, as reported in USA Today, there is research to support the finding that parents in the United States respond quickly to what name is hot for their tot.

And in what's an oddly counter intuitive turn, moms and dads seem to lean more towards names that have recently risen in popularity (Ava, Isabella, Sophia) than names that have been popular for some time and have lost their cool streak (Madison, Brittany, Brianna).

It's like decorating your sun room with wicker. It had its moment, but you certainly don't want to be the one sitting in it with all that Pottery Barn hardwood winking at everyone from across the room now either.

The research comes from 127 years of data culled from the Social Security Administration.

What the research does not reveal is the reasoning behind celebrity baby names such as Inspector Pilot (Jason Lee's son) or Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette (daughter of Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller).

Photo: Jay Marr@sxc.hu