Name Popularity Trends
Type a name and watch its star-track across the years and Una charts the share (%) so you can see rises, falls, and steady glows ✨
Trend for “Olivia” (CA)
| Year | Share |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 0.1589% |
Name Popularity Trends: Watch a Name Rise, Shine, or Gently Set
Welcome to Una’s star chart for names! Your friendly place to visualize how a single name’s popularity changes over time. Type a first name, choose your country and years, and (when available) pick Female, Male, or Combined. The chart above traces the share (%) of that name each year, turning the big question “how rare is my name?” into a clear, sparkling curve you can read at a glance.
What the Curve Shows
The line represents the percentage of all baby names in your chosen sky (country + year) that match your name. When the line climbs, the name is gaining momentum; when it dips, usage is cooling. Many names move in gentle waves influenced by culture, media, and migration. Others burst into view and then settle. Seeing that motion helps you understand how rare a name is today and how it might feel in a few years.
Why Trend Lines Matter
- Choosing a baby name: If you want something fresh but not fleeting, look for a steady midline or a gentle rise.
- Reviving vintage: Some classics nap for decades, then wake up radiant and perfect if you want tradition with a twist.
- Creative projects: Writers and game devs use trends to place characters in a believable era or to subvert expectations.
How to Read “Rare” in Context
Rarity isn’t a verdict, it’s a vibe. A rare name can feel special, poetic, and memorable; a common name can feel warm, friendly, and easy to wear. The right choice depends on your story. If your heart says rare, scan for low, stable lines. If you want familiarity, look for names that hold a healthy share across multiple years. Keep whispering that compass question, “how rare is my name”, and let the curve answer with calm clarity.
Tips for Trend Sleuths
- Check neighbouring spellings: Catherine/Katherine, Aidan/Aiden, Isabel/Isabelle.
- Toggle sex filters: Some names are balanced; others lean strongly one way and Combined gives the broad vibe.
- Widen the window: A longer range reveals whether a spike is a blip or a lasting glow.
- Compare countries: Mid-rare in one country can be common next door; culture shifts the skyline.
Frequently Sparkled Questions
Why is the line flat at zero for some years?
That year’s files don’t include the name (or you’re using gender-specific data and the name doesn’t appear for that gender). Try Combined, switch the year span, or test a nearby spelling. Una can only plot stars that exist in the data.
What’s the difference between “share” and “rank”?
Share is the percentage of all names; rank is the position among all names that year. This page focuses on share to make the trend smooth and comparable across time.
Choosing With Confidence
Whether you dream of a rare firefly or a friendly classic, trends help you see the path. When the curve and your heart line up, that’s your sign. Take a breath, try the name in a sentence, and imagine it on future birthday cakes. If it still twinkles, you’ve found your star.
Una’s final whisper: names are little constellations we carry. May yours shine exactly the way you want for today, tomorrow, and far beyond.