In response to reader comments on presidential names, an extra tally:
One reader noted the decline of the classic presidential first names. Four names have been shared by three or more presidents: James, John, William and George. The simplest explanation for the dominance of these "big four" is that they are, probably, the four most common names for men across American history. ("Probably" because of sketchy data and different ways to measure.)
Even so, the concentration of these top classics among presidents is mighty high. They've accounted for over a third of the 42 men who have served as U.S. president, but just a fifth of the general male population. They're still holding strong in the White House: 5 of the of the last 10 presidents held one of the big 4 names. But look at the trend overall:
The big four aren't alone in their fall. Remember that the leadership credentials of those names actually predate the American republic. They are all names of kings of England, a list that dominated American names for generations but plummeted in the past 50 years. You'll see the same pattern in kingly names like like Edward and Charles which have never seen the oval office.
And a few brief notes:
The biggest effect of presidential names comes when the president isn't a John or James. Unconventional choices like Woodrow and Lyndon typically see big rises, whereas the more common names are barely affected.
There is one classic presidential forename that is completely American. It's a name born by two different U.S. presidents, with no kingly antecedents. (Got it yet?) It's an all-American homage, the surname of a founding father. (Now you've got it, right?) The name Franklin may not be fashionable, but it surely is presidential.
Occasionally, even losing presidential candidates have seen their surnames immortalized. Bryan rose in 1896, Hughes in 1916, Landon in 1936. Alf Landon garnered only eight electoral votes in '36 but hundreds of namesakes -- enough to make Landon the 422nd most popular boy's name of the year.
And a final follow-up, to the reader who suggested that the name Tyler might owe more to the city of Tyler, Texas than to President John Tyler. In fact, Tyler, Texas was named after John Tyler!
Comments
According to the Name Voyager, Kerry was the #966 name for 2004 boys. It'll be interesting to see if Democratic parents defiantly increase its popularity this year, or look elsewhere to avoid "loser" implications.
This is probably more related to your post on June 29, 2005. The Washington Post Business section (not online) had an interesting little tidbit today on names. The details are below:"Name That CEO" What's in a name? A lot, it seems, if you want to run a company someday.Johns, Roberts and Jameses are most likely to be calling the shots these days, according to an analysis by Factiva SalesWorks.BabyNamesWorld.com, an online database of the meaning and history of names, offers a few hints about the appeal of those particular names:* John: "God is merciful." Longtime Morgan Stanley workers hope John E. Mack -- brought back after a four-year hiatus to run the troubled company -- is, too.* Robert: "Bright, famous." It's hard not to be famous if you're running Disney, as Robert A. Iger will learn this fall when he takes the reins from Michael D. Eisner.Speaking of which, Michael ("like God") is more of a chief financial officer name, it turns out, according to the Factiva survey.Maybe somone should have told Eisner's mom. -- Mary Ellen Slayter.
When I first found your site - and blog - I typed in Walker to see what would happen. It's WAY up there.I have little doubt that comes from the W. of the current president. I think because it's so prevalent in people's minds as he's identified as George W., or just Dubya - and it's been such an interesting presidency - that the W. really stands out and has made an impact.Of course I have no basis for this - just a thought!Abby
Well, it may be that GWB has given Walker a boost, but you will notice that the name came back onto the charts in the 90's, which were over before Dubya's first primary. (Perhaps Walker was increasing in Texas while he was governor, I don't know.)Also, the increase may seem dramatic, but I wouldn't say that a name is 'WAY up there' when it occurs less than 200 times per million babies.
I think the increasing popularity of Walker probably has more to do with the trend towards surnames and occupational names (many of which end in -er) than George W.'s middle name. I would also bet that a good chunk of Americans don't even know what his middle name is.
Another factor to keep in mind..."Walker, Texas Ranger" premiered in 1993. The name Walker rose 150% during the run of that tv show, while the name George has actually declined during GWB's term in office.
Just and FYI. Woodrow Wilson's first name was Thomas. When he went to college (I believe) he stopped going by his first name and starting using his middle name.
Just and FYI. Woodrow Wilson's first name was Thomas. When he went to college (I believe) he stopped going by his first name and starting using his middle name.
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