About The Name Almanac
Every American name tells a story in numbers: when it rose, when it peaked, and how many people carry it today. The Name Almanac turns the Social Security Administration's baby-name records (1880 to today) and the Census Bureau's surname files into answers you can actually use — how many people share your name, how popular a name really is right now, whether that 'unique' name is quietly climbing the charts, and what a name means and where it came from. Whether you're naming a baby, tracing a family name, or just curious how rare you are, start with the data and the story behind it.
The Name Almanac is an independent resource focused on US baby names, name meanings, and name statistics — how popular a first name is and how it has trended since 1880, how many Americans share a full name, what names mean and where they come from, rare and unique name ideas, and practical naming guides (middle names, sibling sets, initials, nicknames) built on Social Security Administration baby-name records and US Census Bureau surname data. We publish practical, carefully researched guides for readers who want clear answers without the fluff — whether you are just getting started or looking to sharpen what you already know.
What we do
Every article is written and edited to be genuinely useful: accurate, easy to follow, and grounded in real-world experience. We cover topics across Baby Names, Name Meanings & Origins, Name Trends & Data, Rare & Unique Names, Naming Guides, Family & Surnames and update our guides as best practices evolve. We are not affiliated with any of the brands, products, or organizations we may reference; mentions are for the reader's benefit, not an endorsement.
Who writes The Name Almanac
The Name Almanac is written by Nora Whitfield. Nora has spent a decade charting American naming trends through Social Security records and Census surname files, and writes plain-language guides for parents who want a name they'll still love in twenty years.
How we stay free
The Name Almanac is supported by advertising. We display ads (including ads served by third parties such as Google AdSense) so that our content can remain free to read. Advertising never dictates our editorial recommendations. See our Privacy Policy for details on how ads and analytics work on this site.
Editorial standards & disclaimer
The Name Almanac is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Social Security Administration, the US Census Bureau, or any government agency. Population figures on this site are estimates derived from public datasets and are provided for curiosity and research, not as official records.
Our content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always use your own judgment and consult a qualified professional where appropriate.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections, or feedback are always welcome. Reach us at runbookify@gmail.com or visit our contact page.