The Most Popular Baby Names of All Time

The Social Security Administration releases its list of the most popular baby names for boys and girls from the previous year annually. Last year, Jacob and Isabella topped the list. And, with only slight variability, the list has looked roughly the same in recent years (Ethan, Alexander, Emily, and Ava continue to rank high as well.)

But if you look at the most popular baby names in America over time -- over the last 100 years -- the landscape looks entirely different. Only two names from that list -- Michael and William -- remain in the current top 10. Still, these top monikers from the last century are the ones that have endured; they are classic, solid choices that have resonated with more parents than any others.

Mary

In the first half of the century, Mary not only appeared in the top 10, it dominated the list. And by sheer numbers, it takes the cake, too; more than three million girls were named Mary in the last 100 years. In recent years, as a trip to the playground will tell you, its popularity has declined, but the name hasn't totally disappeared. Mary remains a simple and sweet pick -- and, as the name of the most important female figure in the Christian world, it packs major cultural significance.

Pair it with another name to make it feel more modern (and a tad Southern, too) -- Mary Frances, Mary Margaret, Mary Kate -- or choose it as a way to honor a relative if you had an important Mary in your family.

Patricia

Serious-sounding Patricia enjoyed its heyday in the '40s and '50s. Perhaps because of its heft and notable lack of sweetness, many parents bestowed it and then shortened it to nickname form: Pat, Patty, Tricia, or Trish. Modern-day contemporaries might be Peyton, Piper, or Paige -- or try Patsy for a retro pick with a similar vintage feel, but a greater sense of fun and playfulness.

Elizabeth

Although Elizabeth is a name for the ages, somehow it never feels old-fashioned. It's truly a timeless, classic choice, equally appealing in full or nickname form. While it has often appeared in or hovered around the top 10 or 20 names, it never cracked the top five once in the last century. Two famous associations -- the Queen of Britain (times two) and legendary beauty Elizabeth Taylor -- give this girls' name big-time regal clout.

Jennifer

Jennifer dominated the list of popular baby girls' names in the 1970s and into the '80s, coming in at number one from 1970 -- 1984. Less popular now, it's still a sweet choice that's traditional but not dated. For a modern update, try an alt-spelling -- think adorable actress Ginnifer Goodwin -- and super-cute nickname Ginny.

Linda

Extremely popular in the '40s and '50s, and making its last appearance in the top 10 in the '60s, Linda holds very little modern-day appeal -- although it could be seen as an early precursor to the "a"-endings seen on so many popular girls' names today (Sophia, Emma, Olivia.) While the name has seen a sharp decline in the last decade, try contemporary updates like Liza, Lindsay, or Lila.

Barbara

A quintessential American name -- think The Beach Boys' "Barbara Ann" and iconic toy Barbie -- Barbara saw the height of its popularity in the '30s, '40s, and early '50s. By the time the 1960s rolled around, it had fallen to number 21. Famous Barbaras include former First Lady Barbara Bush and superstar Barbra Steisand. Names with a similar but more current feel might be Brooke, or the tomboy-cute nickname Bobbie.

Susan

Susan peaked in the '50s and '60s, but by the '70s had fallen to number 27. But it's classic in a way that other names on this list aren't, and one of its modern-day sisters -- Susannah -- could gain in popularity just as Hannah and Savannah have. Other similar, traditional "s" names parents have continued to love over the years: Samantha and Sarah.

Margaret

Like Elizabeth, Margaret is a classic name that continues to endure without sounding old-fashioned or dowdy. It's sweet and sophisticated and comes with nicknames -- Maggie and Meg -- that are cute and playful. It was most popular in the early 1900s, along with Mary, Helen, and Ruth, but the name hasn't seen the sharp decline of Barbara, Linda, or Susan in more recent decades. Modern parents drawn to uber-popular Madison or Mia could consider Margaret as a more traditional but not overused option; expectant moms and dads who like "m"-names with a vintage feel but less traditional flair might eye Mamie or Maisie.

Dorothy

More than any other name on this list, Dorothy is stuck with the dowdy vibe (sorry!). Popular from the early 1900s through the '30s, the name -- along with nickname Dottie -- is full-on retro. The only cool Dorothy we know in pop culture was from the Wizard of Oz (at least she had some rockin' shoes!). The name hasn't appeared in the top 1,000 names for girls since 2007; far more popular D-names with a contemporary feel include Destiny, Danielle, and Diana.