US Census Bureau Releases List of 1,000 Most Common First Names

Michael tops the list, with 1 in 100 Americans sharing the name

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a group of people in everyday lifestyle scenes, their faces and identities obscured, conveying a sense of anonymity and universality.The Census Bureau's data on the most common names in America reflects the country's evolving demographics and cultural diversity.Austin Today

The U.S. Census Bureau has released the list of the 1,000 most common first names in the country, based on data collected during the 2020 Census. Michael is the most popular name, with over 3.4 million people sharing the moniker. John, James, David, and Robert round out the top five, while Mary is the most common female name, ranking seventh overall.

Why it matters

The Census Bureau's release of the most popular names provides insight into the evolving demographics and naming trends in the United States. The data can be used by businesses, marketers, and researchers to better understand consumer preferences and cultural shifts.

The details

The Census Bureau's analysis found that many names heavily favor one gender, with 99.8% of Michaels being male and 99.8% of Marys being female. However, some names are more gender-neutral, such as Harley, which is about evenly split between male and female. Other gender-neutral names in the top 1,000 include Emerson, Quinn, and Kerry.

  • The data is based on the 2020 Census, the most recent national population count.

The players

U.S. Census Bureau

The federal agency responsible for collecting and publishing demographic data about the United States population.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Census Bureau's release of the most popular names in America provides valuable insights into the country's evolving demographics and cultural trends. Businesses and researchers can use this data to better understand consumer preferences and target their products and services accordingly.