This list combines 1,399 spelling variations into 1,045 grouped names based on shared pronunciations. The most popular name in 1890 is Mary, given to 12,093 babies in total. Learn more about how this works.

Catherine has the most spelling variations with 11 different spellings, while Selena has the highest confusion index at 74.2%, indicating the greatest diversity in how parents choose to spell it.

When combining spelling variations, Janet showed the biggest improvement, moving up 67 positions from 186 to 119, while Carrie had the largest drop, falling 7 positions from 29 to 36.

Looking at trends, Hazel shows the strongest upward momentum (births in 1888–1890 are 429.4% higher compared to 1881–1890), while Carlotta shows the steepest decline (26.57% lower). Compared to 1889, Merle had the largest rank improvement, moving up 22 positions to rank #209, while Gloria fell 75 positions to rank #288.