This list combines 1,498 spelling variations into 1,025 grouped names based on shared pronunciations. The most popular name in 1896 is Mary, given to 13,818 babies in total. Learn more about how this works.

Catherine has the most spelling variations with 12 different spellings, while Selena has the highest confusion index at 76.2%, indicating the greatest diversity in how parents choose to spell it.

When combining spelling variations, Janet showed the biggest improvement, moving up 78 positions from 191 to 113, while Lola had the largest drop, falling 7 positions from 105 to 112.

Looking at trends, Thelma shows the strongest upward momentum (births in 1894–1896 are 768.74% higher compared to 1887–1896), while Myrta shows the steepest decline (29.17% lower). Compared to 1895, Doris had the largest rank improvement, moving up 28 positions to rank #141, while Mellie fell 36 positions to rank #300.