This list combines 1,449 spelling variations into 1,006 grouped names based on shared pronunciations. The most popular name in 1897 is Mary, given to 13,426 babies in total. Learn more about how this works.

Catherine has the most spelling variations with 10 different spellings, while Selena has the highest confusion index at 74.5%, indicating the greatest diversity in how parents choose to spell it.

When combining spelling variations, Janet showed the biggest improvement, moving up 79 positions from 195 to 116, while Addie had the largest drop, falling 9 positions from 104 to 113.

Looking at trends, Thelma shows the strongest upward momentum (births in 1895–1897 are 1005.06% higher compared to 1888–1897), while Byrd shows the steepest decline (46.76% lower). Compared to 1896, Thelma had the largest rank improvement, moving up 39 positions to rank #118, while Arla fell 38 positions to rank #315.