This list combines 2,229 spelling variations into 1,006 grouped names based on shared pronunciations. The most popular name in 1956 is Michael, given to 95,878 babies in total. Learn more about how this works.

Darrell has the most spelling variations with 28 different spellings, while Jerrell has the highest confusion index at 88.2%, indicating the greatest diversity in how parents choose to spell it.

When combining spelling variations, Arlen showed the biggest improvement, moving up 162 positions from 535 to 373, while Craig had the largest drop, falling 6 positions from 51 to 57.

Looking at trends, Shane shows the strongest upward momentum (births in 1954–1956 are 713.08% higher compared to 1947–1956), while Truman shows the steepest decline (66.6% lower). Compared to 1955, Elvis had the largest rank improvement, moving up 210 positions to rank #321, while Davie fell 96 positions to rank #431.