This list combines 3,083 spelling variations into 1,004 grouped names based on shared pronunciations. The most popular name in 1981 is Michael, given to 71,302 babies in total. Learn more about how this works.

Nicholas has the most spelling variations with 35 different spellings, while Jerrell has the highest confusion index at 86.9%, indicating the greatest diversity in how parents choose to spell it.

When combining spelling variations, Jerrell showed the biggest improvement, moving up 221 positions from 592 to 371, while Andrew had the largest drop, falling 4 positions from 18 to 22.

Looking at trends, Kellen shows the strongest upward momentum (births in 1979–1981 are 942.48% higher compared to 1972–1981), while Tim shows the steepest decline (75.97% lower). Compared to 1980, Skylar had the largest rank improvement, moving up 130 positions to rank #374, while Seneca fell 68 positions to rank #556.