This list combines 5,760 spelling variations into 1,000 grouped names based on shared pronunciations. The most popular name in 1981 is Michael, given to 71,984 babies in total. Learn more about how this works.

Jacqueline has the most spelling variations with 38 different spellings, while Charisse has the highest confusion index at 92%, indicating the greatest diversity in how parents choose to spell it.

When combining spelling variations, Charisse showed the biggest improvement, moving up 483 positions from 997 to 514, while Larry had the largest drop, falling 17 positions from 148 to 165.

Looking at trends, Brianne shows the strongest upward momentum (births in 1979–1981 are 2851.84% higher compared to 1972–1981), while Kim shows the steepest decline (72.55% lower). Compared to 1980, Tiara had the largest rank improvement, moving up 330 positions to rank #519, while Renata fell 308 positions to rank #802.