This list combines 4,330 spelling variations into 1,000 grouped names based on shared pronunciations. The most popular name in 1997 is Michael, given to 39,404 babies in total. Learn more about how this works.

Nicholas has the most spelling variations with 40 different spellings, while Taryn has the highest confusion index at 91%, indicating the greatest diversity in how parents choose to spell it.

When combining spelling variations, Taryn showed the biggest improvement, moving up 310 positions from 722 to 412, while Jesus had the largest drop, falling 11 positions from 71 to 82.

Looking at trends, Bailey shows the strongest upward momentum (births in 1995–1997 are 1767.09% higher compared to 1988–1997), while Clinton shows the steepest decline (68.14% lower). Compared to 1996, Trace had the largest rank improvement, moving up 130 positions to rank #414, while Shaquille fell 152 positions to rank #632.