What has been the most popular boys’ name in the United States over the past 100 years?
John
Robert
Michael
James
Fact: James has been the most popular boys’ name in the United States over the past 100 years, according to the Social Security Administration’s records for births from 1926 through 2025. More than 4.5 million boys received the name during that period, narrowly edging out Michael, John, and Robert. Although Michael held the No. 1 spot more often on an annual basis than any other boys’ name, James accumulated the greatest total number of births over the century, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Correct Answer: James