BABYCENTER FINDS POLITICS AND PATRIOTISM ARE INFLUENCING BABY NAMES

Data Shows Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Hamilton Are Biggest Sources of Inspiration

PR Newswire (San Francisco) – June 22, 2016
Halfway through 2016, BabyCenter^®, the #1 pregnancy and parenting digital resource, is tracking the impact of the upcoming election on baby names. According to an analysis of the more than 115,000 baby names registered on BabyCenter so far this year, the two presumptive presidential nominees are influencing parents’ name choices, and there is an overall sense of patriotism affecting naming decisions.

The presidential hopeful serving as the biggest source of inspiration is Hillary Clinton and her family. The name Hillary rose 142 percent since this time last year, while the name Bill increased 113 percent, Chelsea jumped 18 percent, and Charlotte is up 17 percent.

The name Donald also increased in popularity since last year, jumping nearly eight percent. Trump family names, including Melania and Ivanka, are also on the rise, up 36 percent and four percent respectively.

“A presidential election is a big deal, and new parents who choose names like Hillary and Donald are placing a bet that their new baby will share the name of the next American president,” said Linda Murray, BabyCenter Global Editor in Chief. “In a sense, they’re already voting for their favorite candidate. Time will tell whether they picked a winner or the next John Kerry or Mitt Romney.”

Hamilton
In addition to being a Broadway smash, Hamilton is serving as an inspiration for baby names among new parents. In fact, the name Hamilton soared nearly 60 percent since this time last year.

“The combination of Hamilton’s success and the election year has parents feeling patriotic,” said Murray. “When parents reach into history to select a leader’s name for their child, it’s usually because they feel inspired by that person’s values and legacy. The Broadway show’s multi-ethnic, cross-culture story speaks to millennial parents. Hamilton is the new Lincoln or Madison.”

Other names from the show that have increased in popularity include Jefferson (up 171 percent), James (up 25 percent for boys), Maria (up nearly 22 percent), and George (up nearly 21 percent).

For more information on this trend, visit http://www.babycenter.com/baby-name-trends-2016.

Later this year, BabyCenter will announce the results of its highly anticipated annual Baby Names Survey and the Top 100 Baby Names of 2016.

About BabyCenter LLC
BabyCenter is the world’s partner in parenting. The #1 pregnancy and parenting digital destination, BabyCenter reaches more than 45 million parents a month from every corner of the globe through its 11 owned and operated properties in 9 different languages. In the United States, 8 in 10 new and expectant moms online use BabyCenter each month. BabyCenter provides parents with trusted information, advice from peers, and support that’s Remarkably Right^® at every stage of their child’s development. Products include websites, mobile apps, online communities, email series, social programs, print publications, and public health initiatives. BabyCenter has 13 Webby Awards including the 2016 Webby “People’s Voice Award” in the Family/Parenting category. BabyCenter also leverages its industry-leading audience engagement to provide unparalleled insights and innovative marketing solutions to the world’s top brands, retailers, and institutions. BabyCenter is also committed to improving maternal health globally, and, through its Mission Motherhood™ campaign, works closely with nonprofits, NGOs, and governments to help make motherhood safer for all women. BabyCenter LLC is a member of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies. Visit BabyCenter on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn or follow @BabyCenter and @MomInsights on Twitter.

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Contact:

Nicole Centinaro / Sue Murphy
Coyne Public Relations
973-588-2000