More Babies Being Named for Political Figures this Election Season
Parents could be casting their votes in the form of baby names.
— -- As the election ramps up, baby names seems to be tracking the candidates. In its most recent study, BabyCenter found that presidential nominees, in their race to influence policy, are already influencing parents’ name choices.
“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,” Linda Murray, BabyCenter Global Editor in Chief told ABC News. “In a sense, they’re already voting for their favorite candidate.”
Based on more than 115,000 baby names registered with the center, analysts were able to determine that a sense of patriotism is influencing many parents as they name their newborns. Political power-couple the Clintons seem to be the biggest source of inspiration: the name Hillary rose 142 percent since this time last year and Bill is up 113 percent. Chelsea and Charlotte have also increased in popularity, 18 and 17 percent respectively.
The Trump family names are also experiencing a surge, though not as significant as the Clintons'. Donald has increased nearly eight percent since last year, Melania has jumped 36 percent, and Ivanka four percent.
The only presidential hopeful who hasn’t had this same effect is Senator Sanders. The name Bernard has dropped 50 percent, BabyCenter found, and not a single baby has been named Bernie so far this year.
But, Murray added that this is not necessarily typical, noting that the names Barack and Mitt didn’t experience nearly the same jump four years ago.
“We think there are two things going on here that are benefiting these names,” she said. “One is that people are feeling especially passionate about this election, and the other is that these are strong, classic names.”
As for the disparity, Murray believes only time will tell what that indicates.
Patriotic names don’t stop at the election, either. Broadway sensation "Hamilton" has also inspired parents, with the name growing 60 percent since this time last year.
“The Broadway show’s multi-ethnic, cross-culture story speaks to millennial parents. Hamilton is the new Lincoln or Madison,” Murray said.
However this election season ends, Murray said she expects the number of little Hillarys and Donalds to decline again after November, once political realities set in.
Until then, it seems parents will continue casting their votes and expressing their patriotism in the maternity ward.