Kids & Family

What Have Been the Most Popular Boys' Names in Massachusetts?

Benjamin was the top boys' name in the Bay State in 2012.

The name Michael was the top boys’ names in Massachusetts for more than 30 years, which likely isn’t a surprise to anyone.

The Atlantic recently posted an article of the most popular boys’ names across the country since 1960. The article comes on the heels of a similar report of the most popular girls’ names that includes both the top names for the entire country as well as a state-by-state list.

The report shows that Massachusetts was not always in step with other parts of the country when it came to boys’ names. John was the most popular boys’ name in the Bay State during the Kennedy administration, but that was overtaken by Michael, which ruled until 1996.

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Matthew took the top spot for the next decade, but since then three different names have held the top spot in Massachusetts

Here is the list of the most popular boys’ names in Massachusetts over the past 30 years:

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1960-1964 – John

1965-1996 – Michael

1997-2007 – Matthew

2008-2010 – Ryan


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