Is Jessica Really the New Karen? What the Data Actually Says

The Case for Jessica

Gen Z's naming instincts are surprisingly data-backed. Jessica isn't just any millennial name—it was THE millennial name. From 1985 to 1995, Jessica claimed the #1 spot for 9 different years, a level of dominance Karen never achieved (Karen peaked at #3 in 1965 and never hit #1).

That ubiquity is exactly what makes a name vulnerable. When everyone's mom, aunt, and older sister is named Jessica, the name becomes generational shorthand—and eventually, a stereotype.

Jessica has already fallen 573 positions to #574. Karen fell 1,255 positions to #1,258. The gap between them? One viral TikTok.

Why Ashley Won't Be the Next Karen

Some corners of the internet argued Ashley should be the new Karen. The data says otherwise.

Ashley peaked at #1 in 1991-1992 and spent 23 years in the top 10—impressive credentials. But here's the thing: Ashley is still at #124 in 2024. Parents are still actively choosing this name.

You can't meme a name that's still being given to babies. Ashley hasn't entered the 'dated' zone yet. It's still aspirational enough to survive.

Brittany: The Real Vulnerability

If we're looking for a millennial name on the brink, look at Brittany.

Brittany peaked at #3 in 1989 and has already fallen 788 positions to #791. That's a steeper drop than Jessica (#574) and puts it squarely in the 'mom name' uncanny valley—too recent to feel vintage, too dated to feel fresh. One meme and Brittany could freefall past Karen.

Do Male Names Fall Like Karen?

Some have suggested Michael and Christopher would be the male equivalents of Jessica. But here's where male names diverge from female names: they don't fall as hard.

Michael was #1 for an astounding 44 years (1954-1998) and is STILL at #18 today. It's the most durable name in American history. You can't Karen a name that refuses to die.

Christopher has declined more noticeably—from #2 in the 80s-90s to #61 today—but that's still nowhere near Karen territory.

What about David? Some have suggested it as a male Karen, but the data says otherwise—David peaked at #1 in 1960 and is still #31 today. That's only a 30-position drop. Not even close.

The closest thing to a 'Male Karen'? Gary. He peaked at #9 in 1954—the same Boomer era as Karen—followed nearly the same trajectory, and has fallen 1,119 positions to #1,128. If any male name has been 'Karen'd,' it's Gary.

The Bottom Line

Gen Z picked the right name. Jessica is positioned exactly where Karen was before the meme hit—popular enough to be generational shorthand, dated enough to feel like 'your mom's name,' and fallen far enough that one viral moment could send it into freefall.

Ashley? Too popular. Brittany? Already spiraling. Michael? Immortal.

Jessica is the one to watch.