Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Ellen and Elise

In 230 girls, Ellen found its level. 50 years earlier, Elise occupied that same statistical address.

1880–2025

Ellen

peak 1951 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1951
Peak births 5,945
Latest count 230
Status Endangered
Peak generation Boomer
1880–2025

Elise

peak 2012 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 2012
Peak births 2,121
Latest count 1,367
Status Declining
Peak generation Gen Z
In 230 girls, Ellen found its level. 50 years earlier, Elise occupied that same address. One peaked in the Gen Z era; the other in the Boomer world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.