Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Jacob and Gary

In 6,152 boys, Jacob found its level. 50 years earlier, Gary occupied that same statistical address.

1880–2025

Jacob

peak 1998 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1998
Peak births 36,031
Latest count 6,152
Status Declining
Peak generation Gen Z
1880–2025

Gary

peak 1952 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1952
Peak births 38,754
Latest count 201
Status Endangered
Peak generation Boomer
In 6,152 boys, Jacob found its level. 50 years earlier, Gary occupied that same address. One peaked in the Boomer era; the other in the Gen Z world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.