Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Jerome and Cole

In 158 boys, Jerome found its level. 50 years earlier, Cole occupied that same statistical address.

1880–2025

Jerome

peak 1954 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1954
Peak births 3,113
Latest count 158
Status Endangered
Peak generation Boomer
1886–2025

Cole

peak 2002 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 2002
Peak births 6,038
Latest count 2,003
Status Declining
Peak generation Gen Z
In 158 boys, Jerome found its level. 50 years earlier, Cole 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.