Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Makayla and Lawanda

In 530 girls, Makayla found its level. 50 years earlier, Lawanda occupied that same statistical address.

1971–2025

Makayla

peak 2008 2025 192019401960198020002020
Peak year 2008
Peak births 5,957
Latest count 530
Status Endangered
Peak generation Gen Z
1917–2021

Lawanda

peak 1977 2025 192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1977
Peak births 592
Latest count 0
Status Declining
Peak generation Gen X
In 530 girls, Makayla found its level. 50 years earlier, Lawanda occupied that same address. One peaked in the Gen X era; the other in the Gen Z world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.