Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Melinda and Liberty

In 97 girls, Melinda found its level. 50 years earlier, Liberty occupied that same statistical address.

1880–2025

Melinda

peak 1970 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1970
Peak births 4,225
Latest count 97
Status Endangered
Peak generation Gen X
1912–2025

Liberty

peak 2004 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 2004
Peak births 749
Latest count 195
Status Declining
Peak generation Gen Z
In 97 girls, Melinda found its level. 50 years earlier, Liberty occupied that same address. One peaked in the Gen Z era; the other in the Gen X world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.