Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Ricky and Lyle

In 248 boys, Ricky found its level. 50 years earlier, Lyle occupied that same statistical address.

1925–2025

Ricky

peak 1958 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1958
Peak births 13,375
Latest count 248
Status Endangered
Peak generation Boomer
1880–2025

Lyle

peak 1922 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1922
Peak births 1,055
Latest count 211
Status Stable
Peak generation Greatest Generation
In 248 boys, Ricky found its level. 50 years earlier, Lyle occupied that same address. One peaked in the Greatest Generation era; the other in the Boomer world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.