Counterfactual
The Parallel Lives of Salem and Lesley
In 711 girls, Salem found its level. 50 years earlier, Lesley occupied that same statistical address.
1976–2025
Salem
Peak year
2023
Peak births
734
Latest count
711
Status
Rising
Peak generation
Gen Alpha
1893–2025
Lesley
Peak year
1980
Peak births
928
Latest count
30
Status
Endangered
Peak generation
Gen X
In 711 girls, Salem found its level. 50 years earlier, Lesley occupied that same address. One peaked in the Gen X era; the other in the Gen Alpha world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.