Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Shawn and Clyde

In 399 boys, Shawn found its level. 50 years earlier, Clyde occupied that same statistical address.

1931–2025

Shawn

peak 1971 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1971
Peak births 12,825
Latest count 399
Status Endangered
Peak generation Gen X
1880–2025

Clyde

peak 1920 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1920
Peak births 3,069
Latest count 350
Status Stable
Peak generation Greatest Generation
In 399 boys, Shawn found its level. 50 years earlier, Clyde occupied that same address. One peaked in the Greatest Generation era; the other in the Gen X world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.