Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Wayne and Sam

In 422 boys, Wayne found its level. 50 years earlier, Sam occupied that same statistical address.

1880–2025

Wayne

peak 1947 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1947
Peak births 10,169
Latest count 422
Status Endangered
Peak generation Boomer
1880–2025

Sam

peak 1918 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1918
Peak births 2,506
Latest count 428
Status Stable
Peak generation Greatest Generation
In 422 boys, Wayne found its level. 50 years earlier, Sam 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.