Counterfactual

The Parallel Lives of Willie and Lincoln

In 147 boys, Willie found its level. 50 years earlier, Lincoln occupied that same statistical address.

1880–2025

Willie

peak 1947 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 1947
Peak births 7,997
Latest count 147
Status Endangered
Peak generation Boomer
1880–2025

Lincoln

peak 2017 2025 18801900192019401960198020002020
Peak year 2017
Peak births 8,202
Latest count 4,703
Status Declining
Peak generation Gen Alpha
In 147 boys, Willie found its level. 50 years earlier, Lincoln occupied that same address. One peaked in the Gen Alpha era; the other in the Boomer world. They never met. But the data remembers them both.