BeenVerified Study Finds Impact of Disney Movies on Baby Names

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 6, 2024 / A recent study by BeenVerified highlights the significant influence of Disney movies on baby naming trends in the U.S. Analyzing data from the Social Security Administration, the study found that in years when a Disney film ranked in the top 50 at the box office, the likelihood of a leading character's name doubling in popularity was 5.9%—almost double the rate of the general name list.

Since 1980, the top 10 Disney names by increase in popularity include Merida from "Brave" with a 1150% rise, Koda from "Brother Bear" with 937%, and Moana from "Moana" with 488%. The movie "Encanto" contributed two names to the top 10: Mirabel with a 271% increase and Camino with 142%.

The study also identifies geographical trends. Nevada scored the highest Disney name popularity, followed by Arizona and Washington. Additionally, cultural influences affect naming: Montana favored "Koda," Hawaii preferred "Ariel" and "Moana," and Louisiana chose "Tiana" from "The Princess and the Frog."