Trends of 1951

Discover what was popular and trending in 1951

Popular Baby Names
James & Linda

Most Popular Names

Top boys name: James, Top girls name: Linda

Mid-20th century U.S. naming trends with Mary, Linda, and Michael dominating

Most Popular Book
The Catcher in the Rye

by J.D. Salinger

Classic or influential work of mid-20th century literature

Popular Gadget
UNIVAC I

First commercial computer

Mid-century breakthroughs shaping modern life

Most Popular Movie
A Streetcar Named Desire

by Elia Kazan

Mid-20th century influential or top-grossing film

US President
Harry S. Truman

Democrat Party

End of WWII, Marshall Plan, Korean War

Most Popular Song
Too Young

by Nat King Cole

Pre-Hot 100 era; top-selling single of the year

Dow Jones Close
$269.23

Year-End Close

+14% from previous year

Postwar boom & 1960s expansion

Most Popular Toy
Mr. Potato Head

First toy advertised on TV, with mix-and-match faces