Trends of 1955

Discover what was popular and trending in 1955

Popular Baby Names
Michael & Mary

Most Popular Names

Top boys name: Michael, Top girls name: Mary

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

Most Popular Book
Lolita

by Vladimir Nabokov

Classic or influential work of mid-20th century literature

Popular Gadget
Velcro

Commercial debut of Velcro fasteners

Mid-century breakthroughs shaping modern life

Most Popular Movie
Rebel Without a Cause

by Nicholas Ray

Mid-20th century influential or top-grossing film

US President
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Republican Party

Postwar prosperity, Interstate highways, Cold War tensions

Most Popular Song
Rock Around the Clock

by Bill Haley & His Comets

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

Dow Jones Close
$488.40

Year-End Close

+21% from previous year

Postwar boom & 1960s expansion

Most Popular Toy
Gumby

Clay animation character toy