Trends of 1958

Discover what was popular and trending in 1958

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
Things Fall Apart

by Chinua Achebe

Classic or influential work of mid-20th century literature

Popular Gadget
Integrated Circuit

Jack Kilby invents IC

Mid-century breakthroughs shaping modern life

Most Popular Movie
Vertigo

by Alfred Hitchcock

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
Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare)

by Domenico Modugno

Billboard Hot 100 year-end #1 hit

Dow Jones Close
$583.65

Year-End Close

+34% from previous year

Postwar boom & 1960s expansion

Most Popular Toy
Hula Hoop

Massive fad toy of the late '50s