Trends of 1959

Discover what was popular and trending in 1959

Your People in 1959

No people added yet

Add family and friends to see how old they were in 1959 and discover what was popular when they were growing up.

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
A Separate Peace

by John Knowles

Classic or influential work of mid-20th century literature

Popular Gadget
Microchip

Robert Noyce develops planar IC

Mid-century breakthroughs shaping modern life

Most Popular Movie
Some Like It Hot

by Billy Wilder

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
Mack the Knife

by Bobby Darin

Billboard Hot 100 year-end #1 hit

Dow Jones Close
$679.36

Year-End Close

+16% from previous year

Postwar boom & 1960s expansion

Most Popular Toy
Barbie

Iconic fashion doll debut by Mattel