Twilight Changing Unites States' Naming Trends

Hypothesis: The Twilight Series would have a great effect on the naming trends within the United States. The social security online publishes the popularity of baby names. The higher the rank the higher the popularity, with number one meaning the most popular name. The book came out in 2005, so I copied the last ten years getting the trend both before and after the book.

Results: As you can see below, Bella was already on the rise before the book, going from 749th rank up to 208th in 2005. But in the last five years, it has continued to increase each year and has broken the top 100 for the first time in 2009 with the 58th most popular female name.

Isabella as well was already on the rise before the book, but since the book has been published, the name went from sixth to first. 2009 was the first time that Isabella was ranked number one in the United States, taking over Emma.

The Male characters in the book are not as influenced. Edward is decreasing in popularity since the book was published. Jacob was number one before and after the book, so it is hard to measure the effect.

Disclaimer: I have not read the book, but my wife has. Thank you.

Bella
Year Rank
2009 58
2008 122
2007 159
2006 181
2005 208
2004 260
2003 318
2002 428
2001 609
2000 749

Isabella
Year Rank
2009 1
2008 2
2007 2
2006 4
2005 6
2004 7
2003 11
2002 14
2001 28
2000 45

Edward
Year Rank
2009 137
2008 148
2007 145
2006 141
2005 134
2004 129
2003 130
2002 119
2001 113
2000 108

Jacob
Year Rank
2009 1
2008 1
2007 1
2006 1
2005 1
2004 1
2003 1
2002 1
2001 1
2000 1

source:
http://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi