What's in a name?
Today, Explained | Jul 19 2026 | 00:30:23
Jalen and Olivia and Liam and Ailany. We look at what makes a name top the popularity charts.
This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Two babies, just a few hours old, lie side by side in a hospital in Halle, Germany. Photo by Waltraud Grubitzsch/dpa-Zentralbild/ZB via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.
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This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by David Tatasciore, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill.
Two babies, just a few hours old, lie side by side in a hospital in Halle, Germany. Photo by Waltraud Grubitzsch/dpa-Zentralbild/ZB via Getty Images.
If you have a question, give us a call at 1-800-618-8545 or email askvox@vox.com.Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices