Babies born in newer U.S. states have more distinctive names compared with their counterparts in older regions such as New England, a new study finds.

It turns out, the same values that pushed adventurous individuals into new territories as our country was being populated may still show up in the names their descendants give to babies, a new study finds.

In more recently established states, such as Washington and Oregon, parents tend to choose less common baby names1, while parents in ‘older’ areas, such as the original 13 states, go for more popular names.

Frontiers typically have fewer established institutions or infrastructure, and often occupy harsh environments. Early pioneers couldn’t rely on others for help in such sparsely populated areas.

These factors ‘select for people who are high in individualism and foster and reward individualistic values such as uniqueness and self-reliance,’ said lead researcher Michael Varnum of the University of Michigan. ‘This leads to regional cultures which perpetuate these values, which in turn shape behavioral practices, such as baby naming.’ [Most Popular Baby Names in History2]

Psychologist Jean Twenge of San Diego State University, who studies baby naming, applauds Varnum’s study on frontiers and unique baby names3, which is detailed in the February 2011 […]