Top 11 most common billionare names!
We put on our detective hats and sifted through the Forbes 400 list for 2024 to see which first names are making the most repeat performances among America’s billionaires. Get ready for some name-centric number crunching!
A Quick Heads-Up: Prepare for the Billionaire Boys’ Club
Alright, before we get to the actual names, a little heads-up: this list is, frankly, a bit of a sausage fest. Yep, not a single typically female name made the top cut here from the Forbes 400 data. This isn’t a knock on the incredible women out there, but it does shine a light on some of those bigger societal things still at play when you look at who’s currently topping these kinds of lists.
On the positive note - there is no Elon on the list.
Now, let’s see which names did end up on the list most often.
The Top 11 Most Common Names of American Billionaires
Jim (6 times)
Good old Jim. Often a stand-in for James, it’s got that friendly, get-things-done kind of vibe. You can almost picture a Jim making deals on a golf course – or maybe that’s just us.
Mark (6 times)
From the Latin “Marcus,” and tied to Mars, the Roman god of war. So, a “Mark” might just be pre-programmed to conquer… the stock market? A solid, classic name that’s clearly left its, well, mark.
James (6 times)
The original! This Hebrew name means “supplanter.” It’s been a go-to for kings, presidents, and even a few suave fictional spies. Timeless, dependable, and apparently, pretty good at accumulating wealth.
George (6 times)
This name comes from the Greek for “farmer” or “earthworker.” So, from tilling the land to… tilling the profits? It’s a sturdy, historic name that feels both down-to-earth and distinguished.
Jeff (6 times)
Often a shorter take on Jeffrey, meaning “God’s peace.” It hit peak coolness a while back but still sounds pretty modern. One Jeff might spring to mind for building an online shopping empire, but he’s clearly got some namesake company in the billions club.
Charles (7 times)
Meaning “free man,” Charles has a certain regal flair (thanks to a few famous kings). It’s a name that’s both classic and strong, and it seems quite a few Charleses have freely made their way to billionaire status.
Thomas (7 times)
This Aramaic name means “twin.” Famous for doubters, thinkers, and inventors. Perhaps these particular Thomases had a twin passion for innovation and investment? A solid, ever-popular choice.
Michael (9 times)
“Who is like God?” is the powerful meaning behind this Hebrew name. It’s been a chart-topper for baby names for decades, so it’s not a huge shock to see a squadron of Michaels commanding large fortunes.
Top 3
David (11 times)
A Hebrew name meaning “beloved.” From biblical giant-slayers to modern-day titans, David is a name that’s both strong and widely admired. It’s a global classic, and clearly, success finds it pretty beloved too.
Robert (12 times)
This Germanic name translates to “bright fame.” With a billion or more, you’re definitely not hiding in the shadows! Roberts have been kings, poets, and actors – and now, a dozen of them are lighting up the Forbes list.
And the #1 most common first name among America’s billionaires in this particular snapshot is… drumroll, please…
John (A hefty 15 times!)
Meaning “God is gracious,” John is THE quintessential classic. It’s straightforward, universally recognized, and has been a pillar of naming traditions for centuries. From everyday Joes to, well, 15 American billionaires, this name has some serious clout.
So, Should You Name Your Next Goldfish “John R. Michael-David VII”?
Let’s be real, probably not! While it’s fun to spot these name trends, success is obviously way more complex than just what’s on your birth certificate. A cool name doesn’t hurt, but it’s hardly the secret sauce.