Generations in the United States are defined as social groups of people born within a defined time period that share similar cultural traits, values, and preferences. In the United States today, most people identify as Millennials, Xers, or Boomers. While generational names have existed for years, their regular use is a fairly recent cultural phenomenon.

A Brief History of Naming Generations

Historians generally agree that generational naming began in the 20th century. It was deceased American writer Gertrude Stein who coined the term 'Lost Generation' in her work. She bestowed this title on those born around the turn of the 20th century who devoted their lives to service during World War I. In the epigram to Ernest Hemingway's 'The Sun Also Rises,' published in 1926, Stein famously wrote, 'You are all a lost generation.'

The 20th Century

Generation 50 Plus Dating In Usa Women

Feb 12, 2020 In the early 1990s, the children born post-Gen X were often referred to as Generation Y by media outlets like Advertising Age, which is recognized as being the first to use the term in 1993. But by the mid-90s, amidst commotion about the turn of the 21st century, this generation was more often referred to as Millennials, a term Howe and Strauss. 2022 USA senior citizens database 10.5 million $ 449.00 $ 549.00; 2022 - 108 million USA Consumers Mega Edition $ 799.00 $ 1,199.00; 2022 USA 50 Million Consumer Cell Phone numbers - Premium Edition $ 499.00 $ 899.00.

Curtin SC, Sutton PD. Marriage rates in the United States, 1900–2018. NCHS Health E-Stat. Marriage rates: United States, 1900–2018 image icon. NOTES: Rates are per 1,000 population. Alaska was included beginning in 1959, and Hawaii beginning in 1960. California was excluded in 1991, Louisiana in 2006, and Georgia in 2013 and 2014. Dating for Seniors: 50plus-Club. 50plus-Club is a secure and user-friendly dating community, where thousands of personal ads and many exciting features help you to get to know others for friendship, companionship or a serious relationship. 50plus-Club has been specifically designed to fit older people's needs.

As for the rest of the generations? Generational theorists Neil Howe and William Strauss are usually credited with identifying and naming U.S. 20th-century generations in their 1991 book titled 'Generations.' Most of these labels stuck, though the dates that define them are somewhat flexible. In this study, the two historians identified the generation that fought World War II as the G.I. (short for 'Government Issue') Generation, but this name would soon be replaced. Less than a decade later, Tom Brokaw published 'The Greatest Generation,' a best-selling cultural history of the Great Depression and World War II, and that namesake is still used today.

Generation X

Canadian author Douglas Coupland, born in 1961 at the tail end of the Baby Boom, was responsible for naming the generation that followed his own. Coupland's 1991 book 'Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture' and later works chronicled the lives of 20-somethings and came to be seen as an accurate representation of that era's youth. Without knowing it, Coupland permanently named Gen X.

40 plus dating

Did You Know?

Generational theorists Neil Howe and William Strauss suggested the name Thirteeners (for the 13th generation born since the American Revolution) for Generation X, but the term never caught on.

Most Recent Generations

The origins of generations following Generation X are much less clear. In the early 1990s, the children born post-Gen X were often referred to as Generation Y by media outlets like Advertising Age, which is recognized as being the first to use the term in 1993. But by the mid-90s, amidst commotion about the turn of the 21st century, this generation was more often referred to as Millennials, a term Howe and Strauss first used in their book. There is now a Generation X and a Millenial generation.

The name for the most recent generation is even more variable. Some prefer Generation Z, continuing the alphabetical trend begun with Generation X, while others prefer buzzier titles like Centennials or the iGeneration. What will come in the future is anyone's guess and with each new generation comes more disagreement.

Generation Names and Dates

Some generations such as Baby Boomers are known by one name only, but other generations have many titles to choose from and these cause no small amount of dispute among experts. Read a few alternative systems of categorizing and naming generations below.

Howe and Strauss

Neil Howe and William Strauss define generational cohorts in the U.S. from 1900 on as follows.

  • 2000–: New Silent Generation or Generation Z
  • 1980 to 2000: Millennials or Generation Y
  • 1965 to 1979: Thirteeners or Generation X
  • 1946 to 1964:Baby Boomers
  • 1925 to 1945: the Silent Generation
  • 1900 to 1924: the G.I. Generation

Population Reference Bureau

The Population Reference Bureau provides an alternate listing and dates of generation names, showing that the lines that separate each generation are not necessarily concrete.

  • 1997 to 2012: Generation Z
  • 1981 to 1996: Millennials
  • 1965 to 1980: Generation X
  • 1946 to 1964: Baby Boomers
  • 1928 to 1945: the Silent Generation

Center for Generational Kinetics

Plus

The Center for Generational Kinetics lists the following five generations who are currently active in America's economy and workforce. They use trends of parenting, technology, and economics to determine the dates of each generation.

  • 1996–: Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials
  • 1977 to 1995: Millennials or Gen Y
  • 1965 to 1976: Generation X
  • 1946 to 1964: Baby Boomers
  • 1945 and before: Traditionalists or the Silent Generation
Generation 50 Plus Dating In Usa

What About the Youngest Generation?

Australian researcher Mark McCrindle can claim the credit for naming the youngest cohort, which other platforms leave out and have failed to update: he called those born from 2010–2024 Generation Alpha.

In his book 'The ABC of XYZ: Understanding the Global Generations,' McCrindle nods to theories presented in Howe and Strauss' research by referring to the children of millennials as 'alpha' on the basis that this generation will most likely grow up in a period of rebirth and recovery. Generation Alpha, the first generation born entirely in the 21st century, marks a fresh start for the economy, political climate, environment, and more.

50 Plus Dating Network

Generational Naming Outside of the United States

Generation 50 Plus Dating In Usa 2020

While the concept of social generations is a largely Western notion, generational naming is not unique to this region. Other nations name their generations too, though these are most often influenced by local or regional events and less by unofficial social and cultural zeitgeists. In South Africa, for example, people born after the end of apartheid in 1994 are referred to as theBorn-Free Generation. Romanians born after the collapse of communism in 1989 are sometimes called the Revolution Generation.

Additional References

  • Brokaw, Tom. The Greatest Generation. Random House, 2005.
  • Coupland, Douglas. Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture. 1st ed., St. Martins Griffin, 1991.
  • Hemingway, Ernest. The Sun Also Rises. Hemingway Library Edition, Reprint Edition, Scribner, July 25, 2002.
  • Howe, Neil. Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069. William Strauss, Paperback, Reprint edition, Quill, September 30, 1992.
  • McCrindle, Mark, et al. The ABC of XYZ: Understanding the Global Generations. UNSW Press, 2009.
  1. Dimock, Michael. “Defining Generations: Where Millennials End and Generation Z Begins.” Pew Research Center, 17 Jan. 2019.

  2. “Generational Breakdown: Info About All of the Generations.” The Center for Generational Kinetics.

mlaapachicago
Your Citation
Rosenberg, Matt. 'Generational Names in the United States.' ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/names-of-generations-1435472.Rosenberg, Matt. (2020, August 27). Generational Names in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/names-of-generations-1435472Rosenberg, Matt. 'Generational Names in the United States.' ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/names-of-generations-1435472 (accessed December 24, 2021).

2022 USA 50 Million Consumer Cell Phone numbers – Premium Edition

Usa$899.00
  • Homeowner Data, USA Consumer and Residential leads

    2021 USA Homeowner and Residential – 248 million records

    Homeowner Data, USA Consumer and Residential leads

    2021 USA Homeowner and Residential – 248 million records

    (4)

    A massive marketing package containing 248 million records!

    $899.99
  • USA Consumer and Residential leads

    Monthly USA sales leads optin package

    USA Consumer and Residential leads

    Monthly USA sales leads optin package

    (15)

    A killer leads package of millions of USA sales leads that elect to receive offers from vendors online!

    $399.00
  • Cellphone leads for SMS marketing, USA Consumer and Residential leads

    2022 USA 50 Million Consumer Cell Phone numbers – Premium Edition

    Cellphone leads for SMS marketing, USA Consumer and Residential leads

    2022 USA 50 Million Consumer Cell Phone numbers – Premium Edition

    (0)

    A monster marketing package! Directly message or call 50 million users! The ultimate cell phone database for your mobile numbers marketing campaign!

    $899.00
  • USA Consumer and Residential leads

    2022 USA senior citizens database 10.5 million

    USA Consumer and Residential leads

    2022 USA senior citizens database 10.5 million

    (0)

    A staggering 10.5 million sales leads database of seniors citizens !

    SKU: n/a
    $549.00
  • USA Consumer and Residential leads

    20 million USA Consumers with email list and phone

    USA Consumer and Residential leads

    20 million USA Consumers with email list and phone

    (6)

    Updated Bi-yearly, Our latest package of 20 million USA consumers with all contact information!

    $599.00
  • USA Consumer and Residential leads

    2022 – 108 million USA Consumers Mega Edition

    USA Consumer and Residential leads

    2022 – 108 million USA Consumers Mega Edition

    (0)

    108 million US leads to smash those marketing goals!

    $1,199.00
  • USA Consumer and Residential leads

    USA 2 Million New Phone Connects – Age 55 – 85

    USA Consumer and Residential leads

    USA 2 Million New Phone Connects – Age 55 – 85

    (0)

    2 million age 55-85 new phone connects for telemarketing!

    $349.00
  • USA Consumer and Residential leads

    USA Email openers

    USA Consumer and Residential leads

    USA Email openers

    (7)

    This is a USA email list package of people who have opened marketing emails that are recorded and compiled. These are taken from major email providers such as Gmail and contains millions of leads who have been recorded as opening their email.

    $349.00
  • Business Databases

    2020 USA Business database – Executive Edition

    Business Databases

    2020 USA Business database – Executive Edition

    (7)

    This is a a full USA business database with detailed executive information. Not only do you get 37 million business records, 27 million of those have extended information such as executive email, credit score, etc

    $895.00
  • Business Databases

    2021 Canada Business Database – Blueline Edition

    Business Databases

    2021 Canada Business Database – Blueline Edition

    (10)

    This is the ultimate business to business marketing tool targeting Canadian businesses!

    $499.00
  • Business Databases

    2020 Australia Business Database

    Business Databases

    2020 Australia Business Database

    (7)

    This comprehensive database includes indepth business information and social media information in columns for targeted b2b marketing

    $399.00
  • Business Databases

    2020 UAE Business Database

    (8)

    The Ultimate UAE business database with tons of content and over 60 000 business contacts! package includes:

    UAE Business Database
    Business Executives Database
    Nationality wise Businessmen
    Researched Individual records
    All UAE Freezones Database
    Dubai Areas (Jumeirah, Marina etc) Database
    Dubai Real Estate Database
    Mobile Marketing Database

    $199.00
  • Business Databases

    UK Business Database

    (5)

    The UK Business Database and email list is built from the ground up by Mailbanger and has over 3.9 million records split into counties with full emails for B2B marketing

    $299.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Student Loan Leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Student Loan Leads

    (0)

    At least 800 000 leads of individuals inquiring about student loans through optin forms.

    $599.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Dating website leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Dating website leads

    (0)

    Do you have a dating website and looking for clients? Our package of almost 1 million Dating website optin leads will definitely bring you new business

    $449.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Home and Renovation Sales Leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Home and Renovation Sales Leads

    (0)

    500 000 repair and renovation leads is a great package if you provide services in this niche

    $299.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Health and Beauty Sales Leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Health and Beauty Sales Leads

    (0)

    Have any health hand beauty related products or services to sell? Gain access to a large list of over 900 000 leads of consumers opting in to receive offers relating to your business!

    $499.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Pharmaceutical Sales Leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Pharmaceutical Sales Leads

    (0)

    Mailbanger puts together 1.5 million Pharma customers with lots of info!

    $499.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Forex Leads

    (0)

    Over 850 000 online inquiries about Forex services

    $499.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Travel Leads

    (0)

    1 million leads of consumers inquiring via optin form to receive information on travel and vacations

    $599.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Small Business Leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Small Business Leads

    (0)

    A package of leads inquiring about investing in businesses mainly new startups

    $449.00

70 Plus Dating

Products Grid

  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Ecommerce Sales Leads – Shoppers

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Ecommerce Sales Leads – Shoppers

    (0)
    SKU: n/a
    $349.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Auto Insurance leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Auto Insurance leads

    (0)
    SKU: n/a
    $599.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Weight loss leads Package

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Weight loss leads Package

    (0)
    SKU: n/a
    $699.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Whois Registrar records

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Whois Registrar records

    (0)
    SKU: n/a
    $499.00

Generation 50 Plus Dating In Usa

  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Online Gambling Leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Online Gambling Leads

    (4)
    SKU: n/a
    $699.00

50 Plus Dating Apps

Dating

50 Plus Club Dating

  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Online sweepstakes leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Online sweepstakes leads

    (9)
    SKU: n/a
    $499.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Online Lottery players leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Online Lottery players leads

    (0)
    SKU: n/a
    $599.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Stock market leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Stock market leads

    (0)
    SKU: n/a
    $399.00
  • Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Financial Investment leads

    Targeted Optin specialty leads

    Financial Investment leads

    (0)
    SKU: n/a
    $299.00