The Database of the Dead
Are you in it?
August 13, 2015
The Social Security Administration maintains a database containing a record of every U.S. citizen who has died since 1936. What could possibly go wrong? In “The Final File,” contributing editor Paul Ford discusses a few problems with what the government lovingly refers to as the Social Security Death Master File. Explore it for yourself.
To get started, choose a first and last name
What's Trending?
Here's how many people were born and died with this name over time.
How many times has a name died?
Total deaths: 265
| First | Last | Date of Death | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAUL | FORD | 2013-05-28 | 71 |
| PAUL | FORD | 2013-03-29 | 83 |
| PAUL | FORD | 2013-02-15 | 71 |
| PAUL | FORD | 2013-01-31 | 59 |
| PAUL | FORD | 2012-12-01 | 61 |
| PAUL | FORD | 2012-10-28 | 78 |
| PAUL | FORD | 2012-06-13 | 88 |
| PAUL | FORD | 2011-12-25 | 88 |
| PAUL | FORD | 2011-12-24 | 82 |
| PAUL | FORD | 2011-12-12 | 84 |
Only the ten most recent deaths with that name are shown.
How long does a name live?
Find out the average lifespan of people with these names.
| First Name | Age | Last Name | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul | 69 | Ford | 71 |
Is death really just a popularity contest?
Ever wonder how your name stacks up against the most fashionable monikers of the deceased?
| Rank | Name | Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | James Smith | 20,836 |
| 2nd | William Smith | 20,532 |
| 3rd | Mary Smith | 18,923 |
Interactive by Jorge Lopez, Matt Unhjem, and Silas Burton.