This student project shows the importance of examining outside influences affecting the time series. The percentage of baby names Elvis jumps enormously in 1956-1958. This is clearly not expected from previous values, which were insignificant before 1956. In January 1956, Elvis Presley burst onto the national scene (by appearances on national television) as no previous singer had ever done. It is hard to young people now to imagine the effects. Now we have iPods and everyone listens to the music he or she likes. In 1956, the young people in the U.S. listened to Elvis Presley. They saw him on TV time after time; they bought his albums; they were infatuated with his gyrations; they imitated his every move; and they named their babies after him. In 1958, Elvis Presley entered the military, and Elvis baby names stayed steady for 19 years.

The time series show another jump in 1977-1979. In 1977 Elvis Presley died, beginning another infatuation (did Elvis really die?). He had more news coverage and media attention than any other dead person. Young people again played his songs – and named their babies after him.