When it comes to birthdays, some dates are much rarer than others for reasons that range from holidays to how calendars work. People born on these dates often stand out a bit more simply because they share their special day with fewer people. Below, we’ll go through the least common birthdays in the world, looking at each date and why it might not be so popular. And to add a little extra, you’ll find some well-known figures born on each date.
July 5
Coming just after Independence Day in the United States, July 5 isn’t the most common day for birthdays. For one, many people plan around holiday celebrations rather than welcoming a baby around that time. Famous people born on this date include singer-songwriter Huey Lewis, actress Katherine Helmond, and baseball star Jim Beauchamp.
May 26
As spring gives way to summer, May 26 lands in a period where fewer babies are typically born. There’s no specific holiday to explain its rarity, but it might simply be a less preferred time for scheduled births. Notable people born on May 26 include actor John Wayne, rock musician Stevie Nicks, and singer Lauren Hill.
December 31
New Year’s Eve is a big celebration worldwide, but it’s a surprisingly uncommon day for births. Many people prefer to avoid a New Year's Eve birthday, and hospitals might not schedule non-emergency deliveries around this day. Celebrated figures with December 31 birthdays include singer Donna Summer, actor Anthony Hopkins, and Olympian Gabby Douglas.
April 13
Falling in early spring, April 13 may be less common due to the superstition around the number 13. While it’s not specifically unlucky for everyone, the stigma could play a small role in its lower birth rate. Famous April 13 birthdays include actors Allison Williams and Ron Perlman, along with singer Al Green.
December 23
With Christmas just days away, December 23 isn’t a popular choice for new parents hoping to avoid holiday-season birthdays. Medical professionals may also be cautious with scheduling due dates near Christmas to ensure staff availability. Famous figures born on this date include Emperor Akihito of Japan, musician Eddie Vedder, and actress Holly Madison.
April 1
April Fool’s Day has a bit of a reputation, which could make April 1 a less-than-ideal birthday. It’s one of the more joked-about days, and some might prefer not to have their child share a birthday with such a humorous date. Notable people born on April 1 include actress Mackenzie Davis, musician Susan Boyle, and actor David Oyelowo.
November 28
November 28 falls during the Thanksgiving season in the United States, and since many prefer not to schedule births around big holidays, this could explain its rarity. Well-known people born on November 28 include music producer Berry Gordy, actor Ed Harris, and comedian Jon Stewart.
November 26
Another date around Thanksgiving, November 26, also shows up as one of the least common birthdays. With families focused on holiday preparations and travel, planned births tend to be scheduled away from this period. Celebrities born on this date include actress Tina Turner, musician DJ Khaled, and actor Peter Facinelli.
November 24
November 24 also lands near Thanksgiving, which likely contributes to its place on the list. Additionally, it falls within a colder season, when birth rates often drop slightly. Famous people born on this day include actress Katherine Heigl, soccer star Sarah Hyland, and comedian Colin Hanks.
October 31
Halloween has a unique vibe, and although some may love the idea of a Halloween birthday, it’s not for everyone. Many parents may not choose to deliver around this date to avoid sharing their child’s special day with the spooky holiday. Notable Halloween-born figures include actress Willow Smith, politician Dan Rather, and author John Keats.
November 25
Landing right around Thanksgiving, November 25 shares a similar story to other late-November birthdays. It’s a busy time for families, and many prefer to avoid deliveries that overlap with major holidays. People born on November 25 include actress Christina Applegate, former president George Armstrong, and musician Amy Grant.
November 23
Close to Thanksgiving, November 23 is yet another day with fewer births, as many parents avoid scheduling around this time. Famous November 23 birthdays include singer Miley Cyrus, actress Kelly Brook, and comedian Robin Roberts.
November 27
Following Thanksgiving, November 27 has a lower birth rate due to the holiday break and travel. Celebrities born on November 27 include TV personality Bill Nye, actor Jaleel White, and musician Jimi Hendrix.
December 26
The day after Christmas is one of the least common birthdays, likely because most prefer to avoid giving birth during the holidays. Many people want to keep Christmas and birthdays as separate celebrations. Notable December 26 birthdays include boxing legend Jared Leto, actress Eden Sher, and producer Kathleen Kennedy.
January 2
After New Year’s Day, January 2 is often quieter, with fewer births. Many prefer not to start the year with a major event like a birth. Famous people born on January 2 include actor Taye Diggs, musician Cuba Gooding Jr., and fashion designer Isabella Blow.
July 4
Independence Day in the United States means most are busy with celebrations, not planning births. With fireworks and festivities, it’s easy to understand why July 4 is less common for births. Notable people born on this date include actor Neil Simon, singer Bill Withers, and baseball player George Steinbrenner.
December 24
Christmas Eve is another date where births are rare. Many avoid scheduling deliveries right before the Christmas holiday, preferring a date that doesn’t compete with one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Famous December 24 birthdays include actor Ricky Martin, producer Ava Gardner, and singer Louis Tomlinson.
January 1
New Year’s Day might be seen as a fresh start, but it’s one of the least common days for births. Families tend to avoid the hassle of a New Year’s birthday, and hospitals may prioritize other emergencies. Known figures with January 1 birthdays include author J.D. Salinger, actor Colin Morgan, and Olympian Verne Troyer.
December 25
Christmas Day is, predictably, one of the least common birthdays. Many parents don’t choose this date, preferring to keep the holiday season and birthdays separate. Famous Christmas-born people include singer Annie Lennox, actress Sissy Spacek, and musician Jimmy Buffett.
February 29
February 29, the rare leap year date, only occurs every four years, making it by far the least common birthday. It’s an unusual birthday that only 0.07% of the world’s population shares. Celebrities born on February 29 include rapper Ja Rule, actress Dinah Shore, and motivational speaker Tony Robbins.
