There are so many generations of people on Earth—so how do you know which one you belong to as the New Year adds another one to the list?
Well, if you’re born in the early 1900s, then you’re probably part of the Greatest Generation, while some of the youngest on our planet will identify with Generation Alpha.
Generations are often grouped by 20-year time intervals, according to Deborah Carr, PhD, professor and chair of the sociology department of Boston University.
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"Generations take on special meaning because their members tend to experience critical life events and transitions at particular historical moments, and these moments define their lives,” she told Parents.com.
Below, we’ve created a guide to help you find which cohort you slot into. We’ve also included details about the brand-new generation that all babies born on January 1 2025 and beyond will belong to.
The Greatest Generation
Born 1901-1927
If a relative or someone you know was born approximately between 1901 and 1927, then they are considered part of The Greatest Generation.
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People of this generation are considered the oldest citizens in the UK and are known to have lived through World War II. Some famous names from the Greatest Generation include Queen Elizabeth II, actress Marilyn Monroe, and West End star Earl Cameron.
The Silent Generation
Born 1928-1945
You belong to The Silent Generation if you were born approximately between 1928 and 1945, according to Parents.com.
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These people, often called Traditionalists, are often thought of as disciplined, value-orientated and loyal, says Dr Alexis Abramson, an expert in what is known as ‘generational cohorts’.
She also claimed those of The Silent Generation prefer to speak to people face-to-face rather than through means of technology.
Baby Boom Generation
Born 1946-1964
Baby boomers are a demographic cohort that was born roughly between 1946 and 1964.
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These people, born during the population surge in the years following World War II, are known for having a strong work ethic and have previously been described as committed, competitive and self-sufficient.
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Generation X
Born 1965-1980
Those born in Generation X are usually ‘very industrious’ according to The Independent and are often lauded for their independence and value of job stability.
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If you were born around 1965 to 1980 then you seamlessly fit into this generation, and were most probably alive for the rise of MTV and the birth of the internet.
Millennial Generation
Born 1981-1996
Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are the largest generation in the UK and are thought to make up around 22 percent of the population. You are part of his cohort if you were born between 1981 and 1996.
Dr Abramson claims that Millennials are often perceived quite badly but that they’re also the first generation to be ‘digital natives’ - having access to computers and smartphones from a young age.
Other characteristics include confidence, curiosity and often being conscious of unemployment
Generation Z
Born 1997-2010
Consumer Research company GWI states that Generation Z loves to travel, is highly collaborative and often sees gaming as much more than a hobby.
If that sounds like you, then you were probably born somewhere between 1997 and 2010.
Generation Alpha
Born 2010-2024
The eldest Generation Alpha children are turning 15 this year, while the youngest may have just been born, due to this cohort’s boundaries sitting between 2010-2024.
These kids have never known a time when social media doesn’t exist, with Parents.com describing them as ‘far more tech-savvy than any generation previously’.
Generation Beta
Born 2025-2039
If you have a child that’s due in 2025, then they’ll officially be the first to join a new generation of babies!
Of course, it’s way too soon to know what will be in store for Generation Beta however demographer and consultant Mark McCrindle has had his say on what we can expect.
"While Generation Alpha has experienced the rise of smart technology and artificial intelligence, Generation Beta will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday life - from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment,” he began.
"They will likely be the first generation to experience autonomous transportation at scale, wearable health technologies, and immersive virtual environments as standard aspects of daily life.
"Their formative years will be marked by a greater emphasis on personalisation - AI algorithms will tailor their learning, shopping, and social interactions in ways we can only begin to imagine today."
Unfortunately, many people have already slammed the Generation Beta name, with one typing: “Beta doesn't sound nice I will not be giving birth to no betas so it's after 2039.”
A second echoed: "Please they should change it to something meaningful. My children will not be 'beta'.”
Still, it’s such an exciting time!
Ella Scott