The day I was born.

🇺🇸 United States

Born in 1961: United States

This was United States in 1961. Add your birthday to see your exact day.

What was United States like in 1961?

Here is what United States was like in 1961. The biggest song was “Tossin' and Turnin'”. In cinemas, people watched “West Side Story”. In the news: SL-1 reactor explosion in Idaho. 1961 was also the Year of the Metal Ox, from about 4 February. Below: songs, films, TV, cars, prices, names and news from 1961.

×10.5

how much prices have risen since

70.3

years of life expected at birth

Songs

  • Tossin' and Turnin' · Bobby Lewis
  • I Fall to Pieces · Patsy Cline
  • Michael · The Highwaymen
  • Crying · Roy Orbison
  • Runaway · Del Shannon

Films

  • West Side Story · United Artists
  • The Guns of Navarone · Columbia
  • El Cid · Allied Artists

On TV

  • Gunsmoke · CBS
  • Wagon Train · NBC
  • Wagon Train · NBC
  • Bonanza · NBC

Cartoons

  • Mighty Mouse Playhouse · CBS
  • The Bugs Bunny Show · ABC / CBS · Warner Bros.
  • The Huckleberry Hound Show · Hanna-Barbera (1958-09-29)
  • The Quick Draw McGraw Show · Hanna-Barbera (1959-09-28)

Cars

  • Rambler American · American Motors
  • Volkswagen Beetle · Volkswagen
  • Chevrolet Corvair · Chevrolet

Phones and gadgets

  • Transistor radio · various makers

Fashion

  • The bouffant
  • The miniskirt
  • Jackie Kennedy's pillbox hats

Sports

  • Boston Celtics win the NBA championship · 1961 NBA Finals (1961-04-11)
  • New York Yankees win the World Series · 1961 World Series (1961-10-09)

Popular baby names

  • Mary · Girls
  • Michael · Boys
  • David · Boys
  • Lisa · Girls
  • John · Boys
  • Susan · Girls

In the news

  • SL-1 reactor explosion in Idaho (1961-01-03)
  • Eisenhower warns of the 'military-industrial complex' (1961-01-17)
  • John F. Kennedy sworn in (1961-01-20)
  • Ham the chimp goes to space (1961-01-31)
  • US figure skating team killed in plane crash (1961-02-15)
  • Kennedy creates the Peace Corps (1961-03-01)
  • Barbie gets a boyfriend: Ken (1961-03-11)
  • Bay of Pigs invasion (1961-04-17)

1961: the Year of the Metal Ox

People born from about 4 February 1961 to 3 February 1962 share the Ox as their year animal, with the Metal element: patience and quiet strength with focus and strength. Those born earlier in January belong to the Metal Rat year.

See the day you were born →

Small town not listed? Pick the nearest bigger town.

Helps us find photos of the streets you grew up on.

Start typing its name: we look in your city first. Not in the list? Just type it.

Your school is used only for your page. It’s saved only if you’re logged in, and it’s never in share links or images.

Birth date
Time of birth

Needed to reveal your destiny. Your birth hour unlocks your hidden traits.

Gender (optional)

Used for your 10-year luck cycles.

Music on the results page
We don't save anything unless you log in.

Frequently asked questions

What was United States like in 1961?

Here is what United States was like in 1961. The biggest song was “Tossin' and Turnin'”. In cinemas, people watched “West Side Story”. In the news: SL-1 reactor explosion in Idaho. 1961 was also the Year of the Metal Ox, from about 4 February. Below: songs, films, TV, cars, prices, names and news from 1961.

What was the No. 1 song in United States in 1961?

“Tossin' and Turnin'” was the biggest song of 1961 in United States.

What animal year was 1961?

1961 was the Year of the Metal Ox, from about 4 February 1961 to 3 February 1962. People born in January 1961 belong to the Metal Rat year.

What were popular baby names in United States in 1961?

Popular names included Mary, Michael, David, and Lisa.

How old is someone born in 1961?

Someone born in 1961 turns 65 in 2026.

How can I see the exact day I was born?

Enter your birth date and city on bornthis.day to see that day’s weather, the moon, the No. 1 song and more, all free.

Last updated October 27, 2026