The Most Searched Princesses in Each State

Princesses have been present in popular culture for centuries, from the ruling dynasties of the East to Grimms’ broadly European fairy tales. Many of the princesses we know well today came into cultural relevance as Disney animated characters. But they had lives before Disney. Had you heard of the Snow Queen before Elsa in Frozen? How about Denmark’s little mermaid before the animated movie? Some of those stories have been around for centuries!

Now, as moviegoers across the country prepare for the upcoming live-action Little Mermaid movie and Disney prepares to remake Moana, we wanted to know which princess was the most searched in each state. But don’t worry, you’re not tied to your state’s favorite princess. As a princess who didn’t make our list (I’m not bitter) once asked, “If you could change your fate, would ya?”

Using data from Google Trends, we examined the search volume for nine princesses. Let’s dive into the unknown and see which princess is part of your world!

Elsa rules over most states

The most searched princess in America is Elsa, who tops the list in 16 states. No one comes close to taking her crown. States in both warm and cold climates find themselves identifying with the queen who just wants to let it go.

Next up is Ariel. The mermaid from under the sea is the top-searched princess in 12 states across the U.S.

• The areas are a mix of landlocked and coastal states.
• Her popularity may be tied to the ad blitz from Disney for the new live-action Little Mermaid movie.

Jasmine is the third-most searched princess in the U.S. She’s the top princess in 11 states, only one fewer than Ariel.

• The states tend to be clustered in the Northeast and the Mountain West.
• Maybe Jasmine uses the magic carpet to go between them?

While most states pick one of the top three princesses—Elsa, Ariel, and Jasmine—there are some outliers.

• Seven states choose Pocahontas, including Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, and Washington.
• The belle of the ball in South Dakota and West Virginia is… Belle!
• New Hampshire loves Rapunzel, while Alaska feels a kinship with Snow White. (Do Alaskans connect with her name?)

South Carolina is the only state that can’t make a decision. People there search for Elsa and Ariel in equal numbers.

Finally, states also love characters from their own states. Hometown princess Tiana reigns over Louisiana, while Moana rules over the Pacific from Hawaii.