Fictional mothers from TV shows and movies have long captured our hearts, from nurturing matriarchs to fierce dragon queens. These iconic characters shape how we view family and leave a lasting mark on pop culture. But which on-screen moms are Americans searching for most? A recent study dives into Google Trends data to reveal the most-searched fictional mothers in every U.S. state, uncovering some unexpected favorites.
Using search patterns from the past year, Privacy Journal mapped out the fictional moms who dominate online interest across the country. Keep reading to discover which TV and movie moms resonate most in each state.
Top Fictional Moms Ranked
The study ranks the most-searched fictional mothers based on Google Trends data. Here’s how they stack up:
| Fictional Mom | Number of States |
|---|---|
| Morticia Addams | 12 |
| Daenerys Targaryen | 12 |
| Lorelai Gilmore | 10 |
| Marge Simpson | 6 |
| Elastigirl | 4 |
| Aunt May | 2 |
| Queen Elinor | 1 |
| Sarah Connor | 1 |
| Sophia Petrillo | 1 |
| Renee Perry | 1 |
| Lois Griffin | 1 |
State-by-State Breakdown
The study reveals fascinating regional preferences for fictional moms. Below is a detailed look at the most-searched mother in each state, along with the show or movie they’re from:
| State | Fictional Mom | Show/Movie |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Alaska | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Arizona | Elastigirl | The Incredibles |
| Arkansas | Elastigirl | The Incredibles |
| California | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| Colorado | Elastigirl | The Incredibles |
| Connecticut | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Delaware | Queen Elinor | Brave |
| Florida | Sarah Connor | Terminator |
| Georgia | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| Hawaii | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Idaho | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Illinois | Marge Simpson | The Simpsons |
| Indiana | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Iowa | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Kansas | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Kentucky | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Louisiana | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Maine | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Maryland | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Massachusetts | Marge Simpson | The Simpsons |
| Michigan | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| Minnesota | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| Mississippi | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Missouri | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Montana | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| Nebraska | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Nevada | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| New Hampshire | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| New Jersey | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| New Mexico | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| New York | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| North Carolina | Marge Simpson | The Simpsons |
| North Dakota | Sophia Petrillo | Golden Girls |
| Ohio | Marge Simpson | The Simpsons |
| Oklahoma | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Oregon | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Pennsylvania | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| Rhode Island | Aunt May | Spider-Man |
| South Carolina | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| South Dakota | Renee Perry | Desperate Housewives |
| Tennessee | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Texas | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| Utah | Daenerys Targaryen | Game of Thrones |
| Vermont | Elastigirl | The Incredibles |
| Virginia | Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls |
| Washington | Marge Simpson | The Simpsons |
| West Virginia | Morticia Addams | The Addams Family |
| Wisconsin | Marge Simpson | The Simpsons |
| Wyoming | Lois Griffin | Family Guy |
| District of Columbia | Aunt May | Spider-Man |
Morticia Addams: America’s Gothic Mom Icon
Tied for first place, Morticia Addams from The Addams Family reigns supreme in 12 states, including Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, and West Virginia. Known for her eerie elegance, Morticia blends devotion to her quirky family with a timeless gothic charm.
Her popularity shines in Southern and Western states, where her unique blend of warmth and boundary-setting resonates. From Carolyn Jones’ 1960s TV portrayal to Anjelica Huston’s film role and Catherine Zeta-Jones’ recent Wednesday performance, Morticia’s allure endures, celebrating individuality and family pride.
Daenerys Targaryen: The Dragon Queen of Search
Tied for second with 12 states, Game of Thrones’ Daenerys Targaryen dominates searches in Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. Played by Emilia Clarke, Daenerys embodies fierce maternal instincts as the “Mother of Dragons,” protecting her “children” with unwavering resolve.
Her appeal spans from New England to the Pacific, reflecting a universal admiration for her blend of nurturing and discipline. Daenerys’ complex journey makes her a powerful symbol of motherhood that transcends borders.
Lorelai Gilmore: The Witty Mom Next Door
In third place, Gilmore Girls’ Lorelai Gilmore captures 10 states: California, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Portrayed by Lauren Graham, Lorelai’s fast-talking, pop culture-savvy parenting style sparks a redefinition of TV motherhood.
Popular in urban and college-heavy states, Lorelai’s close yet authoritative bond with daughter Rory appeals to a wide audience. Her modern, friendship-based approach, paired with protective instincts, makes her a beloved character.
Marge Simpson: The Heart of Springfield
Marge Simpson from The Simpsons tops searches in six states: Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Washington, and Wisconsin. Voiced by Julie Kavner since 1989, Marge’s patient, kind-hearted mothering—paired with occasional bursts of rebellion—has cemented her as a cultural icon.
Her dominance in states with strong family values and industrial roots highlights her relatable, grounded approach to managing chaos while staying fiercely protective.
Elastigirl: The Superhero Mom
Helen Parr, aka Elastigirl from The Incredibles, stretches into the top five with four states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, and Vermont. Voiced by Holly Hunter, Elastigirl balances superhero feats with everyday parenting, embodying the ultimate multitasker.
Her caring yet authoritative style, paired with her refusal to lose her identity, offers an empowering vision of motherhood that resonates widely.
Other Notable Moms
While the top five dominate, some states have unique favorites:
- Aunt May (Spider-Man) wins in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia, loved for her enduring role as Peter Parker’s guardian.
- Queen Elinor (Brave) takes Delaware, reflecting her regal yet relatable parenting.
- Sarah Connor (Terminator) rules Florida, showcasing her action-hero mom status.
- Sophia Petrillo (Golden Girls) charms North Dakota with her witty wisdom.
- Renee Perry (Desperate Housewives) takes South Dakota, and Lois Griffin (Family Guy) wins Wyoming.
How the Study Was Conducted
Privacy Journal analyzed Google Trends data over the past 12 months, focusing on iconic fictional mothers from TV shows and films. Search volumes were examined state-by-state, using character names alongside terms like “mom,” “mom,” or “mother-right,” or their show/movie titles to ensure accuracy.
CEO’s Commentary
“Americans seem drawn to strong, independent moms,” says Mauricio Preuss, president of Privacy Journal. “High search volume doesn’t always indicate popularity—people might be curious about a character due to recent releases or simply want to learn more about them.”
Elara is a dynamic writer and blogger who specializes in pop culture and movie reviews. With a background in film studies and journalism, she combines her deep knowledge of the entertainment industry with a sharp, insightful writing style that keeps readers coming back for more.
