This Is the Rarest Zodiac Sign in the World
Updated: Jun. 28, 2024
Yes, there really is one sign that's the rarest of them all
We all long to be unique, and many of us turn to the cosmos to understand our special strengths and weaknesses, personality and place in the universe. So it’s natural to wonder where you personally fit into the astrological realm. How common is your sun sign, and what is the rarest zodiac sign?
“Knowing your zodiac sign can be a powerful source of identity,” says Emily Ridout, a professional astrologer and author. But rather than becoming too hung up on how rare your sign is, Ridout emphasizes that the details in your astrological chart are what actually make you unique. “Understanding your chart can help you make decisions and understand which areas of your life to focus on.”
It’s not just your zodiac sign that delivers insight into your truest self. Because you interact with others on a daily basis, understanding zodiac compatibility or the power of your zodiac element can help you build and strengthen relationships. That said, some zodiac signs are just more common than others. Ahead, Ridout and Lisa Stardust, a New York City–based astrologer and tarot expert, explain the most common and uncommon signs, and what you can expect from those rare ones.
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What is the rarest zodiac sign?
The rarest zodiac sign in 2024 is Aquarius! For simplicity’s sake, we looked at 2023 birth data and averaged the numbers between both months under each sun sign. Aquarius, which spans from January 20 through February 18, was the rarest sign in the United States (using birth data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and worldwide (using birth-rate data gathered by the UN).
However, it’s important to note that the rarest zodiac sign may change from year to year depending on rare birthdays that year and exactly how you calculate. For instance, some months—ahem, February—are shorter than others, Ridout adds, so they will naturally have fewer people born during that time. Additionally, you may find a different answer if you look at births over the past year vs. the past decade or the most recent generation.
Calculations can also be tricky if you’re using the CDC’s official U.S. birth data, which is broken down month by month. Zodiac signs, in comparison, don’t follow calendar months, and each one encompasses parts of two months.
Based on all that, you can see how the rarest zodiac sign may differ from year to year. Still, Aquarius, you are the winner—this time!
Aquarius personality traits
As the rarest zodiac sign, those with Aquarius sun signs are “known to be the unique thinkers of the zodiac,” says Stardust. They are considered the most intelligent sign, as well as “innovators and originators of fresh perspectives.”
Ridout adds that this ability to think outside the box makes Aquarians brilliant future thinkers who are often successful in business and the arts. Aquarians are also known for being creative, imaginative, idealistic and open-minded, and they enjoy being with and helping other people.
What signs are compatible with Aquarius?
When it comes to Aquarius compatibility, Stardust says these signs tend to attract and be attracted to other air signs. “Gemini and Libra tend to be the most compatible with Aquarius, due to the fact that they are able to process their sentiments through communication and thought,” she explains.
What is the most common zodiac sign?
According to 2023 data, the most common sign is Leo, encompassing people born between July 23 and August 22. This is unsurprising, as Leo and Virgo (the sign that follows) almost always have the highest birth rates—likely due to the many babies conceived around Christmas and New Year’s, Stardust explains.
“Leo and Aquarius are opposite signs, but like Aquarius, Leo is also a creative sign, so it’s interesting that they are the most and least common,” Ridout says. They are also “fixed signs,” which means both groups can be very determined and even stubborn once they set their minds to something. Ridout adds that Leos are known for creative expression that allows them to shine their individual light.
The second rarest zodiac sign
The second rarest zodiac sign is Pisces, a water sign and one of the most polite zodiac signs. “Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, covering those born between February 19 and March 20,” says Ridout. She notes that this sign is very thoughtful—an ability she describes as “downloading dreams”—giving them powerful insights. They are artistic, sensitive and often very spiritual. “Pisces are deeply connected to the universe and rise above assumed or constructed identities,” she says.
Ophiuchus might also be the rarest zodiac sign
There’s one more way to look at what makes a zodiac sign rare. Most of us stick with the 12 astrological signs of the zodiac—and have since the Babylonians first cultivated zodiac signs more than 3,000 years ago. These signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, and they are based on 12 constellations in the night sky. But when NASA made some tweaks to the constellation map in 2016, they added a 13th constellation called Ophiuchus and thus prompted the question: Is there a 13th zodiac sign?
No, NASA did not invent a new zodiac sign. In fact, the Babylonians were aware of this constellation and simply chose not to include it in their group of zodiac signs. NASA explained the reason for not adding a 13th sign of the zodiac: Astrology and astronomy are not the same thing, and just because an additional constellation is added to the map, it doesn’t mean it’s added to the zodiac too.
That said, some still choose to recognize Ophiuchus as the 13th zodiac sign, and when they do, they may classify it as the rarest zodiac sign. Those who are born between November 29 and December 17 would be considered Ophiuchus (though, according to the traditional 12 signs of the zodiac, those born between November 22 and December 21 are Sagittarius). Ophiuchus individuals are “known to be the charmers of the zodiac,” says Stardust, adding that they are “very insightful and knowledgeable, as well as magnetic and captivating.”
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Sources:
- Emily Ridout, professional astrologer and author of AstroYoga for an Aquarian Age; phone interview, May 29, 2024
- Lisa Stardust, New York City–based astrologer and author of The Astrology Deck: Your Guide to the Meanings + Myths of the Cosmos; interview, January 2022
- NASA: “Constellations and the Calendar”
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “State and National Provisional Counts”
- United Nations: “Live Births by Month of Birth”
Originally Published: January 06, 2022
