Anyone who grew up anytime after the advent of American Girl dolls has invariable asked themselves one very important question: Which American Girl doll are you? If you want to get more specific, though, you can also try to figure out which American Girl doll you are based on your zodiac sign. I don't mean matching your own sign up with a doll whose sign matches, though (although to be fair, you absolutely could do that); I mean matching the personality traits astrology claims are inherent to your own sign with the personalities of each AG doll. Are you a Samantha, or more of an Addy? A Kirsten, or a Rebecca? Perhaps the stars can tell you!
Over the course of American Girl's history — starting with Pleasant Rowland's company, Pleasant Company, in 1986 and continuing up through Mattel's acquisition of the brand in 1998 to the present — 16 primary historical dolls have been released, along with five "best friend" dolls. Currently operating under the name BeForever, they're not all still available; periodically, certain dolls will be retired and their collections will be archived, although it's not unheard of for them to make a triumphant comeback later on.
Since there are only 12 astrological signs (well, 13 if you count Ophiuchus, but, well... let's just... not), though, the number of BeForever characters means that, alas, I couldn't match up each and every doll with a corresponding sign. As such, I've stuck primarily with the dolls that will hit most '80s and '90s kids' nostalgia buttons (I don't know about you, but since Maryellen Larkin was released in 2015 when I was... uh... already in my 30s, I just... don't really have that strong a connection to her) — although a) there are certainly some exceptions, and b) if you think you match up best with one of the four dolls I didn't include here (or with one of the best friends, even), then you do you.
It's all a bit of fun anyway, right?
Aries (March 21 – April 19): Kit Kittredge
Representing the Great Depression, budding reporter Margaret Mildred “Kit” Kittredge spends her time growing up in Cincinnati in the 1930s doing… well, just about anything she can get away with. Fiercely independent, enormously clever, and with a little bit of a temper, she’s the perfect match for fiery, determined Aries.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Kirsten Larson
A Swedish immigrant making a go of it with her family in Minnesota during the Pioneer era of the 1850s, Kirsten Larson is sensible, steadfast,and sometimes a tad stubborn — just like those born under Taurus. It’s true that Kirsten may be a bit more prone to daydreaming than Bulls typically are;then again, maybe that’s a lesson Taurus folk could take to heart. You don’t have to sacrifice your dreams for the sake of maintaining your reputation for reliability.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Rebecca Rubin
Rebecca Rubin’s grandparents emigrated from Russia to the United States, and although they settle in New York, their Jewish heritage remains a large part of the family’s life and identity as she grows up during the early 20th century. Like many Geminis, Rebecca is sociable and loves being the center of attention; like Cécile Rey, who represents an earlier era in a different location, she hopes to become an actress. She’s also book smart, though— as Geminis tend to be — and has a verve for life. There’s so much to experience in this world — so have fun while you’re here, Gemini!
Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Addy Walker
After escaping from the southern plantation on which she had been enslaved, Civil War-era Aduke “Addy” Walker settles in Philadelphia with her mother in the 1860s. She’s kind and thoughtful, although — understandably —she doesn’t trust others easy. Similarly, Cancer, you can be difficult to get to know; you tend to play your cards close to the vest. You’re incredibly loyal to the people you care about, though, just like Addy.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): Cécile Rey
Cécile Amélie Rey, along with Marie-Grace Gardner, represents New Orleans during the antebellum period. She’s outspoken, but also caring — and she loves the theatre. Her hope, in fact, is to become an actress. In short, she displays tons of the characteristics that Leos are known for: Creativity, compassion, and a flare for the dramatic, with a love of stylish things. Negative traits include a sometimes inflated sense of self — but you’re generous and loyal, Leo, just like Cécile.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): Melody Ellison
Melody Elizabeth Ellison represents the Civil Rights Era, growing up in Detroit in the ‘60s. She’s passionate about music; indeed, she dreams of becoming a singer. Although she doesn’t always feel like a leader and can become nervous under pressure or when thrust into the spotlight, she often displays admirably leadership qualities — something she and folks born under Virgo have in common. She’s a hard worker, though, just like Virgos are — so dream big, Virgo, and don’t lose faith in yourself.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): Julie Albright
Growing up as the daughter of divorced parents in San Francisco in the 1970s, Julie Marie Albright grapples with a lot of the social issues that characterized the era: Feminism, gender equality, disability rights,environmentalism, and more. She dreams big — she wants to play basketball at a time when girls weren’t typically allowed to, and one of her lifelong goals is to become President of the United States — and she’s got all the determination she needs to accomplish those goals. Like many Libras, she has a strong sense of justice and standing up for what’s right.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): Felicity Merriman
Felicity Merriman, who grows up in Williamsburg, Va. and represents the American Revolution, is the American Girl character that’s pretty much always described as “spunky.” Like those born under Scorpio, she’s resourceful and brave, and she’s constantly bucking norms in the name of doing what she thinks is right. Scorpio, you’re as fiery as Felicity’s red hair is.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Kaya
Kaya'aton'my — which translates to She Who Arranges Rocks — of the Nez Perce tribe grows up in the Pacific Northwest during the 1760s prior to the arrival of white European settlers. She has a tendency to look before she leaps — a habit with which Sagittarius folks will likely be familiar — but she’s also strong and courageous; one day, she’ll be a great leader. She and Sagittarius also share a love of animals and nature.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): Molly McIntire
Molly Jean McIntire’s birthday is in April, but she is such a Capricorn when it comes to her personality. Representing what it was like to grow up in Illinois during the Second World War, she’s a little bit of a know-it-all, but also a terrific leader, as well as fiercely independent. That’s you to a T, Capricorn — and although Molly’s big plans and ideas have a tendency to fall through, she’s young, so that’s perhaps understandable. Your plans, though, Capricorn? They’re always meticulously executed.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Samantha Parkington
Growing up at the turn of the century in New Bedford, New York, Samantha Mary Parkington is definitely the most well-off of the American Girls; however, she frequently uses her privilege to help others, and although she sometimes missteps, she always learns from her mistakes. Aquarius, you share a humanitarian and progressive philosophy with Samantha — and although both of you can be a little stubborn at times, that stubbornness also helps you get things done.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Josefina Montoya
María Josefina Montoya’s childhood is spent on a ranch near Santa Fe not long after the Mexican War of Independence. Although she’s shy and doesn’t always think of herself as brave, her bravery shows itself in quiet ways: She’s intuitive and empathetic, and often takes the role of peacekeeper. That’s you, too, Pisces. Like you, Josefina also loves and is deeply moved by music — another sign of her (and your!) compassionate nature.