'Bebo' most searched for on Google

Google has compiled a rather interesting series of lists of the most popular search words and phrases in 2006.

Top of the searches in 2006 was social networking website Bebo, followed by another social-networker; Myspace. The list is representative of popular culture, with almost every student in the UK and US signed up to at least one online community and their size growing every year.

Below are the two lists Google is featuring on its zeitgeist page:

Google.com - Top Searches in 2006

1. bebo
2. myspace
3. world cup
4. metacafe
5. radioblog
6. wikipedia
7. video
8. rebelde
9. mininova
10. wiki

Google News - Top Searches in 2006

1. paris hilton
2. orlando bloom
3. cancer
4. podcasting
5. hurricane katrina
6. bankruptcy
7. martina hingis
8. autism
9. 2006 nfl draft
10. celebrity big brother 2006

Interesting to see that wikipedia is on the list twice with 'wiki' and 'wikipedia'. Rebelde, a Mexican television series where a group of school children form a band, surprisingly makes it onto the list - it hasn't been aired in the UK yet though I for one can't wait. Bit-torrent website, Mininova, managed to grab 9th place proving illegal downloads are still as popular as ever.

The zeitgeist also includes information on some other novelty sections. For instance, in the What's Hot section, number 9 on the 'Who is list' is the question: "Who is Buckethead?" Answers on a postcard please.

The zeitgeist is definitely worth a look, if only because of its interest as a sociological study. Jump in the forums and give us your impressions on Google's search statistics.