Millennials are generally defined as the generation born between 1981 and 1996. This range is widely accepted by major sources including the Pew Research Center, Encyclopædia Britannica, and others, though some definitions vary by a year or two on either end. For example:

• Pew Research Center defines millennials as those born from 1981 to 1996, citing key political, economic, and social factors that shaped this cohort

• Encyclopædia Britannica also uses 1981 to 1996 as the birth years for millennials, noting slight variations in some sources

• Other organizations and sources may extend the range slightly, such as 1980 to 1995 or 1980 to 1996, but the 1981–1996 range remains the most commonly referenced

In summary, the most widely accepted birth years for millennials are 1981 to 1996.