Today’s Miss COED, Marilyn Monroe, was Playboy’s first ever Playmate, though back in December 1953 when the first issue was published, it was known as the “Sweetheart of the Month“. The traditional definition of “playmate” is one who is “a companion at play”. Mr. Hefner‘s version of a companion at play is an attractive female model who is featured in a pictorial that includes nude photos, a centerfold poster, a short bio, and a “Playmate Data Sheet” displaying birthdate, measurements, turn-ons, and turn-offs. This comprehensive feature appears in the centerfold/gatefold of Playboy. But, what makes a Playmate “popular”? Is it her bust, her brains, or her bold personality? Find out after the jump!

When you think of the perfect mate, the dream girl, the woman you’d cut off appendages to meet, what do you picture? Some would say Miss America. Some would opt for Victoria’s Secret or Sports Illustrated model. How about the Playboy Playmate? For decades, the Playmate has been one of the most iconic sex symbols the world over. Right now, Playboy’s asking users to vote for the 2011 Playmate of the Year to see which beautiful Bunny from 2010 is most popular. Will it be Heather Rae Young? Jaime Edmondson? Crystal Harris? Well, we decided to take it a step further by seeing which Playmate of ANY year is the most popular of all-time. How did we do it? Google, of course!

Our next ten most popular playmates feature a twin (and former gf of Hef), one of the hottest Summers ever, an ageless wonder, and a Gorgeous Guess Girl.

#40 Angela Little
Playmate of the Month for August 1998
432,000 results

#39 Holley Ann Dorrough
Playmate of the Month for April 2006
468,000 results

#38 Deanna Brooks
Playmate of the Month for May 1998
480,000… Click to read more

Our next ten most popular playmates feature the former host of MTV’s Singled Out and Jim Carrey’s ex-girlfriend, another Gorgeous Guess Girl, and the 2006 Playmate of the Year.

#20 Jenny McCarthy
Playmate of the Month for October 1993
605,000 results

#19 Kara Monaco
Playmate of the Month for June 2005
629,000 results

#18 Heather Carolin
Playmate of the Mont… Click to read more

From the beaches of Baywatch to the pages of Playboy, Brande Roderick is one of the hottest blonds out there. In addition to her role as “Leigh Dyer” on Baywatch, Brande was Playmate of the Month in April 2000 and Playmate of the Year for 2001. She also made appearances in Starsky & Hutch, Beverly Hills 90210 and Snoop Dogg’s Hood of Horr… Click to read more