If you ask people if they want to be popular, you'll get a multitude of answers. However, deep down, I believe that everyone wants popularity in the general sense.
Having companionship is a basic human need. This can be in the form of friends or romance. Wanting to be around others is hard wired into our brain. Having lots of friends and dates means a person is...yes, popular.
So, there's no shame in wanting to be attractive and liked by others. In fact, that's what true popularity is all about: human companionship.