This is actually an interesting question but when you think of it, anything that has been created first is considered to be the reigning/dominant one in their respective market. But what makes BITCOIN different is that it introduced the blockchain technology. Due to the blockchain technology, it sparked and revolutionized the payment methods which caused a myriad of creations of altcoins.
My answer is Yes. Since Bitcoin became the first truly popular cryptocurrency, it allowed it to acquire a huge community, which made Bitcoin significant in the eyes of the public.
It isn't about populairty or first cryptocurrency ever have. it's about new technology about payment, when people have problem about centralization, Bitcoin came to repair using new methode.
Popularity does play a role but not the entire reason on why it is successful. If you were a revolutionary product and the first of its kind, you have the monopoly, control, and demand over the market. Popularity alone may boost your sales and attract other investors.