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Popular Baby Names from the 1930s

The most popular baby names of the 1930s, ranked by number of births recorded by the Social Security Administration.

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1890s
1880s

Girl Names of the 1930s

  1. 1.
    Mary

    Hebrew · Beloved; the one who brings love and compassion

    573,000 births
  2. 2.
    Betty

    Hebrew · Devoted to God with joyful strength

    300,409 births
  3. 3.
    Barbara

    Greek · Uncommon and distinctive, like a stranger or traveler from afar

    296,420 births
  4. 4.
    Shirley

    English · Bright meadow of joy and warmth

    229,380 births
  5. 5.
    Patricia

    Latin · Noble and of patrician birth, dignified and proud

    220,582 births
  6. 6.
    Dorothy

    Greek · Gift of God, divine blessing bestowed with love

    210,415 births
  7. 7.
    Joan

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift, beloved and blessed

    173,439 births
  8. 8.
    Margaret

    Greek · Pearl of great price, luminous and precious

    157,369 births
  9. 9.
    Nancy

    Hebrew · Grace and elegance with a timeless charm

    142,488 births
  10. 10.
    Helen

    Greek · Shining light, radiant beauty that illuminates

    140,426 births
  11. 11.
    Carol

    Latin · Joy and song in feminine form, cheerful spirit

    117,731 births
  12. 12.
    Joyce

    Latin · Joyful heart, bringer of happiness and light

    115,506 births
  13. 13.
    Doris

    Greek · Gift of the sea, oceanic and serene

    110,658 births
  14. 14.
    Ruth

    Hebrew · Compassionate friend, steadfast loyalty and kindness

    109,204 births
  15. 15.
    Virginia

    Latin · Pure and virginal, innocent and virtuous

    103,089 births
  16. 16.
    Marilyn

    Hebrew / Old English · Star of the sea with beloved, graceful strength

    98,531 births
  17. 17.
    Elizabeth

    Hebrew · God's promise of abundance and devoted love

    96,480 births
  18. 18.
    Jean

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift, beloved and cherished

    94,189 births
  19. 19.
    Frances

    Latin · Free and graceful, strong-willed spirit

    92,117 births
  20. 20.
    Beverly

    Old English · From the beaver stream, naturally resourceful and flowing

    80,846 births
  21. 21.
    Lois

    Greek · Desirable and graceful, deeply wished for

    80,713 births
  22. 22.
    Alice

    Germanic · Noble and truthful; bright with integrity

    78,968 births
  23. 23.
    Donna

    Italian / Latin · Noble woman, dignity and quiet grace

    78,846 births
  24. 24.
    Martha

    Aramaic · Nurturing lady of strength and dedication

    77,697 births
  25. 25.
    Dolores

    Spanish / Latin · Woman of sorrows, deep compassion and resilience

    77,139 births
  26. 26.
    Janet

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift of grace and mercy

    76,038 births
  27. 27.
    Phyllis

    Greek · Green leaf and flourishing life, nature's gift

    73,805 births
  28. 28.
    Norma

    Latin · Living by the standard, guide and anchor

    72,878 births
  29. 29.
    Carolyn

    Latin · Joyful strength of a free and noble woman

    69,525 births
  30. 30.
    Evelyn

    English · Desired one, light and graceful beauty

    69,364 births
  31. 31.
    Gloria

    Latin · Glory, radiance, and noble distinction

    68,588 births
  32. 32.
    Anna

    Hebrew · Graceful favor and cherished blessing

    66,598 births
  33. 33.
    Marie

    Hebrew / Latin · Beloved and cherished, star of the sea

    65,803 births
  34. 34.
    Ann

    Hebrew · Grace and favor, gracious gift

    64,060 births
  35. 35.
    Mildred

    Old English · Gentle strength and tender mercy

    61,738 births
  36. 36.
    Rose

    Latin · The beloved flower, symbol of love and beauty

    59,111 births
  37. 37.
    Peggy

    English · Pearl of pure beauty and strength

    56,275 births
  38. 38.
    Geraldine

    Germanic / Old German · Spear ruler, strong and powerful leader

    50,042 births
  39. 39.
    Catherine

    Greek · Pure and clear, with timeless grace

    50,027 births
  40. 40.
    Judith

    Hebrew · A woman of praise and strength

    49,904 births
  41. 41.
    Louise

    French / Germanic · Renowned warrior woman, celebrated strength and glory

    49,859 births
  42. 42.
    Janice

    Latin · God's gracious gift of passage and new beginnings

    49,343 births
  43. 43.
    Marjorie

    Greek, French · Pearl of great beauty and precious worth

    49,213 births
  44. 44.
    Annie

    Hebrew · Grace and favor; beloved and cherished

    48,946 births
  45. 45.
    Ruby

    Latin · Precious red jewel, vibrant and deeply treasured

    47,648 births
  46. 46.
    Eleanor

    Greek / Old French · Shining light and noble compassion, a radiant soul

    46,379 births
  47. 47.
    Jane

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift to the world

    45,814 births
  48. 48.
    Sandra

    Greek · Defender of humanity, strong and protective spirit

    45,399 births
  49. 49.
    Irene

    Greek · Peace and harmony; serene wisdom and calm

    44,448 births
  50. 50.
    Wanda

    Germanic, Polish · Wanderer with grace and spirited independence

    43,072 births
  51. 51.
    Elaine

    Greek · Shining light of grace and beauty

    41,108 births
  52. 52.
    June

    Latin · The Roman goddess—warmth, youth, and renewal

    40,745 births
  53. 53.
    Joanne

    Hebrew · God is gracious, merciful blessing upon a daughter

    40,581 births
  54. 54.
    Rita

    Latin · Pearl of great beauty and luminous grace

    38,741 births
  55. 55.
    Florence

    Latin · Blooming and flourishing with timeless grace and beauty

    37,942 births
  56. 56.
    Delores

    Spanish / Latin · Woman of sorrow transformed into compassion and grace

    37,603 births
  57. 57.
    Lillian

    Latin · Pure and innocent as a lily

    37,391 births
  58. 58.
    Marlene

    German / Hebrew · Of the sea and beloved, shining grace

    37,355 births
  59. 59.
    Edna

    Hebrew · Rejuvenation and delight in living

    36,973 births
  60. 60.
    Sarah

    Hebrew · Princess, a woman of dignity and grace

    36,513 births
  61. 61.
    Patsy

    Latin · Noble lineage and patrician grace

    36,475 births
  62. 62.
    Lorraine

    French / Latin · From Lorraine, crowned with laurel and honor

    36,333 births
  63. 63.
    Thelma

    Greek · Will and divine intention, purposeful

    36,254 births
  64. 64.
    Josephine

    Hebrew · God will increase, brings abundance and blessings

    36,051 births
  65. 65.
    Juanita

    Spanish / Hebrew · God's gracious gift, beloved by the divine

    35,915 births
  66. 66.
    Bonnie

    Scottish · Beautiful, fair-faced, and full of cheerful joy

    35,803 births
  67. 67.
    Arlene

    English / Celtic · Noble pledge and feminine grace

    34,796 births
  68. 68.
    Gladys

    Welsh · Small sword of radiant joy and strength

    34,762 births
  69. 69.
    Joann

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift, beloved and blessed

    34,698 births
  70. 70.
    Sally

    Hebrew · Princely and joyful—grace with radiance

    34,680 births
  71. 71.
    Charlotte

    French · Free and joyful woman, strong and spirited

    34,646 births
  72. 72.
    Kathleen

    Irish / Greek · Pure and clear, with strength of spirit

    34,550 births
  73. 73.
    Audrey

    Old English · Noble strength with gentle grace and beauty

    34,007 births
  74. 74.
    Pauline

    Latin · Small and humble, graceful strength

    33,690 births
  75. 75.
    Wilma

    Old German · Resolute protector with a steadfast will

    33,188 births
  76. 76.
    Sylvia

    Latin · Wildwood spirit of nature and freedom

    33,011 births
  77. 77.
    Theresa

    Greek · A reaper of summer's bounty and warmth

    32,785 births
  78. 78.
    Jacqueline

    French · God's gracious gift of strength and determination

    32,115 births
  79. 79.
    Clara

    Latin · Bright and clear, radiant with luminous grace

    31,658 births
  80. 80.
    Ethel

    Old English · Noble spirit with gentle, timeless grace

    31,582 births
  81. 81.
    Loretta

    Latin / Italian · Crowned with laurel, victorious and honored

    31,537 births
  82. 82.
    Grace

    Latin · Divine blessing, elegance, and merciful kindness

    31,357 births
  83. 83.
    Sharon

    Hebrew · A fertile plain, abundance and graceful presence

    31,083 births
  84. 84.
    Edith

    Old English · Blessed gift of prosperous fortune

    31,047 births
  85. 85.
    Lucille

    Latin · Shining light, radiant bringer of illumination

    30,843 births
  86. 86.
    Emma

    Germanic · Whole and universal, complete in spirit

    30,022 births
  87. 87.
    Bernice

    Greek · One who brings victory and good news

    29,905 births
  88. 88.
    Marion

    Latin / Hebrew · Of the sea and the stars, graceful

    29,565 births
  89. 89.
    Linda

    Spanish / Latin · Beautiful and lovely, a simple grace and charm

    29,358 births
  90. 90.
    Jo

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift, a name of joyful strength

    28,653 births
  91. 91.
    Anne

    Hebrew · Graceful favor and tender compassion

    28,621 births
  92. 92.
    Hazel

    English · Wisdom and grace from the hazel tree

    28,567 births
  93. 93.
    Roberta

    Germanic · Brilliant fame and timeless strength of spirit

    27,731 births
  94. 94.
    Carole

    Latin · Strong spirit of a free woman

    26,768 births
  95. 95.
    Darlene

    English · Beloved and darling—tenderness personified

    25,956 births
  96. 96.
    Esther

    Hebrew / Persian · Star of hope and hidden beauty

    25,791 births
  97. 97.
    Katherine

    Greek · Pure and clear, eternally blessed

    25,193 births
  98. 98.
    Ellen

    Greek · Shining bright one, radiant and luminous soul

    25,139 births
  99. 99.
    Laura

    Latin · Crowned with laurel, honored and evergreen

    25,093 births
  100. 100.
    Julia

    Latin · Youthful and eternally young at heart

    24,938 births

Boy Names of the 1930s

  1. 1.
    Robert

    Germanic (Old German) · Bright fame; shining with renown and honor

    590,810 births
  2. 2.
    James

    Hebrew · Supplanter; he who follows with gracious strength

    547,479 births
  3. 3.
    John

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift; divine mercy and light

    487,950 births
  4. 4.
    William

    Germanic (Old German) · Resolute protector; steadfast guardian with iron will

    416,730 births
  5. 5.
    Richard

    Germanic (Old German) · Powerful ruler; brave heart with courageous strength

    330,502 births
  6. 6.
    Charles

    Germanic (Old German) · Free man; strong and independent spirit

    303,218 births
  7. 7.
    Donald

    Scottish Gaelic · Proud ruler of the world with great dominion

    283,718 births
  8. 8.
    George

    Greek · Farmer of the earth, connected to growth and stewardship

    192,289 births
  9. 9.
    Thomas

    Aramaic · Twin, a name of deep connection and spiritual resonance

    183,878 births
  10. 10.
    Joseph

    Hebrew · God will increase; blessed with abundance and growth

    180,566 births
  11. 11.
    David

    Hebrew · Beloved one; cherished with tenderness and grace

    164,701 births
  12. 12.
    Edward

    Old English · Prosperous guardian, protector of wealth and wellbeing

    147,849 births
  13. 13.
    Ronald

    Old Norse · Ruler with wisdom and compassionate strength

    140,332 births
  14. 14.
    Paul

    Latin · Small and humble, carrying quiet inner strength

    125,774 births
  15. 15.
    Kenneth

    Scottish Gaelic · Handsome and beloved, born of wisdom and grace

    125,111 births
  16. 16.
    Frank

    Germanic · Free and honest-hearted soul

    108,090 births
  17. 17.
    Raymond

    Germanic · Wise protector and counsel, strong guardian

    99,585 births
  18. 18.
    Jack

    Hebrew / English · God's grace shining through, strong and spirited

    96,396 births
  19. 19.
    Harold

    Old Norse · Powerful warrior with noble and steadfast heart

    95,467 births
  20. 20.
    Billy

    Germanic / English · A resolute protector with unwavering determination

    88,341 births
  21. 21.
    Gerald

    Germanic · Mighty spear wielder, strong and commanding

    82,821 births
  22. 22.
    Walter

    Germanic · Powerful leader of the army, strong warrior

    80,908 births
  23. 23.
    Jerry

    Hebrew / English · Spear warrior, blessed by God's grace

    80,690 births
  24. 24.
    Joe

    Hebrew · God will increase and multiply blessings

    71,470 births
  25. 25.
    Eugene

    Greek · Nobly born, of distinguished and worthy character

    70,938 births
  26. 26.
    Henry

    Old Germanic · Estate ruler with noble heritage and strength

    70,419 births
  27. 27.
    Bobby

    English, from Germanic roots · Bright and shining spirit of home

    69,419 births
  28. 28.
    Arthur

    Welsh / Latin · Noble bear of strength and legendary valor

    67,730 births
  29. 29.
    Carl

    Germanic · Free man and strong warrior of the people

    66,759 births
  30. 30.
    Larry

    Latin · Crowned with laurel, victorious and honored

    65,249 births
  31. 31.
    Ralph

    Old Norse / Germanic · Wise wolf, swift counsel and protection

    63,802 births
  32. 32.
    Albert

    Germanic · Noble brilliance and luminous strength

    62,829 births
  33. 33.
    Willie

    Germanic · Resolute protector with unwavering will

    62,466 births
  34. 34.
    Fred

    Old German · Peaceful ruler with a gentle, steady strength

    56,164 births
  35. 35.
    Michael

    Hebrew · Who is like God; divine protector and strength

    56,001 births
  36. 36.
    Lawrence

    Latin · From the laurel crown, symbol of victory and honor

    54,485 births
  37. 37.
    Harry

    Germanic / English · Master of the household, bold ruler

    53,115 births
  38. 38.
    Roy

    Old French / Latin · A king's noble grace and regal dignity

    51,495 births
  39. 39.
    Howard

    Old English / Old Norse · Noble guardian with a watchful, protective heart

    51,495 births
  40. 40.
    Norman

    Old Norse / Old French · Strength and honor of the northmen

    49,987 births
  41. 41.
    Roger

    Old Germanic · Renowned spear wielder, famous warrior

    49,615 births
  42. 42.
    Daniel

    Hebrew · God is my judge, a name of faith and divine wisdom

    47,998 births
  43. 43.
    Louis

    Germanic · Renowned warrior of light and glory

    47,754 births
  44. 44.
    Earl

    Old English · Noble warrior of distinguished rank and honor

    44,613 births
  45. 45.
    Gary

    Old English · Spear warrior, steadfast and noble protector

    43,596 births
  46. 46.
    Clarence

    Latin · Bright and shining, clear and illustrious

    42,676 births
  47. 47.
    Anthony

    Latin · Priceless and beyond measure, a treasure of character

    42,546 births
  48. 48.
    Francis

    Latin · Free and independent spirit of the French people

    41,384 births
  49. 49.
    Wayne

    Old English · Skilled wagon maker, builder of strong roads

    41,141 births
  50. 50.
    Marvin

    Old English / Old Welsh · Beloved friend of the sea

    41,085 births
  51. 51.
    Ernest

    Germanic · Serious and determined, genuine strength of spirit

    39,346 births
  52. 52.
    Leonard

    Latin / Old Germanic · Brave as a lion, courageous heart

    39,214 births
  53. 53.
    Herbert

    Old Germanic · Bright warrior, shining with strength

    37,821 births
  54. 54.
    Melvin

    Old English · Gentle mill worker and friend of gentleness

    37,705 births
  55. 55.
    Stanley

    Old English · From the stony clearing, steadfast and grounded

    37,130 births
  56. 56.
    Leroy

    Old French · The king, regal and noble

    36,255 births
  57. 57.
    Don

    Scottish Gaelic · World leader with noble brown dignity

    35,980 births
  58. 58.
    Peter

    Greek · Rock and foundation; steadfast and solid

    35,822 births
  59. 59.
    Jimmy

    Hebrew · Beloved by God, held with divine grace

    35,399 births
  60. 60.
    Alfred

    Old English · Wise counselor from the enchanted forest

    34,392 births
  61. 61.
    Dale

    Old English · Valley dweller, quiet strength and peaceful ease

    32,536 births
  62. 62.
    Bill

    Germanic / Old English · Resolute protector, strong will and steadfast guardian

    32,338 births
  63. 63.
    Samuel

    Hebrew · God has heard, divinely answered prayer

    32,135 births
  64. 64.
    Bernard

    Germanic · Strong as a bear, brave and powerful

    30,545 births
  65. 65.
    Ray

    English / Latin · A beam of light—illuminating the way forward

    30,211 births
  66. 66.
    Gene

    Greek · Well-born, of noble and generous spirit

    29,313 births
  67. 67.
    Philip

    Greek · Lover of horses, devoted friend with noble heart

    28,847 births
  68. 68.
    Russell

    Norman French / Latin · Red-haired; rooted strength and warmth

    28,840 births
  69. 69.
    Frederick

    Germanic · Peaceful ruler of great power and wisdom

    26,602 births
  70. 70.
    Franklin

    Old English / Old Frankish · A free and noble landowner

    26,381 births
  71. 71.
    Dennis

    Greek · Devoted to Dionysus, festive and joyful spirit

    26,366 births
  72. 72.
    Douglas

    Scottish Gaelic · From the dark water; strong and mysterious

    26,031 births
  73. 73.
    Jimmie

    Hebrew · One whom God lovingly upholds

    25,813 births
  74. 74.
    Gordon

    Old English / Scots · Great fortress, steadfast strength and protection

    25,460 births
  75. 75.
    Andrew

    Greek · Strong and courageous, a true warrior spirit

    25,025 births
  76. 76.
    Theodore

    Greek · Gift of God, divine blessing and strength

    24,957 births
  77. 77.
    Floyd

    English · Gray-haired and wise, dignified with age

    24,887 births
  78. 78.
    Johnny

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift, beloved and cherished

    24,596 births
  79. 79.
    Allen

    Irish Gaelic, Scottish · Bright and noble one, radiant as sunlight

    24,356 births
  80. 80.
    Glenn

    Irish Gaelic · From the sacred valley, peaceful and serene

    24,222 births
  81. 81.
    Bruce

    Old English / Old French · One from the brushwood, sturdy and steadfast

    24,119 births
  82. 82.
    Edwin

    Old English · Prosperous friend and noble protector

    24,023 births
  83. 83.
    Lee

    Old English · Of the meadow, peaceful and serene

    23,954 births
  84. 84.
    Lloyd

    Welsh · Gray waters, calm and contemplative spirit

    23,799 births
  85. 85.
    Bob

    Hebrew · Bright shining promise, beloved and blessed

    23,293 births
  86. 86.
    Clifford

    Old English · From the cliff ford, steady and enduring

    23,100 births
  87. 87.
    Leon

    Latin / Greek · Brave-hearted lion, symbol of courage

    23,005 births
  88. 88.
    Leo

    Latin · Brave lion, courageous and strong

    22,864 births
  89. 89.
    Clyde

    Scottish / River name (Clyde River, Scotland) · From the gentle flowing river, keeper of passage

    22,452 births
  90. 90.
    Eddie

    Old English / Germanic · Prosperous guardian, blessed protector of wealth

    22,328 births
  91. 91.
    Vernon

    Latin · Green and flourishing springtime

    22,197 births
  92. 92.
    Martin

    Latin · Warrior devoted to Mars, strong and fierce

    21,927 births
  93. 93.
    Alvin

    Old English · Noble friend, wise counsel and loyal companionship

    21,484 births
  94. 94.
    Jim

    Hebrew · Supplanter with strength and determination

    20,823 births
  95. 95.
    Herman

    Old German · Warrior of the army, steadfast defender

    20,319 births
  96. 96.
    Lewis

    Old Germanic / Old French · Famed warrior, celebrated strength and nobility

    20,017 births
  97. 97.
    Harvey

    Breton / Old English · Warrior of the blazing fire, strength and courage

    19,906 births
  98. 98.
    Tommy

    Aramaic · Twin spirit, strong and enduring companion

    19,857 births
  99. 99.
    Vincent

    Latin · Conquering; strength and triumphant determination

    19,407 births
  100. 100.
    Charlie

    Old Germanic / Old French · A strong, free soul of noble character

    19,154 births

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