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Popular Baby Names from the 1940s

The most popular baby names of the 1940s, ranked by number of births recorded by the Social Security Administration.

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1880s

Girl Names of the 1940s

  1. 1.
    Mary

    Hebrew · Beloved; the one who brings love and compassion

    640,080 births
  2. 2.
    Linda

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

    531,660 births
  3. 3.
    Barbara

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

    425,271 births
  4. 4.
    Patricia

    Latin · Noble and of patrician birth, dignified and proud

    411,412 births
  5. 5.
    Carol

    Latin · Joy and song in feminine form, cheerful spirit

    292,333 births
  6. 6.
    Sandra

    Greek · Defender of humanity, strong and protective spirit

    265,538 births
  7. 7.
    Nancy

    Hebrew · Grace and elegance with a timeless charm

    252,061 births
  8. 8.
    Sharon

    Hebrew · A fertile plain, abundance and graceful presence

    221,237 births
  9. 9.
    Judith

    Hebrew · A woman of praise and strength

    218,037 births
  10. 10.
    Susan

    Hebrew · Graceful lily, blooming with beauty and purity

    212,016 births
  11. 11.
    Betty

    Hebrew · Devoted to God with joyful strength

    194,623 births
  12. 12.
    Carolyn

    Latin · Joyful strength of a free and noble woman

    181,858 births
  13. 13.
    Margaret

    Greek · Pearl of great price, luminous and precious

    173,028 births
  14. 14.
    Shirley

    English · Bright meadow of joy and warmth

    171,780 births
  15. 15.
    Judy

    Hebrew · Praised woman of grace and strength

    167,719 births
  16. 16.
    Karen

    Greek · Pure-hearted and luminously sincere

    167,700 births
  17. 17.
    Donna

    Italian / Latin · Noble woman, dignity and quiet grace

    165,523 births
  18. 18.
    Kathleen

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

    152,981 births
  19. 19.
    Joyce

    Latin · Joyful heart, bringer of happiness and light

    151,494 births
  20. 20.
    Dorothy

    Greek · Gift of God, divine blessing bestowed with love

    132,257 births
  21. 21.
    Janet

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift of grace and mercy

    130,755 births
  22. 22.
    Diane

    Latin · Divine light and protector, goddess of the hunt

    122,878 births
  23. 23.
    Janice

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

    118,893 births
  24. 24.
    Joan

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift, beloved and blessed

    117,708 births
  25. 25.
    Elizabeth

    Hebrew · God's promise of abundance and devoted love

    116,551 births
  26. 26.
    Brenda

    Old Norse · Fiery sword, bold and burning spirit

    112,415 births
  27. 27.
    Gloria

    Latin · Glory, radiance, and noble distinction

    105,055 births
  28. 28.
    Virginia

    Latin · Pure and virginal, innocent and virtuous

    99,000 births
  29. 29.
    Marilyn

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

    98,977 births
  30. 30.
    Martha

    Aramaic · Nurturing lady of strength and dedication

    95,384 births
  31. 31.
    Beverly

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

    95,122 births
  32. 32.
    Helen

    Greek · Shining light, radiant beauty that illuminates

    90,742 births
  33. 33.
    Bonnie

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

    86,886 births
  34. 34.
    Ruth

    Hebrew · Compassionate friend, steadfast loyalty and kindness

    85,666 births
  35. 35.
    Frances

    Latin · Free and graceful, strong-willed spirit

    85,448 births
  36. 36.
    Jean

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift, beloved and cherished

    80,363 births
  37. 37.
    Ann

    Hebrew · Grace and favor, gracious gift

    76,797 births
  38. 38.
    Phyllis

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

    76,143 births
  39. 39.
    Pamela

    Greek · Entirely sweetness and honey, gentle nurturer

    73,121 births
  40. 40.
    Jane

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift to the world

    72,537 births
  41. 41.
    Alice

    Germanic · Noble and truthful; bright with integrity

    72,392 births
  42. 42.
    Peggy

    English · Pearl of pure beauty and strength

    72,122 births
  43. 43.
    Cheryl

    French · Beloved and cherished, dear one

    70,959 births
  44. 44.
    Doris

    Greek · Gift of the sea, oceanic and serene

    64,144 births
  45. 45.
    Catherine

    Greek · Pure and clear, with timeless grace

    62,086 births
  46. 46.
    Elaine

    Greek · Shining light of grace and beauty

    60,105 births
  47. 47.
    Cynthia

    Greek · Goddess of the moon, radiant and divine

    58,061 births
  48. 48.
    Marie

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

    57,521 births
  49. 49.
    Lois

    Greek · Desirable and graceful, deeply wished for

    56,854 births
  50. 50.
    Connie

    Latin · Steadfast and determined, a constant presence

    56,604 births
  51. 51.
    Christine

    Latin / Greek · Follower of Christ; devoted and graceful

    54,565 births
  52. 52.
    Diana

    Latin · Divine huntress; light, illumination, and independence

    53,698 births
  53. 53.
    Gail

    Hebrew · Father's joy, radiant delight

    53,140 births
  54. 54.
    Joanne

    Hebrew · God is gracious, merciful blessing upon a daughter

    51,655 births
  55. 55.
    Rose

    Latin · The beloved flower, symbol of love and beauty

    51,643 births
  56. 56.
    Wanda

    Germanic, Polish · Wanderer with grace and spirited independence

    50,775 births
  57. 57.
    Carole

    Latin · Strong spirit of a free woman

    50,303 births
  58. 58.
    Rita

    Latin · Pearl of great beauty and luminous grace

    49,853 births
  59. 59.
    Charlotte

    French · Free and joyful woman, strong and spirited

    49,478 births
  60. 60.
    Jo

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

    48,449 births
  61. 61.
    Evelyn

    English · Desired one, light and graceful beauty

    48,157 births
  62. 62.
    Geraldine

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

    47,933 births
  63. 63.
    Jacqueline

    French · God's gracious gift of strength and determination

    45,559 births
  64. 64.
    Ellen

    Greek · Shining bright one, radiant and luminous soul

    45,404 births
  65. 65.
    Sally

    Hebrew · Princely and joyful—grace with radiance

    45,344 births
  66. 66.
    Rebecca

    Hebrew · To bind with compassion, devoted and faithful

    45,313 births
  67. 67.
    Kathryn

    Greek · Pure heart and clear spirit

    44,581 births
  68. 68.
    Deborah

    Hebrew · A swift and busy bee, strength and purpose

    44,054 births
  69. 69.
    Norma

    Latin · Living by the standard, guide and anchor

    43,030 births
  70. 70.
    Suzanne

    Hebrew · Graceful as a lily, white flower of purity

    41,405 births
  71. 71.
    Anna

    Hebrew · Graceful favor and cherished blessing

    41,282 births
  72. 72.
    Sue

    Hebrew · Graceful flower of light and wisdom

    40,943 births
  73. 73.
    Darlene

    English · Beloved and darling—tenderness personified

    40,321 births
  74. 74.
    Patsy

    Latin · Noble lineage and patrician grace

    40,282 births
  75. 75.
    Joann

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift, beloved and blessed

    40,015 births
  76. 76.
    Sarah

    Hebrew · Princess, a woman of dignity and grace

    39,977 births
  77. 77.
    Katherine

    Greek · Pure and clear, eternally blessed

    39,912 births
  78. 78.
    Paula

    Latin · Small and mighty, strength in quiet dignity

    39,044 births
  79. 79.
    Annie

    Hebrew · Grace and favor; beloved and cherished

    38,714 births
  80. 80.
    Louise

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

    38,665 births
  81. 81.
    Roberta

    Germanic · Brilliant fame and timeless strength of spirit

    38,051 births
  82. 82.
    Sylvia

    Latin · Wildwood spirit of nature and freedom

    37,288 births
  83. 83.
    Anne

    Hebrew · Graceful favor and tender compassion

    36,146 births
  84. 84.
    Theresa

    Greek · A reaper of summer's bounty and warmth

    35,789 births
  85. 85.
    Sheila

    Irish Gaelic · Graceful and luminous, blind to all but beauty

    35,740 births
  86. 86.
    Maria

    Hebrew / Latin · Star of the sea; beloved and nurturing

    35,571 births
  87. 87.
    Laura

    Latin · Crowned with laurel, honored and evergreen

    35,071 births
  88. 88.
    Kathy

    Greek · Pure-hearted, noble and innocent spirit

    34,766 births
  89. 89.
    Eileen

    Irish Gaelic / Greek · Bright light and radiant beauty

    34,695 births
  90. 90.
    Marcia

    Latin · Dedicated to Mars, spirited and bold warrior

    34,397 births
  91. 91.
    Rosemary

    Latin · Dew of the sea, herb of remembrance and love

    34,297 births
  92. 92.
    Glenda

    Welsh · Fair and pure sacred valley

    33,348 births
  93. 93.
    Dolores

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

    33,099 births
  94. 94.
    Mildred

    Old English · Gentle strength and tender mercy

    33,071 births
  95. 95.
    Lorraine

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

    33,047 births
  96. 96.
    Marjorie

    Greek, French · Pearl of great beauty and precious worth

    32,901 births
  97. 97.
    Sherry

    Old French / English · Beloved one, cherished and warm

    32,759 births
  98. 98.
    Kay

    Greek / English · Pure and rejoicing, honest and true

    32,654 births
  99. 99.
    Anita

    Spanish / Hebrew · Graceful and merciful, grace refined and elegant

    32,531 births
  100. 100.
    Dianne

    Latin · Divine light, blessed by the goddess of the hunt

    32,296 births

Boy Names of the 1940s

  1. 1.
    James

    Hebrew · Supplanter; he who follows with gracious strength

    795,775 births
  2. 2.
    Robert

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

    758,126 births
  3. 3.
    John

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

    711,614 births
  4. 4.
    William

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

    556,478 births
  5. 5.
    Richard

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

    477,476 births
  6. 6.
    David

    Hebrew · Beloved one; cherished with tenderness and grace

    426,372 births
  7. 7.
    Charles

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

    361,772 births
  8. 8.
    Thomas

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

    350,775 births
  9. 9.
    Michael

    Hebrew · Who is like God; divine protector and strength

    336,568 births
  10. 10.
    Ronald

    Old Norse · Ruler with wisdom and compassionate strength

    282,489 births
  11. 11.
    Larry

    Latin · Crowned with laurel, victorious and honored

    255,908 births
  12. 12.
    Donald

    Scottish Gaelic · Proud ruler of the world with great dominion

    247,834 births
  13. 13.
    Joseph

    Hebrew · God will increase; blessed with abundance and growth

    230,285 births
  14. 14.
    Gary

    Old English · Spear warrior, steadfast and noble protector

    217,772 births
  15. 15.
    George

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

    209,013 births
  16. 16.
    Kenneth

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

    198,553 births
  17. 17.
    Paul

    Latin · Small and humble, carrying quiet inner strength

    183,364 births
  18. 18.
    Edward

    Old English · Prosperous guardian, protector of wealth and wellbeing

    174,801 births
  19. 19.
    Jerry

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

    167,257 births
  20. 20.
    Dennis

    Greek · Devoted to Dionysus, festive and joyful spirit

    162,114 births
  21. 21.
    Frank

    Germanic · Free and honest-hearted soul

    119,417 births
  22. 22.
    Daniel

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

    112,778 births
  23. 23.
    Raymond

    Germanic · Wise protector and counsel, strong guardian

    109,076 births
  24. 24.
    Roger

    Old Germanic · Renowned spear wielder, famous warrior

    107,602 births
  25. 25.
    Stephen

    Greek · Crown of victory, honored and steadfast warrior

    106,812 births
  26. 26.
    Gerald

    Germanic · Mighty spear wielder, strong and commanding

    103,342 births
  27. 27.
    Walter

    Germanic · Powerful leader of the army, strong warrior

    83,728 births
  28. 28.
    Harold

    Old Norse · Powerful warrior with noble and steadfast heart

    82,176 births
  29. 29.
    Steven

    Greek · Crown-bearer, victor adorned with laurels

    81,204 births
  30. 30.
    Douglas

    Scottish Gaelic · From the dark water; strong and mysterious

    80,760 births
  31. 31.
    Lawrence

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

    80,461 births
  32. 32.
    Terry

    Latin / Old French · Smooth, polished, and enduring like stone

    76,965 births
  33. 33.
    Wayne

    Old English · Skilled wagon maker, builder of strong roads

    75,131 births
  34. 34.
    Arthur

    Welsh / Latin · Noble bear of strength and legendary valor

    73,968 births
  35. 35.
    Jack

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

    73,919 births
  36. 36.
    Carl

    Germanic · Free man and strong warrior of the people

    72,739 births
  37. 37.
    Henry

    Old Germanic · Estate ruler with noble heritage and strength

    72,488 births
  38. 38.
    Willie

    Germanic · Resolute protector with unwavering will

    72,422 births
  39. 39.
    Bruce

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

    72,097 births
  40. 40.
    Joe

    Hebrew · God will increase and multiply blessings

    72,015 births
  41. 41.
    Peter

    Greek · Rock and foundation; steadfast and solid

    69,330 births
  42. 42.
    Billy

    Germanic / English · A resolute protector with unwavering determination

    67,833 births
  43. 43.
    Roy

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

    65,648 births
  44. 44.
    Ralph

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

    64,983 births
  45. 45.
    Anthony

    Latin · Priceless and beyond measure, a treasure of character

    64,825 births
  46. 46.
    Jimmy

    Hebrew · Beloved by God, held with divine grace

    63,523 births
  47. 47.
    Albert

    Germanic · Noble brilliance and luminous strength

    60,278 births
  48. 48.
    Bobby

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

    58,890 births
  49. 49.
    Eugene

    Greek · Nobly born, of distinguished and worthy character

    57,275 births
  50. 50.
    Johnny

    Hebrew · God's gracious gift, beloved and cherished

    57,200 births
  51. 51.
    Fred

    Old German · Peaceful ruler with a gentle, steady strength

    56,665 births
  52. 52.
    Harry

    Germanic / English · Master of the household, bold ruler

    56,245 births
  53. 53.
    Howard

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

    53,530 births
  54. 54.
    Mark

    Latin · Devoted to Mars, bearing the strength of a warrior

    50,731 births
  55. 55.
    Alan

    Irish Gaelic · Bright and fair; noble harmony and grace

    50,302 births
  56. 56.
    Louis

    Germanic · Renowned warrior of light and glory

    49,430 births
  57. 57.
    Philip

    Greek · Lover of horses, devoted friend with noble heart

    48,735 births
  58. 58.
    Patrick

    Latin · Noble and patrician, dignified strength

    48,619 births
  59. 59.
    Dale

    Old English · Valley dweller, quiet strength and peaceful ease

    46,815 births
  60. 60.
    Danny

    Hebrew · God is my judge, a source of wisdom

    46,661 births
  61. 61.
    Stanley

    Old English · From the stony clearing, steadfast and grounded

    46,263 births
  62. 62.
    Leonard

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

    44,289 births
  63. 63.
    Timothy

    Greek · One who honors God with reverent devotion

    43,503 births
  64. 64.
    Gregory

    Greek · Watchful protector, vigilant and wise

    43,222 births
  65. 65.
    Samuel

    Hebrew · God has heard, divinely answered prayer

    43,129 births
  66. 66.
    Ronnie

    Scottish Gaelic · Mighty ruler with strength and power

    42,456 births
  67. 67.
    Norman

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

    42,164 births
  68. 68.
    Ernest

    Germanic · Serious and determined, genuine strength of spirit

    41,762 births
  69. 69.
    Russell

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

    41,336 births
  70. 70.
    Francis

    Latin · Free and independent spirit of the French people

    39,519 births
  71. 71.
    Melvin

    Old English · Gentle mill worker and friend of gentleness

    39,236 births
  72. 72.
    Earl

    Old English · Noble warrior of distinguished rank and honor

    39,128 births
  73. 73.
    Frederick

    Germanic · Peaceful ruler of great power and wisdom

    39,114 births
  74. 74.
    Allen

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

    39,049 births
  75. 75.
    Bill

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

    37,756 births
  76. 76.
    Tommy

    Aramaic · Twin spirit, strong and enduring companion

    37,046 births
  77. 77.
    Phillip

    Greek · Lover of horses and timeless nobility

    36,989 births
  78. 78.
    Marvin

    Old English / Old Welsh · Beloved friend of the sea

    36,445 births
  79. 79.
    Steve

    Greek · Crowned with honor and victorious strength

    36,286 births
  80. 80.
    Don

    Scottish Gaelic · World leader with noble brown dignity

    36,255 births
  81. 81.
    Clarence

    Latin · Bright and shining, clear and illustrious

    36,197 births
  82. 82.
    Barry

    Irish Gaelic · Fair-haired spear carrier, noble protector

    36,192 births
  83. 83.
    Glenn

    Irish Gaelic · From the sacred valley, peaceful and serene

    35,717 births
  84. 84.
    Jim

    Hebrew · Supplanter with strength and determination

    35,632 births
  85. 85.
    Eddie

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

    34,807 births
  86. 86.
    Mike

    Hebrew · Who is like God—a question of humility and wonder

    34,645 births
  87. 87.
    Andrew

    Greek · Strong and courageous, a true warrior spirit

    34,618 births
  88. 88.
    Jeffrey

    Germanic / Hebrew · Divine peace and protection combined

    34,340 births
  89. 89.
    Leroy

    Old French · The king, regal and noble

    33,864 births
  90. 90.
    Alfred

    Old English · Wise counselor from the enchanted forest

    31,998 births
  91. 91.
    Martin

    Latin · Warrior devoted to Mars, strong and fierce

    31,402 births
  92. 92.
    Lee

    Old English · Of the meadow, peaceful and serene

    30,978 births
  93. 93.
    Tom

    Aramaic / Hebrew · Twin soul bringing warmth and truth

    29,884 births
  94. 94.
    Ray

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

    29,656 births
  95. 95.
    Herbert

    Old Germanic · Bright warrior, shining with strength

    28,710 births
  96. 96.
    Gene

    Greek · Well-born, of noble and generous spirit

    27,739 births
  97. 97.
    Bernard

    Germanic · Strong as a bear, brave and powerful

    26,446 births
  98. 98.
    Theodore

    Greek · Gift of God, divine blessing and strength

    26,249 births
  99. 99.
    Curtis

    Latin / French · Courteous heart of noble bearing

    26,009 births
  100. 100.
    Keith

    Scottish Gaelic · Dwelling of grace, blessed home

    25,871 births

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