In the year 1939, the state of Alabama witnessed a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. Mary, Betty, and Barbara emerged as the most popular names for baby girls, while James, William, and John dominated the charts for baby boys. These names were not only popular in Alabama but also across the United States during that time.
Mary, a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "bitter" or "beloved," has been a popular choice for baby girls for centuries. Betty, a diminutive of Elizabeth, which means "pledged to God," was also a common name in the 1930s. Barbara, a Greek name meaning "stranger" or "foreigner," was also a popular choice for baby girls during this period. James, William, and John, on the other hand, are classic names of English origin that have been popular for centuries. These names have continued to be popular choices for parents even today, proving their timeless appeal.
According to historical records, the top 5 most popular baby girl names in Alabama in the year 1939 were Mary, Betty, Barbara, Annie, and Dorothy. Mary was the most popular name with 2075 babies given that name, followed by Betty with 1195 babies, Barbara with 767 babies, Annie with 656 babies, and Dorothy with 603 babies. These names were likely influenced by popular culture, family traditions, and religious beliefs of the time.
Mary is a feminine given name that has been used in various cultures and languages throughout history. The meaning and origin of the name are uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the Hebrew name Miriam, which means "bitter" or "rebellious". The name Mary is popular in Christian cultures due to its association with the mother of Jesus Christ.
The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".
The name Barbara is of Greek origin, derived from the word "barbaros" which means foreign or strange. It was a popular name in the Middle Ages and was often given to girls born on St. Barbara's feast day. The name has been used in various cultures and languages around the world.
The name Annie is a diminutive form of the name Ann or Anna. It is of Hebrew origin and means "gracious" or "full of grace".
The name Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".
The name Shirley is of English origin and its meaning is "bright meadow" or "bright clearing". It was originally a surname that became a popular given name in the 19th century.
The name Martha means "lady" or "mistress" and is of Aramaic origin. It is a biblical name, borne by the sister of Lazarus in the New Testament.
The name Patricia is derived from the Latin word "patricius," meaning "noble" or "aristocratic." It was a popular name in the Roman Empire and later spread throughout Europe. The name is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, kindness, and leadership.
The name Carolyn is a feminine given name of English origin. It is a variant of Caroline, which is derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "strong". The name Carolyn has been in use since the 19th century and has been a popular name for girls in the United States.
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
The name Peggy is a diminutive form of the name Margaret, which means "pearl" or "precious".
The name Sarah means "princess" in Hebrew. It is a popular name in many cultures and is often associated with grace, beauty, and kindness.
The name Doris means "gift of the ocean" or "from the sea" in Greek. It was also the name of a sea nymph in Greek mythology.
The name Willie is a diminutive form of William, which means "resolute protector" or "willful protector".
Helen is a name of Greek origin and means "bright, shining one" or "torchbearer". It is also sometimes associated with the meaning "sunray" or "ray of light". The name has been popular throughout history and is still commonly used today.
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my oath" or "my God is abundance". It is a name that has been popular for centuries and has been borne by many notable figures in history and literature.
Frances is a name of Latin origin meaning "free man" or "from France".
The name Joyce is of Old French origin, derived from the name Josse, which means "lord" or "master". It was originally a masculine name but became popular as a feminine name in the 20th century. The name Joyce is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and independence.
The name Ruby is derived from the Latin word "ruber," which means "red." It is a gemstone name and is associated with love, passion, and energy. Ruby is also believed to bring good fortune and success to those who wear it.
The name Virginia is derived from the Latin word "Virgo" which means "maiden" or "virgin". It was a popular name in ancient Rome and was often given to girls who were born in the month of August. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century and is associated with purity, innocence, and virtue.
Based on the data from 1939, the most popular baby boy names in Alabama were James, William, John, Robert, and Charles. James was the most popular name with 2282 babies given that name, followed by William with 1201 babies, John with 1169 babies, Robert with 1163 babies, and Charles with 1040 babies. These names reflect traditional and classic choices that were popular during that time period.
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
The name William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
The name John is of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious". It is a very common name and has been used for centuries. People with this name are often known for their kindness and generosity.
The name Robert means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance". It is of Old German origin and was a popular name among medieval kings and nobility.
The name Charles means "free man" or "strong man" and is of Germanic origin. It was a popular name among European royalty and has been commonly used throughout history.
The name Willie is a diminutive form of William, which means "resolute protector" or "willful protector".
The name Billy is a diminutive form of the name William, which is of Old German origin and means "resolute protection".
The name Bobby is a diminutive form of the name Robert, which means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance".
The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin and means "twin". It is a common name in many cultures and has been used for centuries.
The name Joe is a shortened form of the name Joseph. Its meaning is "God will increase" or "He will add".
The name George means "farmer" or "earthworker" and is of Greek origin. It was a popular name among early Christians, as Saint George is the patron saint of England and a martyr in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches. The name has been used by many notable figures throughout history, including several kings of England.
The name Jerry is a diminutive form of the name Gerald or Gerard, which means "ruler with a spear" or "brave with a spear" respectively. It is of Old German origin.
The name David is of Hebrew origin and means "beloved" or "friend". It is a popular name in many cultures and religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the Bible, David was the second king of Israel and is known for his bravery, leadership, and devotion to God. People with the name David are often described as confident, charismatic, and loyal.
The name Jimmy is a diminutive form of the name James, which means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
The name Henry means "ruler of the household" or "estate ruler". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name for centuries.
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
The name Edward means "wealthy guardian" or "rich guard" and is of Old English origin. It is derived from the words "ead" meaning "wealth, fortune" and "weard" meaning "guardian, protector".
Walter is a Germanic name that means "ruler of the army" or "powerful warrior".
Johnny is a diminutive form of the name John, which means "God is gracious" or "gift of God".