In the year 1914, Alaska was a sparsely populated territory with a distinct cultural mix of indigenous peoples and settlers from various parts of the world. Despite this diversity, the most popular baby names in the state reflected a preference for traditional and classic names. Mary, Margaret, and Alice were the top choices for baby girls, while John, James, and Joseph were the most common names given to baby boys.
These names have stood the test of time and continue to be popular choices for parents in Alaska and beyond. They harken back to a simpler time and reflect a desire for stability and familiarity in an ever-changing world. As a historian and expert on names, I find it fascinating to see how naming trends have evolved over time, and how certain names have remained popular for generations.
In 1914, Mary was the most popular baby girl name in Alaska with 22 occurrences. Margaret followed closely behind with 10 occurrences, while Alice and Annie tied for third place with 8 occurrences each. Elizabeth was the fifth most popular name with 7 occurrences. These names reflect the common trends of the time, with traditional and classic names being favored by parents.
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 Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
The name Alice is of German origin and means "noble" or "of noble birth". It is a popular name that has been used for centuries and has been the name of many notable fictional characters in literature and film.
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".
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.
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.
The name Clara is of Latin origin and means "bright" or "clear". It is derived from the Latin word "clarus", which means clear, bright, or famous. The name Clara has been popular for centuries and has been used in various cultures and languages. It is a classic and timeless name that is still popular today.
The name Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".
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 Agnes means "pure" or "chaste" and has its roots in Greek language. It was a popular name in the Middle Ages and is still used today.
Esther is a feminine given name of Persian origin. Its meaning is uncertain, but it is believed to possibly mean "star" or "myrtle leaf". In the Bible, Esther was a queen of Persia who saved the Jewish people from genocide. The name has been popular among Jewish communities and has been used in various cultures around the world.
Frances is a name of Latin origin meaning "free man" or "from France".
The name Julia is of Latin origin and means "youthful". It is a feminine name that has been used since ancient Roman times and continues to be popular today.
The name Lillian means "pure" or "innocent" and is of English origin. It is a variant of the name Lily and is often associated with the flower of the same name. Lillian has been a popular name for girls since the late 19th century.
The name Mildred means "gentle strength" or "mild strength".
The name Pauline is a feminine name of French origin. It is the feminine form of the name Paul, which means "small" or "humble" in Latin. The name Pauline is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and a strong will. It is a classic name that has been popular for centuries and is still widely used today.
Based on historical records from 1914, the most popular baby boy names in Alaska were John, James, Joseph, Henry, and William. John was the most popular name with 17 babies given this name, followed by James with 12, Joseph with 10, and Henry and William tied with 9 each. These names reflect traditional and classic choices that were popular across the United States during that time period. It is interesting to note that these names have continued to be popular over the years, with some of them remaining in the top 10 names for baby boys even today.
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 James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
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 William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
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 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 Arthur is of Celtic origin and means "bear". It was a popular name among the kings and nobles of medieval England, and has since become a classic name that is still in use today.
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 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 Peter is derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone". It is a common name in many cultures and languages, and is often associated with qualities such as strength, stability, and steadfastness.
The name Albert is of Germanic origin and means "noble and bright".
The name Frank is of Germanic origin and means "free man" or "truthful man".
The name Jack is of English origin and is a diminutive form of the name John, which means "God is gracious".
Walter is a Germanic name that means "ruler of the army" or "powerful warrior".
The name Andrew means "manly" or "warrior" and is of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek name Andreas, which comes from the word "andrĂ³s" meaning "man". Andrew is a popular name in many English-speaking countries and is often used in Christian traditions due to the apostle Andrew being one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ.