Alaska's most popular baby names in 1956

In the year 1956, the state of Alaska saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. For baby girls, Debra, Mary, and Linda were the top choices. These names were favored for their simplicity and timeless appeal, reflecting the cultural values of the time.

For baby boys, Michael, James, and Robert were the most popular names in Alaska. These names were also popular across the United States, reflecting a trend towards traditional and classic names. As a historian and expert on names, it is fascinating to see how the naming trends of the past reflect the values and culture of their time.

Most popular baby girl names in Alaska in 1956

In 1956, Debra was the most popular baby girl name in Alaska with 103 babies given that name. Mary came in at a close second with 95 babies named Mary. Linda was the third most popular name with 76 babies named Linda. Susan followed closely behind with 73 babies named Susan. Patricia rounded out the top five with 63 babies named Patricia. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and trends of the time, as well as family traditions and personal preferences.

Debra

103 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Mary

95 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Mary
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.
Linda

76 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Linda
The name Linda means "beautiful" or "pretty" in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and other Romance languages. It is also derived from the Germanic word "lind," which means "gentle" or "soft."
Susan

73 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Susan
The name Susan means "lily" or "graceful lily" in Hebrew. It was a popular name in the 1940s and 1950s, but has since declined in popularity.
Patricia

63 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Patricia
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.
Karen
62 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Barbara
62 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Barbara
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.
Deborah
56 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Deborah
Deborah is a Hebrew name that means "bee". It is derived from the Hebrew word "d'vorah" which also means "word" or "thing". The name Deborah is often associated with strength, wisdom, and leadership, as the biblical Deborah was a judge and prophetess who led the Israelites to victory over their enemies.
Elizabeth
52 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Elizabeth
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.
Sharon
50 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Sharon
The name Sharon means "a plain or flat area" in Hebrew. It is also a biblical name, referring to a fertile plain near the coast of Israel.
Pamela
49 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Pamela
The name Pamela is of Greek origin and means "all sweetness" or "honeyed". It was first popularized by Sir Philip Sidney in his pastoral romance "Arcadia" (1590) and later by Samuel Richardson in his novel "Pamela" (1740).
Cynthia
49 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Cynthia
The name Cynthia means "moon goddess" or "from Mount Kynthos" in Greek. It is also associated with the Greek mythological figure Artemis, who was known as the goddess of the hunt and the moon. The name Cynthia has been in use since ancient times and has remained relatively popular throughout history.
Sandra
44 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Sandra
The name Sandra is a variant of the name Alexandra, which is of Greek origin. The name Alexandra means "defender of mankind" or "protector of humanity". Therefore, it can be inferred that the name Sandra has a similar meaning.
Cheryl
43 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Cheryl
The name Cheryl is of English origin and its meaning is uncertain. It is believed to have been derived from the French name Cherie, which means "darling" or "beloved". However, some sources suggest that it may have originated from the Welsh name Ceinlys, which means "beautiful". The name Cheryl was most popular in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s.
Donna
38 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Donna
The name Donna is of Italian origin and means "lady" or "woman". It was initially used as a title of respect for women of high social status in Italy, but later became a popular given name in English-speaking countries.
Rebecca
37 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Rebecca
Rebecca means "captivating" or "knotted cord" in Hebrew. It is a biblical name, borne by the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau in the Old Testament.
Nancy
37 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Janet
34 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Janet
The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".
Teresa
32 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Teresa
The name Teresa is derived from the Greek name Therasia, which means "harvester" or "reaper". It has also been associated with the Spanish word "teresa", meaning "to harvest". The name has been popularized by Saint Teresa of Avila, a Spanish mystic and writer who lived in the 16th century. The name is commonly given to girls and is of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origin.
Margaret
29 baby girls born in Alaska (1956) named Margaret
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".

Most popular baby boy names in Alaska in 1956

Based on the records of baby boy names in Alaska in 1956, Michael, James, Robert, David, and John were the most popular names given to newborn boys. Michael was the most popular with a total of 165 babies given this name, followed closely by James with 162, and Robert with 152. David and John complete the top five with 146 and 145 babies given these names, respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular cultural figures and historical figures of the time, as well as family traditions and individual preferences.

Michael

165 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Michael
The name Michael means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew. It is a biblical name that is often associated with the archangel Michael, who is considered to be a protector and warrior in many religious traditions. The name has been popular throughout history and is still commonly used today.
James

162 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Robert

152 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Robert
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.
David

146 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named David
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.
John

145 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named John
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.
William
104 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named William
The name William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
Richard
95 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Mark
75 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Mark
The name Mark is derived from the Latin name "Marcus" which means "dedicated to Mars", the Roman god of war. It is a popular name among Christians as it is the name of one of the four Gospel writers in the New Testament. The name Mark is also associated with qualities such as courage, strength, and leadership.
Steven
71 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Thomas
66 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Thomas
The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin and means "twin". It is a common name in many cultures and has been used for centuries.
Paul
57 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Paul
The name Paul is of Latin origin and means "small" or "humble". It was originally derived from the Roman family name Paulus, which was a common name in ancient Rome. The name has been popularized by various saints and biblical figures, including the apostle Paul, who was a significant figure in the early Christian church.
Donald
57 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Daniel
56 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
Charles
55 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Charles
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.
George
51 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named George
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.
Kenneth
50 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Gregory
45 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Gregory
The name Gregory is of Greek origin and means "vigilant, watchful".
Timothy
45 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Timothy
The name Timothy is of Greek origin and means "honoring God" or "one who honors God". It is derived from the Greek name Timotheos, which is a combination of the words "timao" meaning to honor and "theos" meaning God.
Joseph
41 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Ronald
39 baby boys born in Alaska (1956) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.