In the year 1939, the state of Arizona saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. Mary, Barbara, and Betty emerged as the top three baby girl names, while Robert, James, and John were the most popular baby boy names. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and historical events of the time, such as the rise of Hollywood starlets with names like Barbara Stanwyck and the ongoing World War II, which may have inspired parents to choose traditional, classic names for their children.
The popularity of these names in Arizona during this time period also reflects broader national trends, as many of these names remained popular throughout the 20th century. Today, many of these names continue to be popular choices for parents, demonstrating the enduring appeal of classic and timeless names.
Based on historical records, the most popular baby girl names in Arizona in 1939 were Mary, Barbara, Betty, Alice, and Patricia. Mary was the most common name with 347 babies given that name, followed by Barbara with 140, Betty with 92, Alice with 84, and Patricia with 76. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and social trends of the time, but they continue to be used by parents today as well.
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 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 Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".
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 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.
Maria is a name of Latin origin, derived from the name Mariam or Miriam, which means "bitterness" or "sorrow". It is a common name in many cultures and is often associated with the Virgin Mary in Christianity.
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
The name Carol is derived from the Old Germanic word "karl", which means "man" or "free man". It is often associated with the Christmas season due to the popular Christmas carol "Carol of the Bells".
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
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.
Frances is a name of Latin origin meaning "free man" or "from France".
The name Gloria means "glory" or "fame" in Latin.
The name Irene means "peace" in Greek.
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.
Carmen is a name of Latin origin, meaning "song" or "poem". It is derived from the Latin word "carmina", which means "songs" or "chants". The name Carmen has been used in various cultures and languages, and is often associated with qualities such as creativity, passion, and artistic expression.
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.
The name Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".
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."
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.
The name Dolores is of Spanish origin and means "sorrows" or "pains". It is derived from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, which translates to "Our Lady of Sorrows". The name was popularized in the 20th century by the famous Mexican actress Dolores del Río.
In Arizona, 1939, the most popular baby boy name was Robert, with 214 babies given the name. The second most popular name was James, with 179 babies given the name. John came in third with 162 babies named, followed by Richard with 131 babies named, and William with 122 babies named. These five names were the most popular baby boy names in Arizona in 1939.
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 James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
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 Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
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 Frank is of Germanic origin and means "free man" or "truthful man".
The name Joe is a shortened form of the name Joseph. Its meaning is "God will increase" or "He will add".
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 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 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 Manuel is of Spanish and Portuguese origin and means "God is with us".
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.
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
The name Larry is a shortened form of the name Lawrence, which comes from the Latin name Laurentius meaning "from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurel". The name was popularized in the Middle Ages due to the fame of St. Lawrence, a Christian martyr who was roasted alive on a gridiron. The name Larry has been used as a given name since the 19th century and has been a popular name in the United States.
The name Raymond is of Germanic origin and means "wise protector" or "protector advice".
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.
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
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".
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
The name Henry means "ruler of the household" or "estate ruler". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name for centuries.