Arkansas's most popular baby names in 1957

In the year 1957, the state of Arkansas saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. For baby girls, the name Mary was a clear favorite, followed closely by Linda and Brenda. These classic names have stood the test of time and continue to be popular choices for parents today.

On the boys' side, James was the most popular name in Arkansas in 1957, followed by David and Michael. These strong, traditional names have remained popular over the years and are still commonly chosen by parents. It's interesting to see how certain names have remained popular over the decades, while others have fallen out of favor.

Most popular baby girl names in Arkansas in 1957

According to data from 1957, the most popular baby girl names in Arkansas were Mary, Linda, Brenda, Debra, and Deborah. Mary was the most popular name with 670 babies receiving this name, followed by Linda with 527 babies, Brenda with 479 babies, Debra with 424 babies, and Deborah with 398 babies. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and trends of the time.

  1. Mary

    670 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  2. Linda

    527 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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."

  3. Brenda

    479 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) named Brenda

    The name Brenda is of Old Norse origin and means "sword" or "torch". It was popularized in the 20th century as a given name, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom.

  4. Debra

    424 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) named Debra

    The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.

  5. Deborah

    398 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  6. Patricia

    388 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  7. Donna

    326 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  8. Sharon

    326 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  9. Barbara

    319 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  10. Karen

    303 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) named Karen

    Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".

  11. Cynthia

    300 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  12. Pamela

    284 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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).

  13. Carolyn

    274 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) named Carolyn

    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.

  14. Sandra

    273 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  15. Kathy

    241 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) named Kathy

    The name Kathy is a diminutive form of the name Katherine, which means "pure" or "clear". It is of Greek origin and has been a popular name in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.

  16. Teresa

    241 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  17. Susan

    240 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  18. Shirley

    218 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) named Shirley

    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.

  19. Rebecca

    213 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  20. Betty

    199 baby girls born in Arkansas (1957) named Betty

    The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".

Most popular baby boy names in Arkansas in 1957

According to records from 1957, the most popular baby boy names in Arkansas were James, David, Michael, John, and Robert. James was the most popular name with 962 babies given that name, followed closely by David with 690 babies. Michael, John, and Robert were also popular choices with 637, 636, and 589 babies respectively given those names.

  1. James

    962 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named James

    The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".

  2. David

    690 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  3. Michael

    637 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  4. John

    636 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  5. Robert

    589 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  6. Charles

    530 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  7. William

    467 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  8. Larry

    424 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Larry

    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.

  9. Terry

    358 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Terry

    The name Terry is a unisex name of English origin, derived from the name Terence. The meaning of the name Terry is "smooth, tender".

  10. Gary

    348 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Gary

    The name Gary is of English origin and means "spear rule" or "spear carrier". It was originally a surname but became popular as a given name in the 20th century. People with this name are believed to be independent, practical, and analytical.

  11. Jerry

    345 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Jerry

    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.

  12. Kenneth

    344 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Kenneth

    The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".

  13. Mark

    334 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) 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.

  14. Richard

    308 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Richard

    The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".

  15. Billy

    286 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Billy

    The name Billy is a diminutive form of the name William, which is of Old German origin and means "resolute protection".

  16. Donald

    271 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Donald

    Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".

  17. Ricky

    266 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Ricky

    The name Ricky is a diminutive form of the name Richard, which means "brave ruler" or "strong ruler".

  18. Randy

    255 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Randy

    The name Randy is a shortened form of the name Randall, which means "shield wolf" in Old English. It is also sometimes used as a nickname for the name Randolph.

  19. Bobby

    245 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) named Bobby

    The name Bobby is a diminutive form of the name Robert, which means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance".

  20. Thomas

    244 baby boys born in Arkansas (1957) 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.