Arkansas's most popular baby names in 1959

In the year 1959, the state of Arkansas saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. Mary, Linda, and Brenda were among the most popular names for baby girls, while James, David, and Michael topped the charts for baby boys.

These classic names are still popular today, with many parents opting for traditional names that have stood the test of time. Whether it's the timeless elegance of Mary or the strong and sturdy sound of James, these names continue to be beloved choices for parents in Arkansas and beyond.

Most popular baby girl names in Arkansas in 1959

According to the data from 1959, the top 5 most popular baby girl names in Arkansas were Mary, Linda, Brenda, Donna, and Patricia. Mary was the most popular name with 502 babies given that name, followed closely by Linda with 465 babies. Brenda, Donna, and Patricia were also popular choices for parents, with 395, 347, and 341 babies given those names, respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and societal trends of the time.

  1. Mary

    502 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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

    465 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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

    395 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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. Donna

    347 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  5. Patricia

    341 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  6. Debra

    318 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) named Debra

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

  7. Karen

    313 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) named Karen

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

  8. Deborah

    297 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  9. Sandra

    285 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  10. Sharon

    281 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  11. Cynthia

    280 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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. Barbara

    277 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  13. Kathy

    273 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  14. Pamela

    273 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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).

  15. Debbie

    240 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) named Debbie

    The name Debbie is a diminutive form of the name Deborah. It is of Hebrew origin and means "bee".

  16. Lisa

    228 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) named Lisa

    The name Lisa is a short form of the name Elizabeth and means "God is my oath" or "pledged to God".

  17. Teresa

    226 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  18. Susan

    220 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  19. Carolyn

    208 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  20. Tammy

    179 baby girls born in Arkansas (1959) named Tammy

    The name Tammy is a diminutive form of the name Tamara, which has Hebrew origins and means "palm tree" or "date tree". The exact meaning of Tammy is unclear, but it is generally considered to be a modern English name that is derived from Tamara.

Most popular baby boy names in Arkansas in 1959

In Arkansas, 1959, the top 5 most popular baby boy names were James, David, Michael, Robert, and John. James was the most popular name with 928 babies named James, followed by David with 673 babies, Michael with 610 babies, Robert with 567 babies, and John with 539 babies. These names were likely influenced by popular cultural figures and historical figures at the time.

  1. James

    928 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) named James

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

  2. David

    673 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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

    610 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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. Robert

    567 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  5. John

    539 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  6. Charles

    444 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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

    426 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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. Mark

    399 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  9. Ricky

    359 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) named Ricky

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

  10. Kenneth

    352 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) named Kenneth

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

  11. Larry

    336 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  12. Richard

    311 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) named Richard

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

  13. Terry

    302 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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".

  14. Jerry

    280 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  15. Billy

    278 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) named Billy

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

  16. Gary

    275 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  17. Timothy

    242 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) 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.

  18. Steven

    236 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) named Steven

    The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.

  19. Jimmy

    231 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) named Jimmy

    The name Jimmy is a diminutive form of the name James, which means "supplanter" or "one who follows".

  20. Bobby

    227 baby boys born in Arkansas (1959) named Bobby

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