Names of US

Arkansas's most popular baby names in 1961

In the year 1961, the state of Arkansas witnessed a surge in the popularity of traditional baby names. Mary, Linda, and Brenda were the most popular names for baby girls, while James, David, and Michael topped the list for baby boys. These names were not only popular in Arkansas but also across the United States.

The name Mary, which has been a popular choice for baby girls for centuries, held the top spot in Arkansas in 1961. Linda, a name that was gaining popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, was a close second. Brenda, a name that had been relatively uncommon until the 1950s, saw a sudden rise in popularity in the early 1960s. Similarly, the names James, David, and Michael were also traditional choices that had been popular for decades. These names continue to be popular choices for parents even today.

Most popular baby girl names in Arkansas in 1961

In 1961, the most popular baby girl names in Arkansas were Mary, Linda, Brenda, Lisa, and Sandra. Mary was the most popular name with 442 babies given that name, followed closely by Linda with 401 babies. Brenda was the third most popular name with 379 babies, Lisa was the fourth most popular with 361 babies, and Sandra was the fifth most popular with 299 babies. These names were likely influenced by popular cultural and societal trends of the time.

  1. Mary

    442 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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

    401 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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

    379 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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. Lisa

    361 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) named Lisa

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

  5. Sandra

    299 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  6. Karen

    298 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) named Karen

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

  7. Donna

    294 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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. Patricia

    290 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  9. Teresa

    280 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  10. Debra

    269 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) named Debra

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

  11. Cynthia

    259 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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. Sharon

    255 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  13. Deborah

    234 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  14. Pamela

    231 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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. Susan

    209 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  16. Debbie

    187 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) named Debbie

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

  17. Tammy

    187 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  18. Kathy

    186 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  19. Barbara

    185 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  20. Carolyn

    173 baby girls born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

Most popular baby boy names in Arkansas in 1961

In 1961, the most popular baby boy names in Arkansas were James, David, Michael, Robert, and John. James was the most popular name with 910 babies given that name, followed by David with 704, Michael with 654, Robert with 580, and John with 544. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and historical figures of the time.

  1. James

    910 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) named James

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

  2. David

    704 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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

    654 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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

    580 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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

    544 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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

    428 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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

    410 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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

    388 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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. Kenneth

    292 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) named Kenneth

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

  10. Jerry

    271 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  11. Ricky

    271 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) named Ricky

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

  12. Larry

    271 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  13. Gary

    268 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  14. Billy

    252 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) named Billy

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

  15. Terry

    251 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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".

  16. Steven

    238 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) named Steven

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

  17. Richard

    231 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) named Richard

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

  18. Timothy

    228 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) 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.

  19. Jimmy

    224 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) named Jimmy

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

  20. Bobby

    224 baby boys born in Arkansas (1961) named Bobby

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