California's most popular baby names in 1948

In the year 1948, the state of California saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. Among baby girls, Linda was the most popular name, followed by Mary and Susan. These names were not only popular in California but also across the United States.

For baby boys, Robert took the top spot, followed by John and Michael. These names were classic and timeless, and continue to be popular even today. Whether parents were drawn to these names for their traditional appeal or for personal reasons, they remain some of the most beloved and enduring names in California's history.

Most popular baby girl names in California in 1948

According to records from 1948, the most popular baby girl names in California were Linda, Mary, Susan, Patricia, and Barbara. Linda was the most popular name with 6604 babies given that name, followed by Mary with 3426, Susan with 3338, Patricia with 2882, and Barbara with 2473. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and societal trends at the time.

Linda

6604 baby girls born in California (1948) 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."
Mary

3426 baby girls born in California (1948) 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.
Susan

3338 baby girls born in California (1948) 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

2882 baby girls born in California (1948) 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.
Barbara

2473 baby girls born in California (1948) 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.
Kathleen
2110 baby girls born in California (1948) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Sandra
2108 baby girls born in California (1948) 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.
Nancy
1969 baby girls born in California (1948) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Carol
1954 baby girls born in California (1948) named Carol
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".
Sharon
1886 baby girls born in California (1948) 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.
Karen
1724 baby girls born in California (1948) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Donna
1442 baby girls born in California (1948) 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.
Pamela
1407 baby girls born in California (1948) 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).
Judy
1250 baby girls born in California (1948) named Judy
Diane
1215 baby girls born in California (1948) named Diane
Diane is a feminine given name of French origin. The name is derived from the Roman goddess Diana, who was the goddess of hunting, the moon, and childbirth. The name Diane means "divine" or "heavenly".
Margaret
1159 baby girls born in California (1948) named Margaret
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
Judith
1103 baby girls born in California (1948) named Judith
The name Judith is of Hebrew origin and means "woman of Judea" or "praised".
Christine
1099 baby girls born in California (1948) named Christine
The name Christine is of Greek origin and means "follower of Christ".
Cheryl
1021 baby girls born in California (1948) 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.
Janet
1004 baby girls born in California (1948) named Janet
The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".

Most popular baby boy names in California in 1948

In California in 1948, the most popular baby boy names were Robert, John, Michael, James, and David. Robert was the most popular name with 5888 babies given that name, followed closely by John with 5423 babies. Michael, James, and David were also popular names with 4771, 4656, and 4120 babies respectively given those names. These names continue to be popular choices for baby boys today.

Robert

5888 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.
John

5423 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.
Michael

4771 baby boys born in California (1948) 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

4656 baby boys born in California (1948) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
David

4120 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.
Richard
4000 baby boys born in California (1948) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
William
3429 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.
Ronald
2345 baby boys born in California (1948) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Thomas
2326 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.
Gary
2204 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.
Steven
2014 baby boys born in California (1948) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Larry
1998 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.
Charles
1926 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.
Dennis
1858 baby boys born in California (1948) named Dennis
The name Dennis is of Greek origin and means "follower of Dionysius", the Greek god of wine and fertility. It was a popular name in ancient Greece and was later adopted by the Romans. The name has been used in various cultures and languages throughout history.
Stephen
1723 baby boys born in California (1948) named Stephen
The name Stephen means "crown" or "garland" in Greek. It is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, which was a common name among early Christians due to its association with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
Donald
1654 baby boys born in California (1948) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Kenneth
1449 baby boys born in California (1948) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Paul
1367 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.
Daniel
1366 baby boys born in California (1948) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
George
1242 baby boys born in California (1948) 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.