Names of US

California's most popular baby names in 1966

In the year 1966, California saw a surge in the popularity of baby names that would go on to become timeless classics. For baby girls, Lisa was the top pick, followed closely by Michelle and Kimberly. These names were not only popular in California but across the United States as well.

For baby boys, Michael was the most popular name in California in 1966, followed by David and Robert. These names have remained popular over the years and continue to be popular choices for parents all over the world. The names Lisa, Michelle, Kimberly, Michael, David, and Robert have stood the test of time and remain beloved names for babies born today.

Most popular baby girl names in California in 1966

In 1966, the most popular baby girl names in California were Lisa, Michelle, Kimberly, Karen, and Jennifer. Lisa was the most popular name with 4928 newborns receiving that name. Michelle came in second with 3298 newborns, followed by Kimberly with 2808 newborns. Karen and Jennifer round out the top five with 2065 and 1918 newborns receiving those names, respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and trends at the time.

  1. Lisa

    4928 baby girls born in California (1966) named Lisa

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

  2. Michelle

    3298 baby girls born in California (1966) named Michelle

    Michelle is a feminine given name of French origin. The name means "who is like God" or "gift from God." It is a variation of the name Michael, which comes from Hebrew and means "who is like God." The name Michelle has been used in English-speaking countries since the mid-20th century and has gained popularity over time.

  3. Kimberly

    2808 baby girls born in California (1966) named Kimberly

    The name Kimberly means "from the wood of the royal forest" or "royal fortress meadow". It is of Old English origin and was first used as a given name in the 1940s.

  4. Karen

    2065 baby girls born in California (1966) named Karen

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

  5. Jennifer

    1918 baby girls born in California (1966) named Jennifer

    The name Jennifer is of Welsh origin and means "fair and smooth". It was first used as a given name in the United States in the 20th century and became very popular in the 1970s and 1980s.

  6. Julie

    1880 baby girls born in California (1966) named Julie

    The name Julie is a French name that means "youthful" or "full of energy". It is derived from the Latin name Julia, which means "soft-haired" or "youthful".

  7. Mary

    1853 baby girls born in California (1966) 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.

  8. Susan

    1825 baby girls born in California (1966) 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.

  9. Cynthia

    1782 baby girls born in California (1966) 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.

  10. Patricia

    1705 baby girls born in California (1966) 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.

  11. Laura

    1641 baby girls born in California (1966) named Laura

    The name Laura is of Latin origin and means "bay laurel". It was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. The name has been popular in many countries and cultures throughout history.

  12. Elizabeth

    1547 baby girls born in California (1966) named Elizabeth

    Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my oath" or "my God is abundance". It is a name that has been popular for centuries and has been borne by many notable figures in history and literature.

  13. Christine

    1494 baby girls born in California (1966) named Christine

    The name Christine is of Greek origin and means "follower of Christ".

  14. Sandra

    1493 baby girls born in California (1966) 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. Deborah

    1469 baby girls born in California (1966) 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.

  16. Maria

    1415 baby girls born in California (1966) named Maria

    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.

  17. Tina

    1282 baby girls born in California (1966) named Tina

    The name Tina is a diminutive form of Christina, which is derived from the Greek name Christos, meaning "anointed one" or "follower of Christ." Therefore, the name Tina can be interpreted as "follower of Christ" or "anointed one."

  18. Kelly

    1274 baby girls born in California (1966) named Kelly

    The name Kelly is of Irish origin and means "bright-headed" or "warrior". It is a unisex name, meaning it can be given to both boys and girls. The name has been popularized by its use as a surname and has been used as a given name since the 20th century.

  19. Denise

    1269 baby girls born in California (1966) named Denise

    The name Denise is of French origin and is derived from the name Denis, which means "follower of Dionysius." Dionysius was the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theater. The name Denise was popularized in the 20th century, particularly in the United States.

  20. Linda

    1222 baby girls born in California (1966) 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."

Most popular baby boy names in California in 1966

In 1966, the most popular baby boy names in California were Michael, David, Robert, John, and James. Michael was the most popular name with 7685 babies given that name, followed by David with 6758 babies, Robert with 5891 babies, John with 5752 babies, and James with 4911 babies. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and historical figures, as well as family traditions and personal preferences of parents at the time.

  1. Michael

    7685 baby boys born in California (1966) 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.

  2. David

    6758 baby boys born in California (1966) 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. Robert

    5891 baby boys born in California (1966) 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.

  4. John

    5752 baby boys born in California (1966) 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. James

    4911 baby boys born in California (1966) named James

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

  6. Richard

    3718 baby boys born in California (1966) named Richard

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

  7. Mark

    3301 baby boys born in California (1966) 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.

  8. Steven

    2995 baby boys born in California (1966) named Steven

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

  9. William

    2670 baby boys born in California (1966) 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.

  10. Christopher

    2551 baby boys born in California (1966) named Christopher

    The name Christopher means "bearer of Christ" or "Christ-bearer."

  11. Daniel

    2531 baby boys born in California (1966) named Daniel

    The name Daniel means "God is my judge".

  12. Brian

    2396 baby boys born in California (1966) named Brian

    The name Brian is of Irish origin and means "strong, virtuous, and honorable". It is a popular name for boys in Ireland and has been used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages.

  13. Jeffrey

    2382 baby boys born in California (1966) named Jeffrey

    The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.

  14. Paul

    2285 baby boys born in California (1966) 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.

  15. Scott

    2220 baby boys born in California (1966) named Scott

    The name Scott is of Scottish origin and means "from Scotland" or "wanderer". It is a common surname that has been used as a first name since the 19th century.

  16. Eric

    2203 baby boys born in California (1966) named Eric

    The name Eric is of Scandinavian origin and means "eternal ruler" or "ruler of all". It is a popular name in many countries and cultures.

  17. Kevin

    2121 baby boys born in California (1966) named Kevin

    The name Kevin is of Irish origin and means "handsome" or "gentle birth". It is derived from the Irish name Caoimhín, which is composed of the Gaelic words "caomh" meaning "kind" or "gentle" and "gin" meaning "birth".

  18. Timothy

    2085 baby boys born in California (1966) 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. Anthony

    1986 baby boys born in California (1966) named Anthony

    The name Anthony is of Latin origin and means "priceless" or "highly praiseworthy".

  20. Thomas

    1963 baby boys born in California (1966) 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.