In the year 1934, the District of Columbia witnessed a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. Mary, Barbara, and Shirley emerged as the top baby girl names, while Robert, William, and James were the most popular baby boy names. These names were not only trendy but also carried significant meanings and cultural associations.
Mary, a timeless classic, has been a favorite among parents for centuries. Barbara, a name of Greek origin, means "foreign woman" and was popularized in the early 20th century. Shirley, meaning "bright meadow," gained popularity in the 1930s due to the fame of child star Shirley Temple. On the other hand, Robert, William, and James are traditional names that have been popular for generations, reflecting the enduring appeal of classic names. These names continue to remain popular even today, as they have stood the test of time and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of parents.
In District of Columbia, 1934, the most popular baby girl names were Mary, Barbara, Shirley, Patricia, and Joan. Mary was the most popular name with 288 babies given that name, followed by Barbara with 222 babies, Shirley with 196 babies, Patricia with 150 babies, and Joan with 127 babies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The name Joan is of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious". It is a feminine name that was popularized in the Middle Ages and has been in use ever since. The name is often associated with strong and independent women, such as Joan of Arc.
The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".
The name Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
The name Doris means "gift of the ocean" or "from the sea" in Greek. It was also the name of a sea nymph in Greek mythology.
The name Jean is a variant of the name John, which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. It is a gender-neutral name that has been used for both boys and girls.
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
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.
Helen is a name of Greek origin and means "bright, shining one" or "torchbearer". It is also sometimes associated with the meaning "sunray" or "ray of light". The name has been popular throughout history and is still commonly used today.
The name Ann is a variant of the name Anne, which is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor". The name has been popular throughout history and is often associated with strong and independent women.
The name Gloria means "glory" or "fame" in Latin.
The name Dolores is of Spanish origin and means "sorrows" or "pains". It is derived from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, which translates to "Our Lady of Sorrows". The name was popularized in the 20th century by the famous Mexican actress Dolores del Río.
Frances is a name of Latin origin meaning "free man" or "from France".
The name Catherine is of Greek origin and means "pure". It is a popular name that has been used for centuries and has various forms and spellings in different languages.
The name Ruth means "friend" or "companion" in Hebrew. It is also associated with the character Ruth in the Bible, who was known for her loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi.
According to records from District of Columbia in 1934, the most popular baby boy names were Robert, William, James, John, and Charles. Robert was the most popular name with 283 babies given that name, followed closely by William with 279 babies. James came in third with 263 babies given that name, while John and Charles rounded out the top five with 250 and 187 babies respectively.
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.
The name William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
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.
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.
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
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.
The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin and means "twin". It is a common name in many cultures and has been used for centuries.
The name Edward means "wealthy guardian" or "rich guard" and is of Old English origin. It is derived from the words "ead" meaning "wealth, fortune" and "weard" meaning "guardian, protector".
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.
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.
The name Frank is of Germanic origin and means "free man" or "truthful man".
Walter is a Germanic name that means "ruler of the army" or "powerful warrior".
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
The name Raymond is of Germanic origin and means "wise protector" or "protector advice".
The name Lawrence is derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which means "from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurel". It has been a popular name throughout history and is often associated with strength, honor, and victory.
The name Harry is of English origin and is a variation of the name Henry. Its meaning is "ruler of the household" or "estate ruler".
The name Eugene means "well-born" or "noble" and has Greek origins. It was a popular name in the early 20th century but has since declined in popularity.