The year 1957 marked the beginning of the baby boom era in the United States, and the District of Columbia was no exception. Parents in the capital city were eager to choose the perfect name for their newborns, and the top baby names of the year reflected both traditional and modern sensibilities.
For baby girls, Mary remained the most popular name in the District of Columbia, a timeless choice that had been in the top spot for decades. However, names like Deborah and Patricia were gaining ground, reflecting a growing interest in biblical and classic names. Meanwhile, for baby boys, Michael, James, and John were the clear favorites, reflecting a preference for strong and familiar names that had been popular for generations. Overall, the top baby names of 1957 in the District of Columbia were a mix of old and new, reflecting the changing times and the enduring appeal of certain names.
In District of Columbia, 1957, the most popular baby girl names were Mary, Deborah, Patricia, Karen, and Susan. Mary was the most popular name with 470 baby girls given that name. Deborah came in second with 418, followed by Patricia with 367, Karen with 335, and Susan with 313. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and societal trends of the time.
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.
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.
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.
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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 Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
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.
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).
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.
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.
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
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".
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.
The name Robin is of English origin and is derived from the bird of the same name. It is a unisex name and means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance".
According to the data from the District of Columbia in 1957, the most popular baby boy names were Michael, James, John, Robert, and David. Michael was the most popular name with 826 babies given the name, followed by James with 734, John with 669, Robert with 644, and David with 540. These names were likely influenced by popular cultural figures and trends of the time.
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.
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 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 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 William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
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 Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
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.
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 Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
The name Anthony is of Latin origin and means "priceless" or "highly praiseworthy".
The name Kevin is of Irish origin and means "handsome" or "gentle birth". It is derived from the Irish name CaoimhĂn, which is composed of the Gaelic words "caomh" meaning "kind" or "gentle" and "gin" meaning "birth".
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 Gregory is of Greek origin and means "vigilant, watchful".
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name 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 is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.