In the year 1936, the state of Florida saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. Mary, Betty, and Barbara emerged as the top three names for baby girls, while James, Robert, and John were the most popular choices for baby boys.
These classic names have stood the test of time and continue to be popular even today. They represent a timeless elegance that parents in Florida and beyond have been drawn to for decades. Whether it's the simplicity of Mary or the regal sound of James, these names have proven to be enduring favorites among parents looking for a name that will stand out while also standing the test of time.
In 1936, Mary was the most popular baby girl name in Florida with 783 babies being given that name. Betty came in second with 557 babies, followed by Barbara with 460 babies. Shirley was the fourth most popular name with 400 babies, and Dorothy rounded out the top five with 292 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 Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".
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 Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".
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 Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
The name Martha means "lady" or "mistress" and is of Aramaic origin. It is a biblical name, borne by the sister of Lazarus in the New Testament.
The name Joyce is of Old French origin, derived from the name Josse, which means "lord" or "master". It was originally a masculine name but became popular as a feminine name in the 20th century. The name Joyce is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and independence.
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.
The name Annie is a diminutive form of the name Ann or Anna. It is of Hebrew origin and means "gracious" or "full of grace".
Frances is a name of Latin origin meaning "free man" or "from France".
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 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.
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 Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
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 Gloria means "glory" or "fame" in Latin.
The name Virginia is derived from the Latin word "Virgo" which means "maiden" or "virgin". It was a popular name in ancient Rome and was often given to girls who were born in the month of August. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century and is associated with purity, innocence, and virtue.
The name Mildred means "gentle strength" or "mild strength".
In Florida in 1936, the most popular baby boy name was James, with 880 babies given that name. The following four most popular names were Robert (638), John (615), William (584), and Charles (442). These names were likely influenced by traditional English and Scottish naming practices, which were common in the United States at the time.
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
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 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 William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
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 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 Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
The name Willie is a diminutive form of William, which means "resolute protector" or "willful protector".
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
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 Thomas is of Aramaic origin and means "twin". It is a common name in many cultures and has been used for centuries.
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
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 Henry means "ruler of the household" or "estate ruler". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name for centuries.
The name Joe is a shortened form of the name Joseph. Its meaning is "God will increase" or "He will add".
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 Bobby is a diminutive form of the name Robert, which means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance".
The name Albert is of Germanic origin and means "noble and bright".
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.