Indiana's most popular baby names in 1928

In the year 1928, the state of Indiana witnessed a surge of newborns with names that continue to resonate even today. Mary, Betty, and Dorothy were among the most popular baby girl names, with parents opting for traditional and timeless monikers. Mary, in particular, held the top spot for baby girl names for several years, reflecting the importance of religion and family values in the Hoosier state.

For baby boys, Robert, James, and William were the most popular names, also reflecting a preference for classic and strong names. These names have stood the test of time and remain popular choices for parents even today. It is interesting to note that these names were also popular in other parts of the country, indicating a shared cultural identity and a desire for names that are both familiar and meaningful.

Most popular baby girl names in Indiana in 1928

In Indiana, 1928, the most popular baby girl name was Mary, with 2051 baby girls being given that name. Following Mary were Betty with 1640, Dorothy with 695, Barbara with 693, and Norma with 581. These were the top 5 baby girl names in Indiana during that year.

  1. Mary

    2051 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  2. Betty

    1640 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Betty

    The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".

  3. Dorothy

    695 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Dorothy

    The name Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".

  4. Barbara

    693 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  5. Norma

    581 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Norma

    The name Norma is of Latin origin and means "rule" or "standard". It was popularized by the Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini's opera "Norma" in the 19th century. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and continues to be used today.

  6. Helen

    566 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Helen

    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.

  7. Patricia

    527 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  8. Ruth

    505 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Ruth

    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.

  9. Phyllis

    469 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Phyllis

    The name Phyllis means "foliage" or "greenery" and is of Greek origin.

  10. Margaret

    457 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Margaret

    The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".

  11. Virginia

    444 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Virginia

    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.

  12. Doris

    419 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Doris

    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.

  13. Martha

    388 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Martha

    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.

  14. Joan

    339 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Joan

    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.

  15. Marjorie

    327 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Marjorie

    The name Marjorie is derived from the herb called marjoram. Its meaning is "pearl" or "bitter".

  16. Lois

    286 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Lois

    The name Lois is of Greek origin and means "better, more desirable".

  17. Shirley

    262 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Shirley

    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.

  18. Alice

    242 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Alice

    The name Alice is of German origin and means "noble" or "of noble birth". It is a popular name that has been used for centuries and has been the name of many notable fictional characters in literature and film.

  19. Jean

    240 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Jean

    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.

  20. Anna

    239 baby girls born in Indiana (1928) named Anna

    The name Anna is of Hebrew origin and means "grace" or "favor". It is a simple and classic name that has been popular for centuries.

Most popular baby boy names in Indiana in 1928

In Indiana, 1928, Robert was the most popular name given to baby boys, with a total of 2214 babies being named Robert that year. James followed closely behind with 1318 babies given that name, while William came in third with 1265 babies. The fourth and fifth most popular names were John and Richard, with 1223 and 1067 babies given those names, respectively. These were the top 5 baby boy names in Indiana in 1928.

  1. Robert

    2214 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  2. James

    1318 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named James

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

  3. William

    1265 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  4. John

    1223 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) 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. Richard

    1067 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Richard

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

  6. Donald

    1052 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Donald

    Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".

  7. Charles

    1003 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  8. Paul

    547 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  9. Jack

    521 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Jack

    The name Jack is of English origin and is a diminutive form of the name John, which means "God is gracious".

  10. George

    495 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  11. Harold

    441 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Harold

    The name Harold is of Old English origin and means "ruler of the army". It was a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons and was borne by several kings of England.

  12. Kenneth

    387 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Kenneth

    The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".

  13. Joseph

    375 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Joseph

    The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".

  14. Thomas

    359 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  15. Edward

    311 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Edward

    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".

  16. Ralph

    295 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Ralph

    The name Ralph means "wolf counsel" or "counselor wolf".

  17. Carl

    276 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Carl

    The name Carl is of Germanic origin and means "man" or "free man". It is a variant of the name Charles and has been a popular name throughout history.

  18. Eugene

    260 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Eugene

    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.

  19. David

    258 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) 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.

  20. Raymond

    256 baby boys born in Indiana (1928) named Raymond

    The name Raymond is of Germanic origin and means "wise protector" or "protector advice".