Indiana's most popular baby names in 1956

Indiana, a state known for its rich history and diverse culture, has always been a popular destination for young families looking to settle down and start a new chapter in their lives. In the year 1956, the state saw a surge of newborns, and the most popular baby names of that year were a reflection of the times.

For baby girls, the top names were Debra, Mary, and Deborah - all classic and timeless choices that have remained popular throughout the years. Meanwhile, for baby boys, the top names were Michael, David, and James - strong and traditional names that continue to be popular choices for parents today. These names not only reflect the trends of the time but also serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal of classic names that stand the test of time.

Most popular baby girl names in Indiana in 1956

In Indiana in 1956, the most popular baby girl name was Debra, with a total of 1672 babies given that name. Mary came in second place with 1490 babies, followed by Deborah with 1288 babies. Linda was the fourth most popular name with 1175 babies, and Karen rounded out the top five with 1148 babies.

Debra

1672 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Mary

1490 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Deborah

1288 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Linda

1175 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) 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."
Karen

1148 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Pamela
1098 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Pamela
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).
Susan
1091 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Cynthia
971 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Patricia
930 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Nancy
752 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Barbara
733 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Kathy
724 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Kathy
The name Kathy is a diminutive form of the name Katherine, which means "pure" or "clear". It is of Greek origin and has been a popular name in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
Donna
722 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Donna
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.
Cheryl
694 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Cheryl
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.
Brenda
666 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Brenda
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.
Sharon
647 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Sharon
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.
Teresa
629 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Teresa
The name Teresa is derived from the Greek name Therasia, which means "harvester" or "reaper". It has also been associated with the Spanish word "teresa", meaning "to harvest". The name has been popularized by Saint Teresa of Avila, a Spanish mystic and writer who lived in the 16th century. The name is commonly given to girls and is of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origin.
Sandra
627 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Rebecca
618 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Rebecca
Rebecca means "captivating" or "knotted cord" in Hebrew. It is a biblical name, borne by the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau in the Old Testament.
Carol
597 baby girls born in Indiana (1956) named Carol
The name Carol is derived from the Old Germanic word "karl", which means "man" or "free man". It is often associated with the Christmas season due to the popular Christmas carol "Carol of the Bells".

Most popular baby boy names in Indiana in 1956

According to the records of the Social Security Administration, the most popular baby boy names in Indiana in 1956 were Michael, David, James, Robert, and John. Michael was the most popular name with 2697 babies given that name, followed by David with 2505 babies. James, Robert, and John were also popular names with 2318, 2089, and 1961 babies given those names, respectively.

Michael

2697 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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.
David

2505 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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.
James

2318 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Robert

2089 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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.
John

1961 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Mark
1815 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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.
William
1458 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Richard
1390 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Steven
1231 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Thomas
1156 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Timothy
1006 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Jeffrey
990 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named Jeffrey
The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.
Charles
962 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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.
Gary
925 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named Gary
The name Gary is of English origin and means "spear rule" or "spear carrier". It was originally a surname but became popular as a given name in the 20th century. People with this name are believed to be independent, practical, and analytical.
Donald
875 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Gregory
868 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named Gregory
The name Gregory is of Greek origin and means "vigilant, watchful".
Daniel
844 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
Kevin
834 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) 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".
Ronald
834 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Larry
768 baby boys born in Indiana (1956) named Larry
The name Larry is a shortened form of the name Lawrence, which comes from the Latin name Laurentius meaning "from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurel". The name was popularized in the Middle Ages due to the fame of St. Lawrence, a Christian martyr who was roasted alive on a gridiron. The name Larry has been used as a given name since the 19th century and has been a popular name in the United States.