In the year 1917, the state of Maine saw a surge in the popularity of traditional names for newborns. Mary, Dorothy, and Helen were the most popular names for baby girls, while Robert, John, and William were the top choices for baby boys. These names have stood the test of time and are still considered classic names today.
The popularity of these names can be attributed to the cultural and social norms of the time, where traditional names were highly valued and often passed down from generation to generation. These names also have strong historical and religious significance, adding to their enduring appeal. Overall, the most popular baby names in Maine in 1917 reflect a deep appreciation for tradition and a desire to honor family and cultural heritage.
According to the records of Maine in 1917, the most popular baby girl names were Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Ruth, and Margaret. Mary was the most common name with 249 babies being named Mary, followed by Dorothy with 226 babies, Helen with 172 babies, Ruth with 166 babies, and Margaret with 124 babies. These names were likely chosen based on their popularity at the time, as well as their traditional and timeless qualities.
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 Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".
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 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.
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
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.
Frances is a name of Latin origin meaning "free man" or "from France".
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 Evelyn is of English origin and is derived from the French name Aveline, which means "hazelnut". It is also believed to have roots in the Germanic name Avelina, which means "wished-for child" or "longed-for child". Overall, the name Evelyn is associated with sweetness, charm, and grace.
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.
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 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 Phyllis means "foliage" or "greenery" and is of Greek origin.
The name Pauline is a feminine name of French origin. It is the feminine form of the name Paul, which means "small" or "humble" in Latin. The name Pauline is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and a strong will. It is a classic name that has been popular for centuries and is still widely used today.
The name Eleanor means "bright, shining one" or "compassionate" and is of Old French and Greek origin. It was originally derived from the name AliƩnor, which was the Old French form of the name Helen.
The name Mildred means "gentle strength" or "mild strength".
Florence is a name of Latin origin, meaning "flourishing" or "prosperous".
The name Irene means "peace" in Greek.
The name Lillian means "pure" or "innocent" and is of English origin. It is a variant of the name Lily and is often associated with the flower of the same name. Lillian has been a popular name for girls since the late 19th century.
The name Marie is the French variant of Mary, which means "bitter" in Hebrew. It is a popular name among Christians and has been used for centuries. The name is often associated with purity, grace, and elegance.
In Maine, 1917, the most popular baby boy names were Robert, John, William, George, and Charles. Robert was the most popular name with 229 babies being named that, followed closely by John with 225 babies. William, George, and Charles were also popular names with 155, 154, and 150 babies being named after them, respectively. These names were likely chosen due to their classic and timeless nature, as well as their popularity in the broader American culture at the time.
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 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 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 James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
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.
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
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 Arthur is of Celtic origin and means "bear". It was a popular name among the kings and nobles of medieval England, and has since become a classic name that is still in use today.
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
The name Raymond is of Germanic origin and means "wise protector" or "protector advice".
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
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 Ralph means "wolf counsel" or "counselor wolf".
The name Albert is of Germanic origin and means "noble and bright".
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 Frank is of Germanic origin and means "free man" or "truthful man".
The name Philip is of Greek origin and means "lover of horses".