Massachusetts's most popular baby names in 1958

In the year 1958, the state of Massachusetts saw a surge in the popularity of classic and timeless names for newborns. Topping the list of most popular baby girl names were Susan, Mary, and Karen, while the top baby boy names were John, Michael, and Robert.

Susan, a name of Hebrew origin meaning "lily," was a favorite among parents who sought a feminine yet strong name for their daughters. Mary, a name with biblical roots meaning "bitter" or "beloved," remained a popular choice for parents who valued tradition and simplicity. Karen, a Danish name meaning "pure," also made its way to the top of the list, reflecting a growing interest in international names. On the other hand, John, Michael, and Robert, all names of English origin, continued to dominate the baby boy names chart, reflecting a preference for traditional and timeless names for boys.

Most popular baby girl names in Massachusetts in 1958

In 1958, the most popular baby girl names in Massachusetts were Susan, Mary, Karen, Linda, and Patricia. Susan was the most popular name with 2181 babies given that name, followed by Mary with 1836 babies. Karen was the third most popular name with 1486 babies, Linda came fourth with 1404 babies, and Patricia was the fifth most popular name with 1390 babies. These names were very common and popular choices for parents in Massachusetts during that time.

Susan

2181 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Mary

1836 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Karen

1486 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Linda

1404 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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."
Patricia

1390 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Donna
1336 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Kathleen
1242 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Deborah
1192 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Nancy
1157 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Cheryl
1009 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Debra
1007 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Diane
946 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) named Diane
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".
Elizabeth
778 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) named Elizabeth
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.
Cynthia
772 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Barbara
760 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Carol
746 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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".
Lisa
743 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) named Lisa
The name Lisa is a short form of the name Elizabeth and means "God is my oath" or "pledged to God".
Pamela
651 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) 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).
Ann
592 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) named Ann
The name Ann is a variant of the name Anne, which is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor". The name has been popular throughout history and is often associated with strong and independent women.
Joanne
557 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1958) named Joanne
The name Joanne is a variant of the name Joan, which is of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious". It is a feminine name that has been popular in English-speaking countries since the 20th century.

Most popular baby boy names in Massachusetts in 1958

In Massachusetts, 1958, the most popular baby boy names were John, Michael, Robert, David, and James. John was the most popular name with 3364 babies given that name. Michael came in second with 3332 babies named Michael, followed closely by Robert with 3115 babies named Robert. David was the fourth most popular name with 3017 babies named David, and James rounded out the top five with 2582 babies given that name.

John

3364 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Michael

3332 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Robert

3115 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
David

3017 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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

2582 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Richard
2205 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
William
2003 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Mark
1980 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Paul
1796 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Thomas
1644 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Joseph
1461 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Stephen
1354 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) named 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.
Steven
1157 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Kevin
1002 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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".
Brian
987 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) named Brian
The name Brian is of Irish origin and means "strong, virtuous, and honorable". It is a popular name for boys in Ireland and has been used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages.
Peter
960 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) named Peter
The name Peter is derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone". It is a common name in many cultures and languages, and is often associated with qualities such as strength, stability, and steadfastness.
Daniel
928 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
Edward
837 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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".
Charles
763 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) 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.
Kenneth
751 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1958) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".