Massachusetts's most popular baby names in 1959

In the year 1959, Massachusetts saw a surge of newborns with some of the most popular names of the time. For baby girls, Susan, Mary, and Donna topped the charts as the most popular names given to newborns in the state. These names were not only popular in Massachusetts but also across the United States during this time period.

On the other hand, for baby boys, the top names in Massachusetts were John, Michael, and Robert. These classic names have stood the test of time and continue to be popular choices for parents all over the world. It's interesting to see how names have evolved over the years, but some names remain timeless and continue to be popular even decades later.

Most popular baby girl names in Massachusetts in 1959

In 1959, the most popular baby girl names in Massachusetts were Susan, Mary, Donna, Patricia, and Karen. Susan was the most popular name with 1987 babies being given that name. Mary was the second most popular with 1752 babies being named Mary. The third and fourth most popular names were Donna and Patricia, with 1720 and 1356 babies respectively. Karen rounded out the top five with 1317 babies being named Karen.

  1. Susan

    1987 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  2. Mary

    1752 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  3. Donna

    1720 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  4. Patricia

    1356 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  5. Karen

    1317 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) named Karen

    Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".

  6. Linda

    1313 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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."

  7. Kathleen

    1201 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) named Kathleen

    The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.

  8. Nancy

    1101 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) named Nancy

    The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".

  9. Deborah

    1064 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  10. Lisa

    973 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) named Lisa

    The name Lisa is a short form of the name Elizabeth and means "God is my oath" or "pledged to God".

  11. Diane

    943 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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".

  12. Debra

    924 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) named Debra

    The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.

  13. Cheryl

    911 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  14. Elizabeth

    800 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  15. Cynthia

    779 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  16. Barbara

    682 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  17. Carol

    679 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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".

  18. Sandra

    608 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  19. Pamela

    593 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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).

  20. Ann

    566 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

Most popular baby boy names in Massachusetts in 1959

In 1959, the most popular baby boy names in Massachusetts were John, Michael, Robert, David, and James. John was the most popular name with 3386 babies given the name, followed closely by Michael with 3238 babies. Robert, David, and James were also popular choices, with 3032, 2927, and 2536 babies given those names, respectively. These names have remained popular choices for baby boys over the years.

  1. John

    3386 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  2. Michael

    3238 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  3. Robert

    3032 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  4. David

    2927 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  5. James

    2536 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) named James

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

  6. Richard

    2041 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) named Richard

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

  7. Mark

    2012 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  8. William

    1919 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  9. Paul

    1739 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  10. Thomas

    1632 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  11. Joseph

    1396 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) named Joseph

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

  12. Stephen

    1267 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  13. Steven

    1242 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) named Steven

    The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.

  14. Peter

    1118 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  15. Kevin

    1028 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) named Kevin

    The name Kevin is of Irish origin and means "handsome" or "gentle birth". It is derived from the Irish name CaoimhĂ­n, which is composed of the Gaelic words "caomh" meaning "kind" or "gentle" and "gin" meaning "birth".

  16. Brian

    990 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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.

  17. Daniel

    957 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) named Daniel

    The name Daniel means "God is my judge".

  18. Edward

    843 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) 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".

  19. Jeffrey

    712 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) named Jeffrey

    The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.

  20. Kenneth

    705 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1959) named Kenneth

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