Massachusetts's most popular baby names in 1960

The year 1960 was a time of great change in Massachusetts, and one of the most notable changes was the popularity of baby names. In that year, the most popular baby girl names were Susan, Mary, and Donna, while the most popular baby boy names were John, Michael, and David.

Susan, Mary, and Donna were all timeless classics that had been popular for decades, while John, Michael, and David were more modern choices that reflected the changing times. These names were chosen by parents who wanted their children to have strong, traditional names that would stand the test of time. Whether you're a parent looking for a name for your new baby, or just interested in the trends of the past, the top baby names of 1960 in Massachusetts are a fascinating glimpse into the history of this great state.

Most popular baby girl names in Massachusetts in 1960

In Massachusetts, 1960, the most popular baby girl names were Susan, Mary, Donna, Karen, and Linda. Susan was the most popular name with 1846 babies given that name, followed by Mary with 1693 babies, Donna with 1581 babies, Karen with 1380 babies, and Linda with 1306 babies. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and societal trends of the time.

Susan

1846 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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

1693 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Donna

1581 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Karen

1380 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Linda

1306 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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
1239 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Lisa
1236 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) named Lisa
The name Lisa is a short form of the name Elizabeth and means "God is my oath" or "pledged to God".
Kathleen
1064 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Nancy
1035 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Deborah
936 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Diane
881 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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".
Cheryl
852 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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
775 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Elizabeth
729 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Barbara
672 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Cynthia
656 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Carol
645 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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".
Sandra
637 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Ann
564 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Pamela
537 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1960) 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).

Most popular baby boy names in Massachusetts in 1960

In 1960, the most popular baby boy names in Massachusetts were John, Michael, David, Robert, and James. John was the most popular name with 3475 babies given that name, followed closely by Michael with 3262 babies. David, Robert, and James rounded out the top five names with 3114, 2849, and 2506 babies given those names respectively.

John

3475 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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

3262 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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

3114 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Robert

2849 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
James

2506 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Mark
2151 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Richard
1947 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
William
1859 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Paul
1803 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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
1669 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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
1477 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Steven
1236 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Stephen
1235 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Kevin
1068 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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
1027 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Daniel
1012 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
Peter
997 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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.
Jeffrey
791 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) named Jeffrey
The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.
Scott
779 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) named Scott
The name Scott is of Scottish origin and means "from Scotland" or "wanderer". It is a common surname that has been used as a first name since the 19th century.
Edward
771 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1960) 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".