Names of US

Massachusetts's most popular baby names in 1961

In the year 1961, the state of Massachusetts saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. The top baby girl names of the year were Susan, Mary, and Lisa, while the top baby boy names were John, Michael, and Robert.

These names have stood the test of time and continue to be popular choices for parents today. Whether inspired by family tradition or simply loved for their classic sound, these names hold a special place in the hearts of many Massachusetts families.

Most popular baby girl names in Massachusetts in 1961

In 1961, the top five most popular baby girl names in Massachusetts were Susan, Mary, Lisa, Donna, and Linda. Susan was the most common name with 1745 babies given that name, followed closely by Mary with 1558 babies. Lisa, Donna, and Linda rounded out the top five with 1556, 1307, and 1305 babies respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and trends of the time.

  1. Susan

    1745 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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

    1558 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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. Lisa

    1556 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) named Lisa

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

  4. Donna

    1307 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  5. Linda

    1305 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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."

  6. Karen

    1252 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) named Karen

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

  7. Patricia

    1151 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  8. Kathleen

    1068 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) named Kathleen

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

  9. Nancy

    1058 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) named Nancy

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

  10. Deborah

    968 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  11. Cheryl

    864 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  12. Diane

    802 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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".

  13. Elizabeth

    751 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  14. Barbara

    669 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  15. Debra

    664 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) named Debra

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

  16. Carol

    632 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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".

  17. Pamela

    628 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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).

  18. Sandra

    620 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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. Cynthia

    605 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  20. Christine

    587 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1961) named Christine

    The name Christine is of Greek origin and means "follower of Christ".

Most popular baby boy names in Massachusetts in 1961

In Massachusetts in 1961, the most popular baby boy names were John, Michael, Robert, David, and James. John was the most popular name with 3608 babies given that name, followed closely by Michael with 3299 babies. Robert, David, and James were also popular choices with 3002, 2944, and 2564 babies given those names, respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and historical figures of the time.

  1. John

    3608 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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

    3299 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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

    3002 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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

    2944 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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

    2564 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) named James

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

  6. Mark

    2036 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  7. Richard

    1898 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) named Richard

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

  8. William

    1788 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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

    1675 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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

    1570 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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

    1456 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) named Joseph

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

  12. Stephen

    1228 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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

    1115 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) named Steven

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

  14. Kevin

    1094 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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".

  15. Daniel

    1042 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) named Daniel

    The name Daniel means "God is my judge".

  16. Brian

    1005 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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. Peter

    925 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  18. Scott

    886 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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.

  19. Edward

    854 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) 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".

  20. Jeffrey

    832 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1961) named Jeffrey

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