Michigan's most popular baby names in 1961

In the year 1961, the state of Michigan saw a surge in the popularity of traditional baby names. Mary, the timeless name that has been a favorite among parents for centuries, topped the list of most popular baby girl names in the state. Following closely behind were Karen and Susan, two names that were also quite popular during that era.

For baby boys, the top three names were David, Michael, and John. These classic names have been popular for decades and continue to be favored by parents today. It's interesting to note that in 1961, parents in Michigan seemed to prefer more traditional names rather than the trendy and unique names that have become more popular in recent years.

Overall, the baby names that were popular in Michigan in 1961 reflect the values and trends of that era. While some of these names have fallen out of favor over time, many of them continue to be popular choices for parents today.

Most popular baby girl names in Michigan in 1961

In Michigan, 1961, the top 5 most popular baby girl names were Mary, Karen, Susan, Linda, and Lisa. Mary was the most popular name with 2344 babies being named Mary. Following Mary, Karen was the second most popular name with 1869 babies named Karen. Susan, Linda, and Lisa were also popular names with 1817, 1757, and 1602 babies respectively being named these names.

Mary

2344 baby girls born in Michigan (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.
Karen

1869 baby girls born in Michigan (1961) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Susan

1817 baby girls born in Michigan (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.
Linda

1757 baby girls born in Michigan (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."
Lisa

1602 baby girls born in Michigan (1961) named Lisa
The name Lisa is a short form of the name Elizabeth and means "God is my oath" or "pledged to God".
Lori
1375 baby girls born in Michigan (1961) named Lori
The name Lori is a short form of the name Lorraine or Laurence. Its origin and meaning are uncertain, but it is believed to have French or Latin roots. Some sources suggest that it may mean "crowned with laurel" or "victorious." However, the exact meaning of the name Lori remains unknown.
Julie
1295 baby girls born in Michigan (1961) named Julie
The name Julie is a French name that means "youthful" or "full of energy". It is derived from the Latin name Julia, which means "soft-haired" or "youthful".
Kimberly
1279 baby girls born in Michigan (1961) named Kimberly
The name Kimberly means "from the wood of the royal forest" or "royal fortress meadow". It is of Old English origin and was first used as a given name in the 1940s.
Patricia
1191 baby girls born in Michigan (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.
Sandra
1128 baby girls born in Michigan (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.
Nancy
1126 baby girls born in Michigan (1961) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Brenda
1079 baby girls born in Michigan (1961) named Brenda
The name Brenda is of Old Norse origin and means "sword" or "torch". It was popularized in the 20th century as a given name, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom.
Pamela
1071 baby girls born in Michigan (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).
Cheryl
1071 baby girls born in Michigan (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.
Debra
1047 baby girls born in Michigan (1961) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Barbara
1040 baby girls born in Michigan (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.
Cynthia
1016 baby girls born in Michigan (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.
Deborah
1009 baby girls born in Michigan (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.
Michelle
953 baby girls born in Michigan (1961) named Michelle
Michelle is a feminine given name of French origin. The name means "who is like God" or "gift from God." It is a variation of the name Michael, which comes from Hebrew and means "who is like God." The name Michelle has been used in English-speaking countries since the mid-20th century and has gained popularity over time.
Diane
923 baby girls born in Michigan (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".

Most popular baby boy names in Michigan in 1961

In Michigan in 1961, the most popular baby boy names were David, Michael, John, Robert, and Mark. David was the most popular name with 4213 babies given that name, followed closely by Michael with 4147 babies. John, Robert, and Mark were also popular choices for parents, with 3636, 3411, and 3293 babies given those names, respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and traditional naming trends of the time.

David

4213 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
Michael

4147 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
John

3636 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
Robert

3411 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
Mark

3293 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
James
3201 baby boys born in Michigan (1961) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Thomas
2025 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
William
2010 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
Jeffrey
1822 baby boys born in Michigan (1961) named Jeffrey
The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.
Steven
1795 baby boys born in Michigan (1961) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Richard
1772 baby boys born in Michigan (1961) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Kevin
1662 baby boys born in Michigan (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".
Timothy
1561 baby boys born in Michigan (1961) named Timothy
The name Timothy is of Greek origin and means "honoring God" or "one who honors God". It is derived from the Greek name Timotheos, which is a combination of the words "timao" meaning to honor and "theos" meaning God.
Daniel
1548 baby boys born in Michigan (1961) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
Brian
1531 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
Scott
1514 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
Paul
1323 baby boys born in Michigan (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.
Joseph
1226 baby boys born in Michigan (1961) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Kenneth
1221 baby boys born in Michigan (1961) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Charles
1078 baby boys born in Michigan (1961) 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.